FJ Cruiser on the Rubicon Trail - Its Official!

[ekool]

Well, there was some speculation as to wether the photos of the FJ Cruiser taking on the Rubicon Trail were merely publicity photos or perhaps even photoshopped (Please read This Thread for reference). However, this document from Toyota contains quotes from Bill Burke @ 4-Wheeling America:

18 miles. 3 days. 1 goal. Conquering the Rubicon Trail.

Knowing what I know about Toyota's integrity for building durable and trailworthy off-road vehicles, I was still a bit skeptical taking a new, unproven and bone stock vehicle over one of America's toughest 4WD routes. I was sure the new FJ would perform well, I just wasn't sure it would be able to take the "lumps" that the Rubicon would deliver! I was worried we'd be stranded with lots of field repair and recovery to get us off the trail. However, in the end my fears proved unjustified, as the FJ performed well beyond my expectations! We stacked a few rocks along the way, strapped a couple of times and used the high-lift jack once or twice, but the FJ literally walked through the Rubicon. The rear locker in combination with the traction control and real transfer case made the FJ easier to drive, and more capable when it came to overcoming tough rocks, climbs and muddy sections with ease.

The new FJ has all the attributes and heritage of the proven Land Cruiser line -- strong skid plate protection; strong, flexible and supporting suspension; and a reliable and efficient engine and drivetrain. Attention to the details of the approach, departure, and break-over angles follow the tradition of the FJ-40 line.

I would own one of these rigs!

Regards,

Bill Burke, 4-Wheeling America LLC

scans of the document are attached, click images for full size goodness.

[Mace]

LOL

If you want a good article on the Fj cruiser on the con I suggest you Join the TLCA. The president of the TLCA was on that trip

[Percy]

What's TLCA?

[dmoore]

If production model FJ's aren't being made until January, how can the lucky test drivers know for certain that what they were driving on the trail will match the street models?

[ekool]

I guess at that point you just have to take Toyotas word for it.

[Percy]

The only thing Toyota has left to decide on the FJ is what the texture of the interior plastic panels is going to be. The FJ they took on Rubicon is the same stocker that we will be able to buy, it will just be more finished on the inside.

[Matador98]

Percy previously said:

What's TLCA?

Toyota Land Cruiser Association

www.tlca.org

They put out a magazine every two months, Toyota Trails. I believe this trip will be exclusively in that magazine.

[Percy]

Looked like a cool site and the story and pictures were good but when it said to go to the ecommerce site and click membership the link took me to a warning that that part of the site is not up and running just yet - summer 2005 - so, how does one who does not own a cruiser yet become a member?

[Topless4runner]

The name is a hold over from the days when Land Cruisers were the only 4x4 toyota on the road, membership is open to any toyota 4x4 owner.

[12get12]

It would be awesome if there's video captures of the FJ Cruisers' Rubicon Trek.