Toyota to Unveil All-New FJ Cruiser SUV at Chicago Auto Show

"It is important for Toyota to raise the emotional pulse of the emerging youth market," stated Press during the concept's launch.

"It is important for Toyota to raise the emotional pulse of the emerging youth market," commented Press. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

"The FJ Cruiser is a thoughtful approach to versatility that allows the customer to decide how the vehicle fits into their active lifestyles."

While the FJ's packaging will most likely raise the "emotional pulse" of the youth market if it indeed borrows styling details from the FJ Concept, the automaker has given no indication as to what powertrain will end up under the sheetmetal. Most likely the FJ Concept's Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger will only be available through dealers as an upgrade, and its 3.4L V6 replaced with the new Tacoma's almost as powerful naturally aspirated 4.0L V6,

The FJ will probably be powered by the new Tacoma's naturally aspirated 4.0L V6. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

producing 245-horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque compared to the 250-horsepower suggested by the concept.

The same pickup truck's 2.7L 4-cylinder, making 164-horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque will most likely come standard, with no mention of a diesel powertrain option - something later versions of the FJ40 and all years of BJ70s offered. Diesel power would make sense as an alternative, however, being that the brand's 4x4 loyalists would flock to the FJ Cruiser if offered. Toyota may want to take a cue from the FJ's key rival, Jeep, which made a turbodiesel Liberty available this year and has correspondingly received strong buyer interest.