Future options for the FJ ...

[perez.steve]

Future options for the FJ … just look at the proto types. I am sure Toyota was/is working on a bunch of great and innovative ideas, some practical and some not. Some of the projects, I am sure didn’t meet the production deadline schedule for this 2007 batch. I am curious which one of these is still under research.

-Spotlights on both outside mirrors
-An asymmetrical front spotlight
-A front-end towing winch.
-The rear glass panel is a two-piece unit that retracts into the roof and the rear hatch for easy access to the rear cargo area.
-All front and rear seats fold completely flat creating ample cargo space and maximum usability. With no gaps and a durable floor covering, the FJ Cruiser can be converted into a utility deck large enough for two people in their sleeping bags.
-Gas cap cover that opens with the flick of a lever from the inside.

I especially like the rear glass panel on the roof! Very, very nice. On the practical side, the front folding seats for a completely flat interior would be DAMN awesome! Overall, a very well integrated rig, (look at the winch). And whatta nice little rack, roof rack that is. Here is a link to the article and some pics.

By the way nice tires … BFGoodrich Proto T/A’s.

This proto FJ was made for the camera!

http://www.body-kitz.com/carticles/2007-fj.html

http://www.body-kitz.com/articles2/fjwebgallery/pages/fjgallery2.html

click links for the full size pictures.

http://www.body-kitz.com/articles2/fjwebgallery/pages/fjgallery4.html

http://www.body-kitz.com/articles2/fjwebgallery/pages/fjgallery6.html


A very well integrated rig. I just wonder how much of this proto was sculpted balsa and styrofoam!

Opinions ... info?

 

[MudBludd]

stuffs from 03 pard! Not gunna happen...watcha see is whatchoo git for now!

 

[perez.steve]

Well, I was talking more along the lines of future models, i.e. 2008, 2009 ... etc. I agree though, what you see now is whats going to be available for the 2007 model. I just think that we are seeing some of tomorows features in the prototypes. Some of these probably weren't feasible though.

 

[firetruck41]

Old news, that was a fully functional Prototype that was driven by quite a few people, it had the 3.4l and was based on the old Taco platform. I wouldn't expect major changes like those you mentioned, until the 2nd generation FJC, if at all.

 

[perez.steve]

Again... that is my point exactly. I think everybody here knows that this is a prototype. I just have no doubt that we are going to see some of these features in future models. Keyword: future, and I am talking in units of years, not talking about 2007. I am talking about 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 ...

In other words, for those people that wish for a diesel and so forth, if it were under development, then I think we would be hearing about diesel prototypes.

If you want to know what direction the FJ or any car for that matter is headed, then look at the prototypes.

Question: What other features has anyone heard about on the protos?

 

[firetruck41]

That is the only prototype and we have already seen what is to come of that prototype, the current FJ Cruiser. I don't think anything will be developed off of it now. For the next few years, don't expect major changes to body/doors/seating/etc., look for a new preproduction 2nd gen unit in about 5 years to see what the next major changes will be.

 

[perez.steve]

You are probably right ... and I sure do hope so! If I were to see some kid in a FJC (that looks like the one above) pull up next to me in my 2007 in a couple of years from now ... ouch! But that is the nature of things. In a couple of years, my fjc might be equiped with a Britax too! I'll be sure to post pics on how that installation goes on here for all of you interested.

 

[Scooterpilot]

I like to see Toyota configure the 6 speed M/T so that it can be towed behind a vehicle without having to put it on a trailer.

 

[Lt1FJ40]

I know it you guys will laugh but when i was on the trail the other night it would have been nice to have a map light rather then just a dome light in the center of the roof....

 

[mobi-arc]

I'd like to see the roof painted the same color as the rest of the vehicle. They have the technology!

 

[perez.steve]

Third Row Seats.

I read on another forum that Little Passenger Seats, Inc., www.littleseats.com, is working on a third row of seating for the FJC. According to that post, these are removable, with retractable seatbelts, and fabric is matchable. Also, upon further inspection by the installer, the FJC turned out to be 3rd row seat ready. Possible future option? They had foorward facing seats and side way mounted (facing each other) seats. Leg room / ceiling height combinations make these appropriate for children under 12 but with more leg room than the 4runner third row seats. Again this is a summary from the other forum and I have not seen these personaly, but there are photos posted.

Cost was $395 for the side mounted seats (each) and $900 for the bench.