First things first, I know there are some here that are unimpressed with the new FJ Cruiser, but I want one!











The Mega Cruiser was also there, IÆm sure everyoneÆs seen it before but here it is again.



Lots of beautiful old Cruisers were parked out in front, Brian would have been camped out right here IÆm sure.









[img]http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3699/sema2804rz.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8206/sema2813th.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/2822/sema2828iv.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/1337/sema2846ta.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/4494/sema2859sx.th.jpg[/img]

Some bedliner company showed up with this nicely done up Hi-Lux, not sure where itÆs from but itÆs left hand drive.

[img]http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/6011/sema2632bf.th.jpg[/img]

Some other random Toyotas.

[img]http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/8789/sema1687of.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img312.imageshack.us/img312/550/sema1442wo.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9493/sema1911rc.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9555/sema1990bp.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/2291/sema2037gp.th.jpg[/img]

IÆve never been a big fan of pony cars or most American cars in general but the Æ05 Mustang was everywhere at the show and some of them could make your heart stop they looked so good.

[img]http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/5261/sema0407ok.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img326.imageshack.us/img326/1118/sema0254ta.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img430.imageshack.us/img430/4509/sema1719vy.th.jpg[/img]

This copper bodied car was at the Ford booth and drew lots of well deserved attention.

[img]http://img430.imageshack.us/img430/8347/sema0288yy.th.jpg[/img]

Chevy had lots of Colbalts and HHRs on display at their booth, guess which of the two models I didnÆt take any pictures of.

[img]http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/6948/sema0435ct.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/6768/sema0413je.th.jpg[/img]

Some other random things of note:

[img]http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/5082/sema0022cf.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/7769/sema1227op.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/3183/sema0342vb.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3209/sema1181os.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5389/sema1275fk.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6066/sema1974ru.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8286/sema2458fn.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/3136/sema2548fn.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/6213/sema2912rh.th.jpg[/img]

Last but not least, IÆm not really sure where you draw the line but at some point you just canÆt call your car a lowrider anymore.

[img]http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6444/sema1579ab.th.jpg[/img]

Awesome stuff <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />, though, i don't think that last vehicle deserves those shocks, i think we should take them off their hands <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Hey, that FJ doesn't look so bad, now that it has a more normal interior. The bull bar really makes a difference in terms of the front end.

And the clearance sure looks decent for a stocker. Anyone else notice that the T-case shifter is still manual! That's a good indication.

I don't know. I'm sticking to my story...I think the FJ might be a decent wheeler and certainly a decent expedition rig, which is what I'd be most interested in.

It may not be a Rubicon, but it should carry a lot more people and gear and take on the Xterra quite easily, IMO. And probably last longer than both. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BTW, awesom pics, thanks for sharing. Do you have more of the FJ? Maybe the underside or more interior and any detailed specs? Are they going to come with a factory rear locker, 33 tires, etc?

Here you go Brian, these are all the FJ pictures I've got. I agree with you that the bull bar really brings the truck together. The yellow one is supposedly a stock production 4x4 and the blue one was modified for the show by TLC.





















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[img]http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7074/sema2327ek.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6320/sema2993wy.th.jpg[/img]

[img]http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5554/sema3013tp.th.jpg[/img]

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[img]http://img499.imageshack.us/img499/4698/sema3062hx.th.jpg[/img]

Thanks! Those are the most detailed pics of the FJ I've seen so far. Very cool. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

From what I'm seeing so far, not bad. The body style is definately weird and the interior kind of looks like it has a lot of cheap plastic, but as far as pure function, you can't argue with a shortened fully boxed 4Runner frame and suspension, factory rear locker, and an ARB locker that appears to already be developed and available for those inclined.

I like how Toyota moved the rack and pinion steering up high like the origonal IFS ball steering, where it's better protected. Front diff is the same 8" found in the 4runner and new Taco I'm sure.

Everything looks tucked up and well protected, unlike the Taco. The front crossover exhaust does look like it might hang down a bit, but at least not as bad as the Taco and a custom or aftermarket skid plate could fix that.

I like the manual T-case, which is definately not found in the Taco anymore. I'll bet it's sourced directly from the Hilux.

What I'm seeing is a stripped down 4Runner with stripped down Hilux parts that looks like it was designed, (except for the ugly body) and built in Japan. A relatively basic SUV, with no fancy computers, no leather, no useless gagets, no plush interior, etc. Pretty much exactly what we've been screaming for, plus 33" tires (I think), rear locker, etc. And all for supposedly a reasonable price..somewhere around 20 grand.

I see myself regulating the truck to being a dedicated trail rig, while the FJ is what we used to go on long trips with moderate wheeling. I'd definately have to go with that bullbar and swap out the 33 BFGs for some MTRs. Maybe eventually go with a front ARB. Otherwise, I'd probably leave it mostly stock.

Now, if I can just win that darn lottery....

It reminded me a lot of the Honda Element(tested one out about 6 months ago), an extremely comfortable and functional interior, kinda goofy exterior. The FJ Cruiser however has a real 4x4 system, not quite as much interior room, and a far better rear seat fold system.

Yeah, you bet I want one.

The Cruiser is still a gross diaappointment and unworthy of the Cruiser nameplate...

But I REALLY like this the Tacoma front end on this 2nd gen x-cab!!!!



EDIT: sorry, I can't figure out how to make it clickable.. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

+1 It sure does look like an Element that has been enhanced and refined.

This reminds me of when the CR-V and RAV-4 first came out...

Ya, except the Element, RAv4 and CRV didn't have a 4 liter V-6, manual T-case, fully boxed 1 ton type frame, heavy duty suspension, 8" diffs front and rear, solid rear axle, and optional rear locker and 33" tires, just to name a few things.

You forgot two things on your list, B:
Hideous appearance and insane blind spot. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />