What if it had a removable top? Not saying it would reach the numbers of the Bronco or Jeep, but I bet it would sell better than the FJ reboot did.
2024 GX/Prado Release and Discussion
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I agree with this. And there has been 2 decades of concept, speculation, rumors and renderings to stoke the fire.
Any small chance Toyota would have is with a retro, removable top FJ40 inspired design. You can forget about a 70's series, that will never happen.
It sounds to me like you really like the Bronco so why don’t you buy one?
Outside maybe OJ‘s slow speed chase I’m not so sure there was much nostalgia for the Bronco. Certainly none in the off road world. That doesn’t take away from what Ford brilliantly did but the LC family has a much MUCH more credible story to tell.
Most Jeeps never leave the pavement either so not surprising it’s the same with Bronco owner. As it will be for the GX550. And whatever the LC250 turns out to be, if it happens here at all.
It sounds like you no longer have an argument to counter why Toyota shouldnt bring BACK a land cruiser that shares some of the common and previously offered features that Ford sold 100,000 units of each of the last two years.
Nobody wanted THAT Bronco back. What Ford excels at is basically resto moding their classic designs. The the return of the 1960's Mustang was a great success. Trust me, no one wanted the return of the Mustang II from the 1970's. The Bronco revived a similarly iconic design. The only Land Cruiser that is even in that same league are the FJ40 and models before it.
The new Bronco, I think, stands on its own merits and would be every bit as successful with a different name. Jeep on the other hand does have that sort of name credibility. While I concede that LC doesn’t not have it in NA, a freshman marketing student could easily change that using only its history.
Not that it really matters because Mustang II is a good example that even an iconic name only earns you a second look and does near nothing to ensure success.
Baloney.
Icon 4x4 has sold over 100 restomod Broncos, each with a price tag over $200k. You may not have a lot of nostalgia for them, but a lot of other folks do. Which is why Icon 4x4 has a multi-year waiting list and why Ford has sold out the 2023 model year of Broncos.
You may prefer Land Cruisers (as I do as well), but your assertion that there isn't much nostalgia for Broncos is demonstrably wrong.
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Lets compare apples to apples.
Based on the numbers and the benjamins the bronco and fj40 were direct competitors......2 land cruisers sold for every 3 broncos
1976 model year of base FJ40 and Bronco 2Dr
LC MSRP was $5500
Bronco MSRP was $5100
14,500 bronco's sold in 1976
Your handy 1966–77 Ford Bronco buyer's guide - Hagerty Media
Interest in vintage 4x4s has exploded over the last several years, and a big reason for that is the beloved Ford Bronco. Read our explainer before you buy.
www.hagerty.com
9200 fj40's sold in US in 1976
To suggest there was not and is not name recognition for the "Land Cruiser" name defies stats....if there wasnt then Toyota wouldnt be talking about a reintroduction of a vehicle that carries the name of "Land Cruiser"
why in the world would Toyota try something like that? Toyota is very profitable because they know their market. I know way too many Ford fanboys who refuse to touch a japanese vehicle. they'd rather daily drive a Escape than be seen in a 4runner
I'm not a fan of the big Broncos, but some folks are: Chief's 79 Resto-Mod - https://www.fullsizebronco.com/threads/chiefs-79-resto-mod.263177/
There are lots of reasons
Toyota's primary reason is to sell vehicles...period....full stop
There's a demonstrated demand for a vehicle in the US that has similar features/function as what ford offered and sold out of this year....and year over year sales are north of 100,000 in the US alone.
Toyota also already manufactures the drivetrain, interior and most all of the other components for a vehicle that would fit that demonstrated customer demand.....ie the effort/cost to develop and produce that vehicle would be low.
Even if Toyota only sells 20k units thats already more land cruisers than its ever sold annually in the US market from its introduction more than 30 years ago to its departure from the US a few years back.
The question isnt why WOULD toyota do it
The question is why WOUILDNT toyota do it and sell a vehicle for which there is already a demonstrated demand
Only two answers I guess:
A. Toyota doesn't agree that it will sell like you think.
B. Toyota hates making money.
I am going to go with A.
TheRealDeal124
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Glad I found my K294 when I did.
Facts > opinions
Ford's sales number on Bronco are indisputable
American consumers have spoken clearly that they want vehicles in that genre...and that genre doesnt include the rolling living room offering for nearly double the price.
Supply and demand are funny things......if Toyota doesnt step in then some other company will
A reboot of the Nissan Patrol or a new XTerra would do well given current demand.....It would certainly make my short list if Toyota isnt going to step up
I added front lockers (ARB) on my truck but I think it’s more of a cost benefit analysis than an issue of trust. Anyway, they did offer their reasoning (Please don’t shoot the messenger as I’m not endorsing or damning it). And yes, I know he’s talking about a different truck.
Front Lockers can cause damage as most people don't know how to use it. The rear you can turn on and leave it on for a while. The front can break when the driver attempts to turn. The wheels are then spinning at different rates putting tremendous stress on the CV axle into the diff
Unlike the rear, the front wheels turn into your turn putting a smaller turn angle on the inside wheel.
I put a front locker in my truck and I think I have used it once in 8 years. The rear locker does 80% of the work and the autotrac (no braking) can help where you need some more control on the front. I ended up only putting rear lockers in my daughters trucks and they have had no issues in many years of wheeling.
To me the rear locker is an awesome advantage. The front is no big deal and I can can understand the liability of breaking under warranty due to the operator.
Unlike the rear, the front wheels turn into your turn putting a smaller turn angle on the inside wheel.
I put a front locker in my truck and I think I have used it once in 8 years. The rear locker does 80% of the work and the autotrac (no braking) can help where you need some more control on the front. I ended up only putting rear lockers in my daughters trucks and they have had no issues in many years of wheeling.
To me the rear locker is an awesome advantage. The front is no big deal and I can can understand the liability of breaking under warranty due to the operator.
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