| Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007
The Result of Art, Technology and Heritage
Toyota advances both the art and science of the off-road vehicle while recalling its own off-road heritage with the introduction of the 2007 FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SUV). The FJ Cruiser began arriving at dealerships in March 2006.
2007 FJ Cruiser offers a youthful, contemporary spirit and employs the same state-of-the-art comfort, power, economy, safety, emissions and convenience technology available in other Toyota vehicles. As it does so, it 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. The FJ40, which during its production life served around the world as the safari, and expedition vehicle of choice, remains a desirable and collectable off-road vehicle.
"The FJ Cruiser effectively fills a gap in the Toyota lineup that was once our core heritage - capable, affordable and durable vehicles that are youthful, fun to drive, aggressive and tough," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president. "The FJ Cruiser delivers true off-road ruggedness, image and performance at an affordable price, making it highly accessible and desirable to a large volume of young buyers."
The five-passenger 2007 FJ Cruiser was designed as a concept vehicle at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif. It was first seen 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. As an indicator of the vehicle's unmistakable family DNA, several of 2007 FJ Cruiser's available color choices are reminiscent of the colors found on FJ40s.
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Chassis and Suspension
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 a generous 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 2007 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.
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