GREENVILLE, S.C. — Toyota is planning a mid-summer launch of a special-edition 2007 FJ Cruiser sport-utility vehicle that is beefed up with off-road performance features, Inside Line has learned.

"Look for things like shocks, tires, wheels, and off-road performance features," said Mark Amstock, Toyota's national truck and SUV market planning manager here at the launch of the FJ Cruiser on Tuesday.

Amstock said Toyota is working with tire manufacturer BFGoodrich on the yet unnamed special-edition FJ Cruiser. He added that Toyota designers are "pushing for traditional FJ colors, including tans and reds."

The Japanese automaker is also considering an FJ model without the signature white roof — a feature which will be standard at the SUV's launch — as well as a convertible version. "We're giving that a lot of thought," Amstock said in regard to a topless FJ Cruiser. "But nothing specific yet."

The FJ Cruiser, priced in the mid-$20Ks, is set to make its debut in late March. It competes against the Hummer H3, the Jeep Wrangler and the Nissan Xterra.

Amstock said Toyota will export a few of the FJ Cruisers to Canada and 183 to the Middle East. He said there are no plans for a right-hand-drive version of the vehicle or a diesel version.

What this means to you: Toyota aims to defy every inch of the Rubicon Trail with its special-edition FJ Cruiser.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108519

Sucks about a diesel version, I think t would sell pretty well.

Excellent. You can never have too many truly off-road capable SUVs out there.

[post="59199"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

...or sport models with huge engines stuffed under the hood.

Oh, Lord. :rolleyes:

If Toyota decides to build a 4-door version, which, I am sure they are already studying...watch out.

If it looks anything like that powder blue concept than I hope it bombs like the Suzuki X90. This pimple of a toyota truck is GROSS!!!

Fatest c-pillar ever. No sense of design, no continuity or even a desing direction, busier than an Alaskan Beaver and not even utilitarian to boot.

Edited December 16, 200519 yr by Sixty8panther

Well, you can judge for yourself. Here is a gallery of the production model.

The concept was almost 100% production ready, exterior design-wise. The worst thing about the FJ is its interior which looks a little too much like a tough-SUV.

Well, you can judge for yourself. Here is a gallery of the production model.

[post="59721"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

A purpose-built truck directed at the Hummer and Jeep TJ (Wrangler)

The concept was almost 100% production ready, exterior design-wise.  The worst thing about the FJ is its interior which looks a little too much like a tough-SUV.

[post="59735"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Its supposed to, though.

Its supposed to, though.

[post="59809"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I know but I think Toyota could have done a better job.

I know but I think Toyota could have done a better job.

[post="59899"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

As in, like, a more appropriate design?

Gross. I like the old ones but I wouldn't be caught dead in this monstrosity. As far as serious off roading wtf is the point of a wicked long wheelbase that makes serious 4-wheeling impossible if there's only two doors? Yes, yes I know it's got the suicide rear doors but do you think this will actaully take away from HUmmer sales. Uh, oh yeah I just relised it has a Toyota emblem attached to it so of course it wil sell.

As in, like, a more appropriate design?

[post="59913"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I don't know if I'd call it more appropriate, maybe less spartan/more style type of thhing.