The new FJ Cruiser is based on the concept vehicle unveiled at Detroit's North American International Automobile Show in 2003. Public and media reaction to the FJ Cruiser concept was so positive that the vehicle was slated for production using most of the same design parameters as the original concept.

1973 Toyota FJ Cruiser	2003 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV Concept

The FJ provides optimized off-road capabilities, value and styling clues reminiscent of Toyota's famed FJ40 4x4 utility vehicle, sold in the U.S. from 1960 to 1983, and which during its production life served around the world as the safari and expedition vehicle of choice, remaining a desirable and collectable off-road vehicle.

As an indicator of the vehicle's unmistakable family DNA, several of the FJ Cruiser's available color choices are reminiscent of the colors found on FJ40s.

From the official press release:

Design and Styling

The FJ Cruiser was created at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California.

Design features that hint at the FJ Cruiser's heritage are its front grille, which ties its two round, five-inch headlights together in much the same way the FJ40's headlights and grille were integrated; its hood and fender contours; and a rear-mounted and exposed full-size spare tire with an off-center license-plate-mounting location. Additionally, the FJ Cruiser employs a white roof cap and wrap-around rear side windows, which were FJ40 signatures.

The FJ Cruiser uses two main doors – one per side – but unlike anything ever seen on an FJ40, it also uses two access doors that open 90 degrees in clamshell fashion for easy rear-seat ingress and egress. Additionally, a swing-up glass hatch is incorporated into the side-hinged rear door. This opens independently of the rear door and helps accommodate longer items such as lumber or surfboards while keeping the rear door closed.

Wheel arches are angular and open to provide maximum clearance for the FJ Cruiser's large 32-inch tires at full suspension deflection. The arches are edged by flexible fender flares that resist damage during vigorous off-roading – and also resist damage from the doors of the vehicles beside which the FJ Cruiser might find itself parked during urban and suburban expeditions.

Chassis and Suspension

The FJ Cruiser's tough, wide stance is based around a frame and front-and-rear suspension systems adapted from those found on the 120-Series Prado (Land Cruiser Prado in some markets). The frame is a boxed steel ladder-braced unit to which is mounted the FJ Cruiser's welded steel body. Independent front suspension, which offers 7.87 inches of wheel travel for outstanding suspension articulation, is via double wishbones, the geometry of which is adapted for superior road feel and ride comfort. Tubular shock absorbers and an anti-sway bar also are employed.

A solid rear axle using a four-link coil-spring suspension system with a lateral rod, tubular shock absorbers and an anti-sway bar is employed. This system provides 9.1 inches of wheel travel. All 4x2 FJ Cruisers come standard with a virtual automatic limited-slip differential, provided and operated by an advanced traction-control system to enhance traction of both rear wheels in slippery driving conditions.

An electronic locking rear differential with an eight-inch ring gear is available. The ring gear in the front differential of the 4x4 FJ Cruiser also measures eight inches.

The front/rear differential gear ratio is 3.727:1 (5 A/T) and 3.909:1 (6 M/T). Finally, the disc-brake system uses ventilated 12.6-inch/front and 12.3-inch/rear rotors.

Steering is provided by a variable-ratio, hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion system. Wheels are standard 17-inch steel, optional 17-inch, six-spoke aluminum. With the FJ Cruiser's standard 32-inch tires, ground clearance is a healthy 9.6 inches, 8.7 inches for 4x2. Approach and departure angles are 34 degrees/30 degrees for the 4x4 FJ Cruiser and 32/29 for the 4x2 version.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 5330 (4x2) and 5570 (4x4), and maximum towing capacity with the optional Class Four receiver hitch is 5,000 pounds.

Engine and Transmissions

The FJ Cruiser is powered by a high-compression 4.0L (242.1 c.i.) V6 engine, a 24-valve, double-overhead-cam (DOHC) unit that produces 239 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque – nearly double the numbers produced by the six-cylinder engine of the FJ40.

It is equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system; special lightweight pistons with resin-coated skirts to help reduce friction and noise; a two-stage, variable-length intake manifold, which improves mid-range to high-speed performance; newly designed 12-orifice fuel injectors; Toyota's Direct Ignition System (DIS), which eliminates the distributor and its associated wiring; and a lightweight electronic throttle. The EPA lists the FJ Cruiser's city/highway fuel-economy ratings at 18/22 mpg (4x2) and 17/21 mpg (4x4 automatic).

The FJ Cruiser's dual catalytic converters and its sophisticated fuel-delivery system help it meet the stringent LEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

A choice between an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission is available for 4x4 models of the FJ Cruiser. (The 4x2 model of the FJ Cruiser is available only with a 5-speed automatic transmission.) The automatic transmission features Artificial Intelligence (AI) Shift Control, a system that automatically varies the transmission's shifting pattern based on road conditions and the driver's intent to provide optimal up- and down-shifting. It also employs Toyota's Flex Lock-Up Control, which is added to the basic locking torque converter.

Flex Lock-Up allows the clutch in the torque converter to maintain a half-engaged position, enhancing fuel efficiency and increasing the lock-up clutch's operation range. Of this transmission's five forward gear ratios, fourth gear is direct 1:1 and fifth gear is an overdrive 0.716:1.

This transmission is shifted via a sporty console-mounted, gate-type shift lever. In addition to being displayed on the shifter gate, shifter position also is displayed in the instrument panel.

Of this transmission's six forward gear ratios, fifth gear is a direct 1:1 and sixth gear is an overdrive 0.799:1. The shift pattern is the standard three-plane double-H, with Reverse in an additional plane to the far left and up.

In standard-transmission models, it is the same full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case used in the V6-powered 4x4 4Runner. The two-speed transfer case features a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a locking feature and distributes the engine's power 40-percent/front and 60-percent/rear in most driving conditions. It changes this distribution percentage as needed, based on steering angle and wheel slippage. When locked, it distributes power, front to rear, on a 50/50 basis. The system helps make the FJ Cruiser less prone to tire slippage caused by changes in road conditions.

With automatic-transmission models, FJ Cruiser gets a part-time transfer case. When the transfer cases are in high range, their output ratio is 1:1. When shifted into low range, their gear ratio is 2.566:1. With the automatic transmission, the FJ Cruiser's crawl ratio is 33.76:1. With the manual transmission, the crawl ratio is 41.84:1, a fact that helped the FJ Cruiser traverse California's famed Rubicon Trail last September.

Interior

The FJ Cruiser's interior features a dash that is bordered by upper and lower tubular forms, which frame rectangular-shaped flat panels.

A standard full gauge package, including speedometer, tachometer, amp meter, temperature gauge and fuel gauge, uses round, black-on-white dials and gauges for enhanced visibility. Warning lights monitor other functions, and an oil- maintenance indicator notifies the driver when the FJ Cruiser's engine oil is due to be changed.

The rear seat is split 60/40, with folding (removable) bottom and back cushions that convert to a nearly flat cargo floor.

Because the FJ Cruiser is optimized for dusty, muddy driving environments, easy cleaning and maintenance are important elements of its interior.

Seating materials are not only water-repellant, but also provide excellent ventilation.

Seats are covered with a fabric backed by a special breathable resin coating to enhance the material's ability to shed liquids so that seats can easily be wiped down and cleaned.

Even the stitched seams of the seat covers are treated with sealant to prevent liquids from penetrating the seams. Also as an aid to easy cleaning, the FJ Cruiser's floor surfaces are covered with an attractive gray rubber-like material.

Safety

Dual-stage front driver and passenger advanced airbags are standard with the FJ Cruiser. Two rows of side-curtain airbags, as well as driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags, are available as options. The child-restraint system competes the passive safety equipment.

For what concerns the active safety, the FJ Cruiser is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

A number of interesting and unusual features mark the thoughtfulness with which the FJ Cruiser was conceived and designed. For example, instead of the usual pair of front windshield-wiper arms, the FJ Cruiser uses three wiper arms to provide nearly complete coverage of the vehicle's wide windshield. Diffusion-type nozzles are used in the washing assembly to provide superior washing performance. The same type of diffusion nozzle is used on the rear-window washer.

The rear cargo area is equipped with cargo-net hooks, multipurpose grocery-bag hooks and sturdy, floor-mounted cargo tie-down anchor points.

Standard Features and Options

The 2007 FJ Cruiser is available in both two- and four-wheel drive andcomes with a long list of standard features: among the most innovative, a pair of NXT SurfaceSound transducers, which convert the vehicle's ceiling into a speaker diaphragm. It marks the first time this technology has been used in a motor vehicle. The result complements the conventional speakers elsewhere in the vehicle, creating a broad, omni-directional dispersion of sound.

FJ Cruiser separate options include side and curtain airbags; 17-inch alloy wheels, rear locking differential, and running boards.

Other available accessories include auxiliary driving lights, rock rails, roof rack, brush guard, taillight guards, sport exhaust system, receiver hitch and harness, wind deflector with off-road lights, a cargo mat and all-weather or carpeted floor mats.

Color choices for the FJ Cruiser include Titanium Metallic, Black Diamond, Black Cherry, Sun Fusion and Voodoo Blue.

(Source: Toyota)