5-hour roundtrip drive to Ojai was worth it. Lots of very enthusiastic knowledgeable folks. I'm very much a newbie when it comes to 4x4, so forgive me if I don't have the details y'all might want. And I'm sure I've already forgotten some stuff. In no particular order:
1. In attendance (100+?) included Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, FJ chief engineer from Japan, guy in charge of FJ accessories, 4x4 mag editors & assorted writers, Toyota cruiser head ad/mktg guy, head honchos from TLC and SOR, two o/r driving instructors, two hotties with ripped midriffs greeting folks, plenty of people to answer questions.
2. Two FJ Cruisers at Ojai (of a total of 6 in the USA). Looked very driveable & production-ready. Two days earlier, members of the media got to test-drive them. The one I sat in was a "sun fusion" (yellow/orange) 4x4 6-speed (I shifted all 6 gears) with std black wheels. The other was a "black cherry" (dark burgundy) with alloy wheels and I heard it was automatic. Autos are 5-speed.
3. Options: One guy said something about a Nav option (let's start rumors). I briefly spoke with a Toyota guy, driving instructor I think. He had a "cheat sheet" that listed available options. I asked to look at it, he said no, but overheard the Nav talk and said something about an compass/altimeter/inclinometer option.
4. Noticed lots of interest in the plastic bumpers. I'm guessing they come off easily. Look for sturdy aftermarket replacements soon. Maybe someone can chime-in who spoke with the FJ accessories guy.
5. DIY-ers are gonna love the easy above-access to high-up air & oil filters; clever "bib" makes for mess-free oil filter changes. Lots of underhood space. I'm no expert, but the exhaust headers look restrictive to me. Would the V8 fit?
6. Good food, I'm still feeling stuffed. Nice-quality goodie bag with stitched "FJ Cruiser" logo; T-shirt, cap, smaller toiletries bag, "Toyota Motorsports" magazine, and "Legend of Land Cruiser" CD.
7. No one's talking price.
8. Lots of people with cameras. Not me. Maybe someone else will post pix.