Move Over Hummer H2
Do the letters FJ have any significant meaning to you? If you're into off-roading they are synonymous with 4x4 excellence.
While in my teens my Dad bought a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, a short wheelbase Jeep-like all-terrain master sold from late 1958 until ending production 1983. Initially the FJ40 was Japan's military conveyance, over-engineered to provide punishing service no matter the job at hand. Except for a tendency to attract rust, it was virtually unstoppable.
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| Developed in the early '50s, the virtually unstoppable Land Cruiser was introduced to North America as a '58 model. From 1961-65, it was the best-selling Toyota. (Photo: Toyota) |
Later, during a short sojourn in Toyota's employ, I drove a 1987 Land Cruiser BJ70. While boxy in comparison to the curving FJ, and just about anything else on the road, the updated 4x4 was even more impressive off-road. Then equipped with diesel power and shock absorber sprung front seats to reduce the jarring impact of its overzealous suspension, it was a force to be reckoned with.
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| Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. COO Jim Press unveiled the FJ Cruiser concept sport utility vehicle on January 7, 2003 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Toyota once again looks set to reinvent the short wheelbase mountain climber, showing up to this year's Detroit auto show with a bright blue beast that could almost intimidate a Hummer H2. Designed at Newport Beach, California's Calty Design Research, Toyota's North American design center, it teases outdoor sports fans with the premise of trekking just about anywhere.
"The FJ Cruiser is a thoroughly modern concept vehicle chiseled from nearly a half-century tradition of rugged performance provided by the legendary FJ40, the original 4Runner and 4x4 pickups," commented Jim Press, executive vice president for Toyota Motor Sales, USA. "The FJ Cruiser concept effectively connects two growing markets in the United States (North America)... the light truck segment and the emerging youth market."