2005 Chicago: 2006 Toyota FJ Cruiser Video

Check out the unveiling of Toyotas FJ Cruiser from the 2005 Chicago Auto Show..

Transcript

00:00 The appeal of rugged, clunky SUVs like the Hummer H2 hasn't been lost on Toyota.

00:21 You know, they introduced one of the first rugged off-road adventure vehicles nearly

00:25 40 years ago in the early 60s with the legendary FJ40 Land Cruiser.

00:30 Well, here in the Windy City, they broke this show wide open with a modern interpretation

00:35 of that Toyota classic.

00:43 Very similar to the FJ Cruiser concept shown in 2003, the Toyota FJ Cruiser will be in

00:49 showrooms in early 2006, targeted at young buyers with active outdoor lifestyles.

00:56 Based on a shortened 4-runner platform, power will be from a 4-liter, 245 horsepower V6.

01:02 There will be a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions and 2 or 4-wheel

01:07 drive.

01:09 On the production prototype we were shown, several styling cues are incorporated from

01:14 the original FJ40, a wide grille with the Toyota badge, round headlights and offset

01:20 combination lamps.

01:22 The upright windshield and white cap roof are additional nods to the past along with

01:27 the wraparound rear side corner windows.

01:31 While the FJ Cruiser is a two-door, rear seat passengers will get easy entry through rear

01:36 hinged access doors.

01:38 We'll have to wait a while longer for a look at the production interior as it was not ready

01:42 on this prototype, but we're told the same tough, straightforward styling from the outside

01:48 will be continued inside.

01:50 Toyota's confident the unique style and utility of the FJ will appeal to young buyers who

01:55 really aren't looking for a mainstream vehicle, so it should appeal to the young and young

01:59 at heart sort of a buyer.

02:01 Now pricing's only been described as a surprising value, but our sources tell us that we can

02:07 expect that the sticker should start in the mid-20s.

02:10 From the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, this is John Mathias for Motor Trend.

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