Toyota Presents the TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser

Some stuff about the Camry Hybrid, too...

September 29, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Special Edition package for the 2007 FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SUV) and 2007 Camry Hybrid.

The TRD Special Edition package adds several exterior performance enhancements to the 2007 FJ Cruiser SUV. Included in the package are TRD/Bilstein off-road tuned, red painted shock absorbers. The special shocks are designed to enhance straight line stability, decrease brake “dive” and acceleration “squat” yaw response, stability and roll feel, body motion characteristics, shock impact and off-road handling. The seamless monotube design provides superior tube strength while maximizing heat dissipation and shock life.

Additionally, TRD has synchronized the locking differential with Active Traction control. The locking rear differential no longer overrides Active Traction control enabling the FJ Cruiser to navigate easier through boulders.

Unique exterior enhancements include an all Black paint scheme with a Black roof and “TRD Special Edition” badges. The Special Edition package will also feature a set of five TRD 16-inch alloy wheels with a gun metal gray painted finish and BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires with wheel locks, TRD performance exhaust and rock rails.

Inside, the Special Edition package is equipped with seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, and a multi-informational display which includes compass, inclinometer and temperature gauge. The Special Edition package also includes a two-in-one AM/FM audio and six-disc CD changer, quickshifter (manual transmission models only) and all-weather front and rear cargo floor mats with a TRD logo.

Only 3,200 units of the TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser will be built. The Special Edition package will carry a base MSRP of $7,265 on manual transmission models and $7,250 for models with an automatic transmission. The base MSRP for the FJ Cruiser four-wheel drive models start at $23,090 for the manual transmission and $23,500 for an automatic transmission. The TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser will arrive at Toyota dealerships in early November, and will also be on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November.

The 2007 Camry Hybrid receives an increase of $300, or 1.2 percent. Camry Hybrid pricing is effective with vehicles produced on or after November 1, 2006 for U.S. production or vessel arrivals on or after October 30, 2006. The Camry Hybrid will carry a base MSRP of $26,200.

Source: Toyota Motor Company

Okay, is it only me who wonders why Toyota would pick "TRD" for an acronym? Doesn't anybody advising their marketing boys in Tokyo speak actual English? I mean GM was smart enough to rename the Buick to Allure for Quebec, why not Toyota?

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development.

But it sounds like TuRD. Get his point?

FJ Cruiser or Wrangler? God I'm glad I dont have to get a new car for a few years. As much as I've ranted about my dislike for SUVs and the people who drive them, I've come to realize that legitimate off-road ability comes in handy on a regular basis.

They should specially tune their small and compact cars for the street racer. Dub them Toyota Urban Racing Development.

It still does not make the Lego looking FJ good in my book.