Toyota FJ Cruiser News

Watch nearly 350 FJ Cruisers tackle the mountains of Colorado at FJ Summit 2014.

The Icon factory in a Los Angeles suburb is a ute wonderland. This is the place that some of the world's most beautiful and expensive utes are handmade.Icon is the brainchild of Jonathan Ward, a man who loves cars as well as industrial design, and it recreates all kinds of fantastic machines. The company does everything from new-age Ford Broncos to Derelicts -- classic cars fitted out with new chassis' and engines -- but it is Ward's version of the Toyota FJ40 and particularly the ute that has put the company on the map.The new-age FJ is not cheap and prices range from about $160,000 to $230,000 in our money. Before you choke on your grits, it should be explained the Icon FJs are not simply restored vehicles or even new versions of the old cars. They are instead totally new vehicles with unique bodies, suspension, and axles and are fitted with premium elements such as turned aluminium dials. They are also powered by Corvette V8s.We dropped by Icon's plant during a recent trip to Los Angeles to check out the FJ40 and see how it is made. There are some wonderful things being created at Icon, including a new-age Willys Jeep, an electric bicycle and even a Land Rover Defender that was being stripped and rebuilt with new components.One of the most beautiful objects in the factory is the FJ40, particularly the ute version. Ward explains that he didn't want to use steel because of potential rust, so Icon uses aluminium bodies produced by a Canadian company that also builds boats for the US military.Instead of being painted normally, Icon uses a powdercoat, a process normally used for smaller items such as bicycles. This is more durable and Ward says you have to try very hard to scratch the surface. The ute version of the FJ sits on the long wheelbase chassis and has a 1.7m long cargo bed.Readers interested in the Icon FJ might be pleased to hear they can be made in right-hand drive. Ward says none have been shipped to Australia yet but he is working with an Australian company to allow interested customers to bring them in and have them registered. 

Toyota is recalling about 310,000 of its FJ Cruiser SUVs from the 2007 through 2013 model years because of a problem involving seat belt retractors. The recall could affect close to 5300 Toyota FJ Cruisers sold in Australia since it launched here in 2011.Toyota's US website says the seat belts for the driver and front passenger are mounted on the rear doors of the FJ Cruiser. Because of the insufficient strength of the rear door panel, cracks could develop over “an extended period of time,” especially if the rear doors are “repeatedly and forcefully” closed.In the event that cracks appear around the FJ Cruiser's lower seat belt retractor anchor, the retractor could loosen and detach. Toyota said it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries due to the problem.Owners will be notified by mail “soon” and instructed to bring their vehicles to Toyota dealers for a free repair.In the meantime, owners can find more information online at www.toyota.com/recall.www.thecarconnection.com 

Critics of Toyota's retro-styled, petrol-only offroader, the FJ Cruiser, may be partially mollified with an update model boasting a bigger fuel tank.Aimed largely at the US and Middle East markets, the Prado-based FJ Cruiser is made only with a petrol engine. Despite pressure from markets including Australia and the UK, Toyota has no plans to option the wagon with a diesel engine.But it has added a fuel tank. Now, with two tanks totalling 159 litres, Toyota Australia claims the FJ Cruiser is good for a 1700km range on the highway.“As a result, the theoretical driving range increases to 1060km in the city and more than 1700km on the highway,” Toyota says in a statement.“The combined-cycle fuel economy of 11.4 litres per 100km delivers a notional range of almost 1400km.”The new tank kicks the price up $1500 to $47,990 plus a further $475 for metallic paint. The FJ Cruiser, Toyota's fifth SUV and the most recent addition to the Land Cruiser range, is part of the company's capped-price servicing program and costs $210 for each six-monthly service for the first three years.Based on the Prado and using some parts from the current and previous models, the FJ has a 200kW/380Nm 4-litre V6 petrol engine and a five-speed automatic transmission with a part-time, two-speed transfer case.It is regarded as more nimble in the bush compared with the Prado because of its better approach and departure angles. To maximise its offroad ability, it is standard with switchable Active Traction Control including a “crawl” function that acts like a low-speed cruise control.

We’ve asked some dealers which are the best deals they have going – and why. It may be an extra equipment pack, it may be a great price, or it may be a fantastic finance deal. See the latest dealsTim Kennett at Belcar says their best deal is a Mercedes-Benz CLA 200. “Priced from $49,900 this highly sought-after immaculate update model has it all. Seat memory, sunroof, multi-spoke alloy wheels and suave black leather interior just to name a few features.” See the latest dealsChris Myers of Chris Myers Car Sales in Magill says his best deal is a Mazda 6 diesel wagon priced from $41,650. See the latest dealsScott Parker of Jim Best Ford in Clare says his best deal is a Ford Ranger XLT dual cab turbodiesel for $60,244. “This Ranger has had one owner, low kilometers and is immaculate,” he says. See the latest dealsSteve Vo at Peter Warren Toyota in Liverpool says the best deal he has this week is a Toyota Landcruiser GXL Turbo Diesel Auto for $83,990 driveaway. “Average wait time is 3-4 months to build, RRP is $94,414. Unbelievable clearance with drive away no more to pay price,” Steve says.See the latest dealsMark Courtney at Macarthur Kia in Narellan says the best deal he has this week is a Kia Rio S priced from only $15,290. “Featured packed, funky and cool, this the Reborn Kia Rio. This stylish little package has all the goods without breaking the bank,” Mark says.  See the latest dealsJon Clark-Monks for The Highway Autogroup has a wonderful Mercedes B180 CDI in Blue with full black leather interior. See the latest dealsStewart Rhodes of John Hughes Prestige in Victoria Park says the best deal he has right now is a Volkswagen Touareg priced from $62,990. See the latest dealsPeter Castieau of Warehouse Autos in Balcatta says his best deal is a Toyota FJ Cruiser for $52,476.85 drive away. “Impossible to find this good at this price. Travel around Australia tomorrow,“ he says.  

The long awaited FJ Cruiser - an expected sub $50,000 addition to Toyota's range - this weekend went through its paces in the hands of rally champion Neal Bates at the Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia's impressive Willowglen facility north of Canberra. The only FJ Cruiser in the country was shown no mercy - from water crossings to gnarly downhills, narrow hillside goat trails to rocky ascents - and proved it is likely to be more competent in the dirt than owners expect. "It's very capable - more so in most cases than the Prado," says Bates as he plunges the blue FJ Cruiser into the water.  "That's because of the very short front and rear overhangs - you can get it into places the Prado may not be able to. "The only thing it doesn't have is the Prado's downhill assist and a front diff lock. Many 4WD enthusiasts probably don't need downhill assist anyway." The FJ Cruiser is based on the Prado chassis and drivetrain and comes into Australia in March with pricing expected in the $45,000-$50,000 bracket.  Only one model will be offered - a 4-litre petrol V6 with five-speed automatic. Toyota Australia's product manager Greg Gardner says the Japanese-built SUV is aimed primarily at the US market.  "Japan and the US aren't markets for diesel, so only the petrol i available," he says. The FJ Cruiser carries over a low-range gearbox with manual engagement.  The cabin seats four adults with the rear two accessing the cabin by small rear-hinged doors, similar to the Mazda RX-8. Though the doors are small, access is good because there is no B-pillar to impede access and entry. The roofline looks low but headroom is sufficient thanks to low seat mounts. Because of its shorter length compared with Prado, boot space is less cavernous and is helped by the spare tyre mount on the rear swing-out door. Dash design is a clash of military and funky, with bold switchgear, alloy-look panels interrupted by flat surfaces that match the body colour, and highlights such as the knurled gearshift knob. Toyota Australia executive director Dave Buttner is aiming at 80 sales a month - "We'd be happy with that" - and doesn't see any cannibalisation of Prado sales. He sees the FJ Cruiser competing with the more trendy end of the 4WD-capable SUV sector, up against the Jeep Wrangler and perhaps Land Rover Defender 90. "We see it as a niche vehicle - much like Rukus - and aimed at the younger buyer," he says.  "It's not a volume seller but it certainly adds some excitement to our showrooms."

The mainstream Camry is set for a complete re-make, the baby Yaris will be renewed and the funky FJ Cruiser will add some Gen-Y impact to local showrooms.But there is much more in 2011 - including the preview of the production version of the make-or-break FT-86 sports car - from Toyota.Among the likely previews are a set of Prius hybrid spin-offs led by a people mover and a coupe - and perhaps including a pickup - and a late-year showing of the next Corolla, most likely at the Tokyo Motor Show."Toyota policy is we don't comment on any potential future product," says Mike Breen of Toyota Australia. "We have three major launches next year."He stonewalls on anything beyond the big three, even though leaked plans from the USA highlight the amount of new product coming from the world's biggest carmaker.The RAV4 is set for a remake in 2012 following a preview in '11, probably with some sort of hybrid drive system, while the Kluger could also get a facelift later next year."The years following 2011 will see us start to introduce new models. it's not going to all come at once, it will happen over a couple of years in a gradual process," says Breen."The only model we can talk about is FJ Cruiser, which will be launched in March next year, that's already on the record."The update on the Yaris will bring a six-speed automatic gearbox and probably a 1.5-litre starter engine, with a hybrid model also on the cards.The Camry will be completely new and much bolder than the current car and will continue to be build at Altona in Melbourne, with a hybrid model.The other crucial model is the next Corolla, set for a preview late in 2011 and sales in 2012. Toyota extended the life of the current model so the next change is likely to be a big one.

Anyone who remembers the 1970s – and even those who don’t – will be overjoyed to see the ultimately rugged and retro-styled FJ Cruiser 4WD on the Toyota stand at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The youth market-oriented modern-day FJ will be in showrooms early next year – built upon the well-sorted Prado platform, and available in a range of in-your-face colours (as well as some conservative ones).  The FJ Cruiser is sure to add some off-road excitement to the brand that’s renowned for its 4WD vehicles’ dominance of the Australian regional market. Common to the Prado and FJ will be the independent front suspension and live rear axle setup – but the bodywork is entirely bespoke.   It’s designed to inspire fond memories of the venerable FJ40 LandCruisers of four decades ago, which were so instrumental in getting up and running one of Australia’s greatest engineering achievements – the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Cue the huge ‘TOYOTA’ badge dead-centre in the grille (a unique offering in the Toyota lineup – every other product features the curvy Toyota emblem in place of the letters), plus round headlamps and outboard orange indicators. A white roof is also standard. Also harking back to the FJ that first saw duty in the 1960s is the vehicle’s overall boxy shape, the near vertical windscreen with three wipers and wraparound rear glass. There are some features that aren’t retro: rear ‘suicide doors’ that allow easy access to the rear seat area, and a swing-up hinged rear window – great for that trip to Bunnings to buy oversize materials. There’s even special water-repellent fabric on the seats. Engine details for Australia weren’t known at the time of writing, but the smart money is tipping the same 4.0-litre 178kW 1GR-FE engine that powers the FJ in the USA (as well as the Prado Down Under) – and a diesel might be a distinct possibility, too, given the Prado-based underpinnings. Great news for Australia if diesel is on the menu. Part-time or full-time four-wheel drive? We don’t know that yet – maybe both will be on offer – but componentry to support either driveline is available in the Toyota parts inventory.  What we do know is that Toyota is committed to delivering “a powerful engine, dual-range 4WD, excellent ground clearance, and ample suspension articulation” that will “deliver the off-road prowess implied by its ‘Cruiser’ badge”. The vehicle is currently on sale in left-hand-drive markets like the USA, where you’re just as likely to see one on LA’s Sunset Boulevarde or Rodeo Drive … or tackling a rugged pass through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The new FJ is the kind of 4WD that could easily put the market’s other retro-styled players – Jeep’s Wrangler and Land Rover’s Defender – under considerable pressure. Expect a price tag in the $40,000 ballpark.

On sale in March the 4.0 V6 bush basher is the polar opposite of the eco friendly hybrids that are on the periphery of Toyota's near football-field long stand.Market leader for the 66th consecutive month, Toyota doesn't have to try terribly hard, but nevertheless announced price reductions for its leading lines.Toyota senior director sales David Buttner says the Corolla now had seven airbags to match Volkswagen's class-leading Golf and extra value to the tune of $2400 for no price increase.He said Yaris pricing was coming down to the same level as 2005 and the HiLux's tag to 2007 levels. The top selling utility vehicle gets safety kit including stability control.Those longing for a re-run of fun to drive Toyota's will have to content themselves with driving the FT-86G on the new Gran Turismo 5 which runs a facsimile of the legendary Nurburgring.

An update of the Toyota FJ Cruiser in the US delayed the offroader’s launch here until 2011, but there’ll be a chance to see it earlier at the Australian International Motor Show.The one on Toyota’s stand at the October show in Sydney will be a pre-production version, and will show the changes on the way – which are primarily a facelift for the cabin.The exterior is expected to stay pretty much as-is, with a short wheelbase and retro styling to the face intended to echo design cues from the FJ40 LandCruiser of 50 years ago.But while the new FJ still has ‘Cruiser’ as part of its name, it’s not intended as a serious paddock basher but as a lure to the fashion-fickle Gen-Y market. It’s intended to lend a hand to the recently-launched Rukus, which arrived with the youth market as its main target. And it shares the same boxy stance and retro hints such as the upright windscreen, triple wipers and white roof.However the FJ Cruiser is based on the previous-generation Prado – making it already mechanical step behind the current Prado that arrived here last year. Local sales are expected to kick-off late in the first quarter of 2011.The Australian International Motor Show will be held in Sydney from October 15.