New FJ Cruiser joins the market-leading Toyota SUV range

The media launch of this innovative new SUV took place at the prestigious Toyota Showroom at Dubai Festival City, one of the largest Toyota showrooms in the world.

Joining the many key representatives of the UAE's media attending the launch were Simon Frith, the new managing director of Al-Futtaim Motors, and Tony Barlow, the senior general manager of Sales & Marketing.

At the event, Simon Frith prefaced the launch with an overview of recent business highlights commenting,

"2006 was a very important year for the Toyota brand and Al-Futtaim Motors. We launched many all new, award-winning vehicles, including the Camry, the Yaris Sedan, the Aurion V6, the RAV 4 and the new Previa. The addition of these 5 new models helped us achieve an outstanding sales performance in 2006, with Toyota sales up 25% over 2005. And strong customer demand for our vehicles has continued into 2007. In the first 8 months of this year, I am pleased to report that Toyota sales are up 29% on the same period last year."

During the last quarter of this year, 3 important new Toyota models will be launched, and the first of these is the new FJ Cruiser. The FJ Cruiser is descended from a long line of legendary Toyota off-road vehicles, incorporating the DNA of the FJ40, and the renowned Land Cruiser.

In developing the FJ Cruiser, Toyota wanted to develop a vehicle that would meet the needs of younger motorists, and the young-at-heart. Younger people, of whom there is a disproportionately large number in the UAE, continually seek new ways of expressing their personality and individuality, whether in their choice of music players, mobile phones, lap-tops, or their vehicles.

Toyota wanted to develop a vehicle that would reflect the sense of individuality, freedom and adventurous spirit of these younger customers. The FJ's development concept was therefore determined as 'Freedom and Rugged' - a vehicle with outstanding off-road capabilities, that could go anywhere and do anything. A vehicle that would look good, that would look different from other SUVs, that could be customized, and match the needs of these customers' lifestyles.

Based on the 'Rugged & Freedom' development concept, 5 areas were selected as key priorities in the FJ Cruiser's development:
• Delivering outstanding off-road performance
• Creating a stylish and rugged exterior design
• Providing an interior space to meet leisure needs
• Providing a superior audio experience
• Ensuring class-leading safety performance

To deliver outstanding off-road performance, the FJ Cruiser has a muscular 4 litre, new generation, V6 engine. This engine incorporates advanced technology including ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System), ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System), and VVT-i (Intelligent variable Valve Timing). The engine delivers an impressive 240 horsepower and 38.3 kg-m of torque.

This engine is coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth gear shifting, low engine noise, good fuel economy, and low emissions.

The gate-type gear-shift provides on-demand shifting, adding to the fun of the driving experience. And the Active Traction Control and rear differential lock enable the FJ's superb off-road maneuverability.

The FJ Cruiser represents the optimum design package for off-road driving, combining a short wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, excellent approach and departure angles coupled with impressive wheel articulation, tough suspension, a ground clearance of 245 mm, and a wading depth of 700 mm.

Whereas some recent SUVs have adopted a monocoque structure for their platform, the FJ has an extremely strong frame-based platform, which provides greater resistance to bending and twisting when off-road driving. It also provides for improved ride comfort for on-road driving.

Regarding the suspension system the FJ has a high-mount, double wish-bone layout for the front, and a 4-link layout with lateral rods for the rear. Stable driving performance, superior ride comfort, and a smooth steering feel during high-speed driving and urban driving, have been achieved by maintaining a large wheel stroke and superior roll rigidity.

To enhance its off-road performance the FJ is fitted with 32-inch, large diameter tyres, similar to the Land Cruiser, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Regarding the FJ Cruiser's exterior design, it has a very purposeful, rugged look and stance that differentiates it from other SUVs. The distinctive round headlamps and grille clearly reflect the DNA of the FJ40, as do the wrap-around rear quarter windows.

From the side, the FJ has a form similar to a 2-door coupe, emphasized by the door lay-out and the purposeful silhouette. And to emphasise the uniqueness of the FJ, it is available in some eye-catching and exclusive body colours.

The FJ Cruiser's interior has been designed to appeal to, and meet the active lifestyle and leisure needs of younger drivers and the young-at-heart. The dashboard design is innovative simple, sporty and rugged. The seats are designed to provide added support during off-road driving, and the driver's seat is equipped with 8-way adjustment for the perfect driving position.

The seat upholstery is water- resistant and water-repellant while the floor and cargo deck materials are washable, so that dirt, dust and water can be easily cleaned away following adventures in the desert or at the beach.

The sound system in the FJ Cruiser has been designed specifically with younger drivers in mind. It has an exclusive FJammer, 327 watt sound system with a 6 CD changer, a subwoofer mounted in the rear, and 9 speakers.

Roof lining speakers, not found in any conventional sound systems, create an acoustic space with a shower of sound flowing from the roof, providing added enjoyment to the FJ driving experience. And even the exhaust sound has been tuned to suit the tastes of younger drivers.

The FJ's interior is flexible, fun and functional, designed to meet most kinds of leisure needs. The 60: 40 split rear seat and removable cushion enable the cargo area to be expanded to take larger items such as mountain bikes and surf boards. For easy access to cargo without having to open the rear door, it has a flip-up tailgate window. The FJ also has ample and convenient storage spaces cleverly integrated into the interior space.

And, as expected from a Toyota, there is a highly efficient air -conditioning system to ensure cool and comfortable driving in the highest of temperatures.

Most importantly, the go-anywhere FJ Cruiser continues the Toyota promise of providing an exceptionally safe driving experience for driver and passengers. For optimum visibility, the FJ is equipped with a 3-arm wiper that can be particularly useful during sand storms. And it has rear parking sensors to ensure safe parking.

For enhanced driver confidence and vehicle control, the FJ is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, together with Anti-Lock Brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake-assist.

The frame -based structure of the FJ provides superior resistance to collisions from the front and rear. And regarding side impacts, the FJ is the only SUV to have been awarded the "All Good Rating" in the US, despite the absence of center pillars.

And for complete reassurance, the FJ is equipped with dual-stage front airbags, curtain-side airbags, and an impact absorbing structure in the roof, combined with its tough body. All of which means that FJ users can take-on and explore the most demanding terrains, with confidence.

The highly equipped FJ Cruiser is available in two equipment levels, the FJ Cruiser and the FJ Cruiser SE. The FJ is also available with an extensive range of accessories, enabling FJ owners to customize the appearance of their vehicle.

Tony Barlow commented, "The FJ Cruiser was launched in the United States in March 2006, and it has proved exceptionally popular with younger drivers and off-road enthusiasts. Now that we have brought the FJ Cruiser to the UAE, we are confident that we are going to see very strong customer demand, and that it will develop a very loyal customer following. The FJ Cruiser will certainly further strengthen our SUV line-up, and reinforce our market-leadership in the important and growing SUV sector of the market."