The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a medium-sized retro SUV. Introduced as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, FJ Cruiser has been approved for production after a positive consumer response and debuted at the January 2005 International Auto Show North America in final production form.
The FJ Cruiser was built by Toyota Hino Motors subsidiary in Hamura, Japan since 2006 and shares many of the structural foundations with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The FJ Cruiser entered the Japanese market on December 4, 2010, announced on November 25 that year.
On November 5, 2013, Toyota USA announced in 2014 that the Trail Teams edition model will be called "Ultimate Edition" and that the 2014 model will be the last for FJ Cruiser in that market. It continues to be made for sale in other markets such as Australia and the Middle East until export to the market is suspended in August 2016.
The "Final Edition" of the FJ Cruiser goes on sale in Japan on September 12, 2017. FJ Cruiser sales were suspended there on January 31, 2018.
Video Toyota FJ Cruiser
Design and development
By the time the original FJ40 production ended in 1984, Toyota had shifted towards increasing the size and luxury of the Land Cruiser line. The idea of ​​a new FJ with Rough FJ40 abilities came from the mid-1990s with Toyota's product planner Dave Danzer and vice president of sales and operations of Yoshi Inaba.
Danzer worked secretly with Akio Toyoda to set up a specialty store at NUMMI plant to test the new FJ40's feasibility by combining Tacoma fundamentals with Toyota Bandeirantes body, FJ40-based vehicle still in production in Brazil (as a diesel model) only) at that time. Toyoda returned to Japan to join the board of directors providing high-level support for the project. Toyota's main design studio, Calty, was then brought in to provide a fresh interpretation of the FJ40.
Calty hired Chrysler veteran automotive designer Bill Chergosky to lead the development of an internally known offroad vehicle as the Rugged Youth Utility (RYU) aimed at attracting young male buyers, the Toyota segment feels they are losing touch with in time. Many took on the RYU concept created including the 2001 Sports Rugged Sport concept before the retro style design created by 24-year-old designer Jin Won Kim was chosen as the ultimate exterior concept, with Chergosky designing the interior.
The FJ Cruiser concept debuted at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show at Voodoo Blue, which will be a distinctive color for FJ Cruiser production. The bold style is a direct hit with the automotive press and the general public despite competing with more exotic concepts like Cadillac Sixteen and Dodge Tomahawk. By evoking the iconic FJ40 design features, the FJ Cruiser is seen as a new halo car for Toyota, a retro-styled Mustang in 2005 for Ford.
In the summer of 2004, Toyota embarked on an extensive off-road evaluation of the FJ platform by moving the development mule on many of North America's most difficult paths, including Moab, Utah, the Angeles National Forest, the Mojave Desert and the Rubicon Trail. Although each one-ass costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, the development team is determined to drive the prototype's capabilities in order to deliver reliable offroad performance in the production model. Changes to the A-TRAC traction control system and suspension tuning come as a direct result of prototype testing.
The outside of the FJ concept remains largely unchanged when the final production model made its debut at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. However, chief production engineer Akio Nishimura should significantly change the facilities offered in the Chergosky interior concept to keep the FJ Cruiser's production price reasonable. Unique interior touches such as gear shifter are duplicated as a shovel handle, removable interior light that doubles as a flashlight, and flat front seats are removed, although some concept items remain as factory options.
Exterior
The FJ Cruiser has a short wheelbase, a sturdy frame, and a grille-headlight setting like the original FJ40. Other design declaration cues include an almost vertical windshield with three windshield wipers for maximum surface area coverage. The FJ Cruiser also features the name "Toyota" spelled out across the grille instead of the company's symbol that has been in use since 1990, another reference for the FJ40 and other older Toyota trucks. FJ body has a rear opening access door that gives a unique look on the SUV. High-strength steel specifically used to provide side impact protection vehicles without the need for door pillars.
Interior
The inside of the FJ features many design elements that focus on improving off-road practicality. All interior surfaces are covered with a washable rubber material to assist in quick cleaning after heavy outdoor use. The FJ also incorporates great controls to help the driver with gloved hands. The three-gauge group (with compass, temperature, and inclinometer) as well as a 110-volt rear outlet carried from the FJ Cruiser concept vehicle as an option in the final production model.
Maps Toyota FJ Cruiser
Specifications
With a length of 183.9 inches (4.67 m), the FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV offered by Toyota in North America, connecting between the smaller RAV4 and the larger Highlander. Toyota sources many components from other vehicles to produce the FJ including the joint and transmission engines found in Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner as well as the suspension components used in Prado, Hilux, Tacoma, and 4Runner.
The 4x4 FJ Cruiser has 9.6 inches (24 cm) of ground clearance, a 34-degree approach and 30 degree departure angle, and a break angle of 27.4 degrees, with 8 inches (20 cm) from the front and 9 inches (23 cm ) travel the rear suspension. The FJ is also designed to wade up to 27.5 inches (70 cm) of water and has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) for 4x4 and 4x2 variants. On the road, the FJ accelerates to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 7.8 seconds and has 0.69 G of lateral grip tested with Bridgestone Dueler stock tires.
Chassis
Structurally, the FJ Cruiser incorporates a similar body on frame truck design but is not identical to the Prado platform. The FJ Cruiser uses the front suspension and suspension bar stabilizer at the top, double wishbone, and 4-link rear suspension with lateral rods with coil springs and stabilizer bars. The 120-series Land Cruiser Prado, Tacoma, 4Runner, and Hilux share the same suspension parts with the FJ Cruiser. The FJ Cruiser uses four-piston front-powered four-piston front and rear disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake power distribution (EBD), brake support (BA) and also equipped with vehicle stability control. (VSC) and a special traction control system known as "A-TRAC". The A-TRAC system applies the braking to control the gear-losing wheel, mimicking the performance of the differential lock without "binding" which can make steering difficult in a normal differential lock setting.
Toyota made revisions to the inside of the inside of the engine due to some bulging and cracking problems in 2007 and some early models in 2008. The protrusions and cracks in the inner fenders are linked to Toyota design defects through specific vehicle identification numbers. Toyota overcame the problem and changed the design.
Powertrain
The FJ Cruiser uses a 4.0-liter 1GR-FE DOHC V6. For 2007 to 2009 models, the engine comes with a single variable valve timing (VVT-i) that produces 239 hp (178 kW) at 5200 rpm, and 278 lb? Ft (377Ã, N? M) torque at 3,700 rpm on octane fuel 91. For the 2010 model year, the FJ Cruiser engine acquires Dual VVT-i technology that adjusts the time on intakes and exhaust camshafts that generate 259 hp (193 kW) at 5600 rpm and 270 lb ft (370 N) at 91 octane, in addition to a slight increase in fuel economy in octane fuel 91. For the 2011 model year, these numbers rose to 260 hp (194 kW) at 5600 rpm and 271 lb? Ft (367 Ã, N? M). Engine in 2011 and beyond to meet the stringent LEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions certification Both versions of the 1GR-FE engine run normally on 87 octane fuel even though they produce less power so that Toyota recommends premium fuel for demanding situations such as crane , off-road, and driving at high altitude.
Four-wheel drive model equipped with manual transmission RA61F has a full-time 4WD system; this uses a differential TORSEN center, with locking features and 40:60 power engine distribute under most driving conditions. The TORSEN unit varies the required power distribution, based on the steering angle and the skid wheel. In the "key" position, the differential switches to the 50:50 power distribution.
The rear-wheel drive model is only available with automatic transmissions, and becomes standard with limited rear-slip differential.
- A750E five-speed automatic transmission on the rear-wheel drive model
- A750F five-speed automatic transmission with VF2A transfers on the 4x4 part-time model
- Six-speed RA61F manual transmission with VF4B transfer on full-time 4x4 model
Security
Airbag side curtains for both row and optional side torso airbags in the 2007 model became standard on the 2008 model. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the FJ Cruiser as the Highest Safety Guard. The FJ Cruiser received an overall "good" rating on both front and side impact tests and also received a "good" rating in all 14 categories measured.
- 2 power-to-weight ratio: 3.47
Market
FJ cruisers are mainly developed for the North American market but have been sold in small quantities globally since launch. On November 25, 2010, Toyota announced sales would begin with a right-hand drive for the Japanese market. Sales began on December 4th, replacing Hilux Surf who went out and sold with Land Cruiser. The right-hand drive model made in Japan has a different rear bumper for North American models with the number plate on the bumper and not under the rear door handle. Additionally, the right-hand drive version has a side indicator marker located in the fender panel, rather than located in the side mirrors used for the production of the FJ Cruiser left drive. Sales of right-hand drive models started in Australia and New Zealand in 2011 are available only in four wheel drive.
Variant
TRD Special Edition
For North America, in 2007 Toyota Racing Development (TRD) produced 3,200 units as limited production TRD Special Edition FJ Cruisers. The model was released with a body painted with a black diamond pearl color, and with a black roof suitable for breaking away from standard, white-roofed. Special edition models include TRD Cat-back exhaust systems, TRD Bilstein offroad tuned shocks, rock rails, 26-inch alloy-metal gray alloy wheels finished with BFGoodrich All-terrain tires, and TRD badges. The TRD Special Edition also includes mechanical changes to synchronize locking differentials with active traction control (resulting in rear differentials no longer overwriting active traction). Initial production of 2006 FJ Cruisers had problems causing rear differentials to override active traction control, except in the Special Edition of TRD. However, in November 2006, Toyota has changed its production to combine differential lock synchronization with active traction control on all FJ Cruisers.
In 2009, after Toyota released the FJ Cruiser Special Edition Footprint Team for 2008 production year, Toyota created the TRD package. This package is available on FJ Cruisers with an ice-blue monotone exterior color scheme, similar to the Special Edition of the Trail Team 2008, except without the addition of dark trim pieces. Although this package is known as a "TRD package", this package does not include the same features or many features like the TRD Special Edition. Some features with this package are TRD wheels with silver finishing with BFGoodrich All-terrain tires, and TRD logo and graphics on the outside. Also, the TRD package is only offered on twin-wheeled units for 2008 and 2009 models. Since 2011, Toyota offers TRD packages on the FJ Cruiser white ice ship but opens the availability of packages for two and four wheel drive models. In 2009, 2,400 units were produced with the TRD package.
Team Trail Special Edition
Starting with the 2008 model year, Toyota produces 3,200 specially-designed FJ Cruiser units designated as Trail Teams Special Edition , featuring many of the same TRD options included in the TRD Special Edition , including the same 16-inch alloy wheels (but in black as opposed to a gray metal-gun solution of the TRD model ). The Trail Teams Special Edition is also equipped with All-Terrain BFGoodrich tires, as well as TRD/Trail Bilstein teams, and other similar options found on the TRD model. The number of Trail Teams Special Edition FJ Cruiser produced per year is as follows: 3,200 units for 2008 (as stated above); 1,500 for 2010; 2,500 in 2011; 2,500 in 2012; 2,500 in 2013; and 2,500 in 2014. There is no model Trace Team produced in 2009. However, Toyota released the TRD Package for the model year and it was used on the FJ of the White Ice Mountain same. Cruise ships used for 2008 Special Edition Team Tracks, (for more information, see the TRD Special Edition section.)
Over the years, minor changes have been made on FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition, such as converting TRD wheels into TRD wheel beadlock styles in the coming years, and the availability of Toyota's CRAWL control features as part of the Team package Traces (2013 and 2014 automatic transmissions only). The previous CRAWL controls have been used on other 4-wheel drive vehicles from Toyota and Lexus to improve off-road capability. Each year, Special Edition Team Teams are painted in a different color and are the only FJ variant (other than the TRD Special Edition unit) offered in the monotonic color scheme, not from the FJ Traditional two-tone cruiser with a standard white-painted roof (excluding standard FJ Cruisers production with "Iceberg White" body). The Viper Trail Team is also the only FJ model that features blackened body parts from the factory including mirrors, doorknobs, bumper covers, etc. Special design details are also brought into the interior such as color cloth inserts suitable on seats for certain years and special badges Team Trail .
2014 Ultimate Edition Team Trace
Toyota announced that the 2014 model will be the final production year of the FJ Cruiser for the US Market, therefore to add uniqueness to the final version of the Special Edition of the Trail Team, Toyota sets the final version to be The Ultimate Edition Team featuring some special enhancements. The 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition FJ Cruiser is present in the Heritage Blue paint scheme (resembling the original Land Cruiser FJ40 paint paint), and for the first time comes with a white grille bezel that again honors the iconic Land Cruiser FJ40. Trim remaining vehicles remain black, similar to previous versions of Trail Teams Special Edition. While all FJ Cruisers Trail teams feature TRD/Trail inspired teams - Air suspension designed by Bilstein, Ultimate Edition has a new rear suspension rear suspension. The suspension also increases the vehicle slightly higher than the stock to achieve a balanced position. The Ultimate Edition is also fitted with a 1/4 inch TRD aluminum skid plate, designed to help with the approach angle for the front of the vehicle and provide better off-road protection. Significantly different interior differences for 2014 Team Ultimate Edition Path include; interior panel inserts are black rather than colors matched to the vehicle's exterior color, silver-colored radio bezel, and a special "Ultimate Edition" dashboard plaque affixed to the dashboard on the passenger side showing a special edition of only "One 2500." In addition, colored to match the interior silver/black Ultimate Edition, rather than the exterior colors as in previous years.
The Special Edition Team Edition Color scheme that has been released each year is as follows: ARB Edition FJ Crawler
The FJ Crawler was first offered in 2007 (for 2008 models) and is a collaboration between Dealer Services International (DSI), which is known for building high quality special packages for new vehicle dealerships and ARBs, which has a long history of building a formidable off-road product. To participate in a new Toyota vehicle dealer, the FJ Crawler can be specially ordered for customers looking for a more rugged and off-road vehicle ready than the standard option Off-Road Package Factory will deliver. The FJ Crawler package includes the ARB Front Bull Bar Bumper, 3-inch Old Man Emu suspension lift to support additional ARB bumper weight and to allow 17 inch Pro Comp wheels with either 33 or 35 inch off-road Tires. FJ Crawler can be customized in many ways with many optional accessories to achieve customer satisfaction. For example, FJ Crawler can be ordered in any factory color for the current model year. Customers can choose from 3 different wheel options, 3 different tire options, and can even choose the exact springs and shocks used in the Old Man Emu suspension to achieve the desired driving/performance quality. There is also the option to add accessories such as Winch Warn, IFP drive lights that will be attached to ARB bumpers, fog light kits for ARB bumpers, and ARB roof racks for storing equipment and other items. Other options include a cat's rear disposal system, high flow intake, as well as side steps. Also, due to differences in the size of the aftermarket tires, a speedometer calibration is provided to ensure correct vehicle speed and mileage are recorded.
Small changes have been made over the years to the FJ Crawler option but in recent years DSI offers new products for FJ Crawler as well as their own Performance Packages including Pro Comp 5 lift kits, 35-inch Complementary Pro Comp tires, LRG or Pro Comp wheels, genuine Smittybilt parts, and other special accessories all selected by buyers or dealers who order vehicles.
FJ-S Cruiser concept
The FJ-S Cruiser Concept, debuting at the SEMA Auto Show 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, is the creation of Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in an effort to create a new style of FJ Cruiser that from its looks, remains quite similar, but designed to be more off-road ready than its standard FJ Cruiser counterparts. The concept of the FJ-S Cruiser actually incorporates the suspension components of the Tacoma Steel Series and has an enhanced chassis and body structure with the addition of an "outer frame" under the body to increase its off-road strength. According to Toyota, the extra rigidity and strength provided by the exoskeleton creates a platform more suited to the modification of suspension and enhanced wheel enhancements, which include the 60-mm Bilstein racing bend ahead and 50-mm Bilstein racing bolt with a remote reservoir at the rear. which produces about 1.3 "increase in stocks Also, the FJ-S has all the new 17-inch TRD wheels in Midnight Black finish alongside the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tire.RTD also added their new supercharger with the Twin Vortex System and large air-to-air intercooler , which carries engine output of up to 345 horsepower and 345 lb/ft of torque, a 30% and a 25% improvement over standard FJ Cruiser models.The outer part of the FJ-S Cruiser Concept receives other changes/enhancements including the front nudge bar and rock rail that is used on other FJ Cruiser variants.The colors Toyota selected for this model are Quicksand colors, but unlike other FJ variants, they retain a white roof as opposed to a monochromatic color scheme.FJ-S interior started debuted with a new two-tone leather seat with the FJ-S logo on the backrest along with a special mat.
Not much information was released as far as chassis changes and body structure went, and Toyota has not announced what they will do with the FJ-S Cruiser Concept in the future. So whether or not it goes into production in the later years or if it remains an uncertain concept car. However, a new release from Toyota indicates that TRD Bilstein shocks with a remote reservoir and a combination of TRD-tuned spring front suspension debuting at the FJ-S Cruiser Concept are the same that they use in the Trail Team Ultimate Edition FJ Cruiser for 2014. Toyota also installed the same new Black Midnight rims used on the FJ-S on the new TRD Pro Series 4Runner.
Reception
FJ started well with criticism and praise from the automotive press. Critics appreciate Toyota's drive to bring stylish and aggressive vehicles to market as the company focuses on a more conservative design. FJ is universally praised for its off-road performance with many reviewers also appreciating the manners, functional interiors, and styles that pay homage to the original FJ40. The off-road community is widely embraced in addition to other new off-road Toyota vehicles and many different groups and forums were created specifically with the FJ Cruiser at their center.
Some reviewers took issue with the amount of body roll and low lateral grip performance despite noting the suspension was designed to be soft with a long journey for off-road use.
The FJ Cruiser was also criticized for its style of creating large spots, smaller than average cargo capacity, and the narrow, hard-to-access back seat. Toyota is trying to fix the blind spot problem by offering a back-up camera that starts with the 2009 model and changes the front seat hinge mechanism that allows passengers more easily in and out of the back starting with the 2011 model.
Sales
The FJ Cruiser's sales were strong in the early years of initial excitement over the unique retro style and performance offered by FJ. But sales picked up sharply from a high of 56,225 units sold in North America in 2006 to less than 12,000 units in 2009 in part from increased competition in mid-size SUV segments and poor fuel economy amid rising gasoline prices and environmental concerns. Toyota hopes to rectify this concern with an updated engine that is optimized to run on unleaded gasoline rather than premium with a slight boost in fuel economy for the 2010 model year.
References
External links
- Toyota FJ Cruiser global site
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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