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Toyota plans to add yet another SUV to its lineup with the FJ Cruiser, which launches in early 2006 as a 2007MY vehicle. The FJ Cruiser introduced in Chicago is a development of a 2003 NAIAS concept bearing the same name. In fact, differences between the concept and production model are minimal. The FJ Cruiser unveiled at the 2005 Chicago auto show was a prototype of the production exterior; the interior has not yet been shown. The new Toyota will be an entry-level unit with pricing promised to stay within the realm of affordability for the younger buyers it is aimed at. It offers a much more rugged, outgoing, and aggressive personality than the RAV4, or any other Toyota SUV.
The FJ Cruiser takes styling cues from the FJ 40, otherwise known as the first Toyota Land Cruiser, but puts them into a completely modern package. Among the FJ 40 cues are the upright windshield, wraparound rear windows, and white cap. The five-passenger, stwo-door FJ is aimed at young male buyers with athletic, adventurous lifestyles, and includes rear access doors. Along with the rugged look exterior and on- and off-road capability, its pricing is promised to be aggressive and affordable. Toyota’s initial sales target is 40,000 units annually, though the company expects they could sell more.
The 2003 FJ Cruiser concept got show-car power from a 250HP 3.4L V6 massaged by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and rode on twenty-inch wheels, but the production car will offer Toyota’s 245HP 4.0L V6. The V6 will get a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. An automatic limited-slip differential will be standard with the 4×2 models, and a fully locking differential will be optional. The FJ will launch with standard vehicle stability control, traction control, and ABS. For a platform, Toyota has looked to its successful 4Runner, though the FJ Cruiser is nearly eleven inches shorter in overall length.
When the FJ Cruiser reaches showrooms in early 2006 as a 2007 model-year vehicle, standard convenience features are planned to include CD player with MP3 capability, air conditioning, and tilt steering wheel. The fairly long options will include items like seventeen-inch alloy wheels, running boards, rear sonar backup assist, front-seat-mounted side airbags as well as side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, rear-parking assist, an upgraded stereo system, and interior accents in the exterior color.