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.
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?
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.
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?
they had the video (or portions of it, anybody who was there know?) playing at SEMA. you can find pics on the autospies site. supposidly it will be released on the website sometime, but who knows when that will be. If we are lucky maybe they will make it a DVD and send one to everyone on the FJ Cruiser mailing list.
I emailed Toyota asking what the gear ratios on the 6-speed would be and if they are planning on uploading the FJ's rubicon video.
The reply I got stated: "Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We appreciate your interest in the FJ Cruiser.
We apologize; we have not yet announced gear ratios, and do not have a means by which to forward the video.
Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #200511140393. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Bill Burke is an editor here at 4WD Toyota Owner. Look for coverage of the FJ Cruiser on the Con in our next issue (Jan/Feb)--actually, it's in our current issue, too.
We'll be driving the FJ three times in the next three weeks. Should be awesome--the truck is great off-road. Not that I wouldn't mind a special version with a solid axle!
What are the odds we will be getting monthly issues pretty soon? Ive already read both my issues several times cover to cover and this waiting two months stuff has got to go!
Seriously, i love the rag, good to see nothing but toyotas finally.
A solid axle swap would make a great project for you magazine that would get some attention. You don't see a lot of rags doing extensive fabricating on brand new vehicles.
A solid axle swap would make a great project for you magazine that would get some attention. You don't see a lot of rags doing extensive fabricating on brand new vehicles.
Bill Burke is an editor here at 4WD Toyota Owner. Look for coverage of the FJ Cruiser on the Con in our next issue (Jan/Feb)--actually, it's in our current issue, too.
We'll be driving the FJ three times in the next three weeks. Should be awesome--the truck is great off-road. Not that I wouldn't mind a special version with a solid axle!
Topless4Runner, we will be going to monthly asap---it's our #1 question! As for a real timetable, I just can't be certain yet. Too many variables, but it IS a major priority! And thanks for the support at Planetkaizen btw. We never said we were the ONLY all Toyota mag, but we are definitely the only all Yota mag on news stands and in stores (in the US).
LRinDallas,
Legroom is quite good up front. In back, of course, those with giraffe legs will be a little squeezed, but overall I'd call it very well laid out ergonomically.
We will have outstanding FJ Cruiser coverage in the next issue of 4WD Toyota Owner (the Jan/Feb issue). Cheers!
Was the Rubicon trip completed with an automatic or manual version? What can you cay about the transmission's function?
Also, has Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser to be towed? (manual? / automatic?)
Thanks, HunkerDown (new member today!)
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