2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser news, pictures, and information

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser Offers More Power, Better Fuel-Efficiency

The FJ Cruiser is powered by a DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine, newly equipped for 2010 wîth a new dual Variable Valve Timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i) system (variable phasing for both the intake and exhaust cams) and new roller rockers. The changes help boost horsepower to 258, up from 239. Peak torque is now 270 lb.-ft., and the broad torque curve facilitates easy cruising on or off-road. The V6 offers a gratifying exhaust note, while special sound-absorbing material under the engine cover helps keep the cabin quiet. The FJ Cruiser meets the stringent LEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions certification.

The FJ Cruiser 4x4 offers a choice between an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission; the 4x2 model is equipped exclusively wîth a five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The automatic varies the shifting pattern based on road conditions and driver input. A Flex Lock-Úp feature allows the clutch in the torque converter to maintain a half-engaged position, enhancing fuel efficiency and increasing the lock-up clutch's operational range. The driver can manually shift the automatic transmission using a console-mounted, gate-type shift lever. The gearshift position is also displayed in the instrument panel.

The FJ Cruiser's two-speed transfer case (with a 2.566 low range) is the same full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case used in the V6-powered 4x4 Toyota 4Runner. In manual-transmission models, the transfer case uses a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential wîth a locking feature and distributes the engine's power 40:60 under most driving conditions. The TORSEN unit varies power distribution as needed, based on §teering angle and wheel slippage. In the Lock position, the differential switches to 50:50 power distribution.

The 4x4 FJ Cruiser wîth the automatic-transmission employs a part-time four-wheel drive system wîth a 3.727:1 rear differential ratio and provides a 33.76:1 crawl ratio. With the manual transmission, the front and rear differential ratio is a lower 3.909:1 for a crawl ratio of 41.84:1, an attribute that helped the FJ Cruiser traverse California's famed Rubicon Trail.

An electronic locking rear differential wîth an eight-inch ring gear is available. The ring gear in the 4x4 FJ Cruiser's front differential also measures eight inches. The 4x2 model comes standard wîth a virtual automatic limited-slip differential, provided and operated by an advanced traction-control system to enhance traction of both rear wheels in slippery driving conditions.

Capability, Handling and Ride

Toyota designed the FJ Cruiser from the start for serious trail driving capability. The FJ Cruiser's tough, wide stance is based around a frame and front-and-rear suspension systems adapted from those found on the Toyota 120-Series Prado (Land Cruiser Prado in some markets). The frame is a boxed steel ladder-braced unit to which the FJ Cruiser's welded steel body is mounted. Double-wishbone independent front suspension offers 7.87 inches of wheel travel for outstanding suspension articulation. Its geometry is optimized for excellent road feel and ride comfort.

The solid rear axle uses a four-link coil-spring suspension system wîth a lateral rod, tubular shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. This system provides 9.1 inches of wheel travel. The disc-brake system uses ventilated 12.6-inch front and 12.3-inch rear rotors. The FJ Cruiser employs a variable-ratio, hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion §teering system. Standard wheels are 17-inch steel wîth P265/70 R17 tires; six-spoke aluminum wheels available as an option.

With the FJ Cruiser's standard 32-inch tires, ground clearance is 9.6 inches (8.7 inches for 4x2 models). Approach and departure angles are 34 degrees/31 degrees for the 4x4 FJ Cruiser and 32/30 for the 4x2 model. Maximum towing capacity wîth the optional Class Four receiver hitch is 5,000 pounds.

Safety

The FJ Cruiser provides a comprehensive standard safety package, including the standard front seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row roll sensing side curtain airbags. Dual-stage front driver and passenger advanced airbags deploy based on impact type and severity.

Additionally, the FJ Cruiser is equipped wîth active headrests for the front seats and provides the LATCH child-restraint system. In certain rear collisions, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to help limit the movement of the occupant's head.

As wîth all Toyota SÚVs, the FJ Cruiser is equipped as standard wîth Toyota's STAR Safety System™ that includes VSC, Traction Control (TRAC), an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The roll sensing side curtain airbags can detect a potential rollover and signal the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system to help reduce a lateral skid.

In addition, the rollover senser can signal the standard seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags to deploy.

Comfort and Convenience

The FJ Cruiser comes wîth a long list of standard features, including: air conditioning; power windows and door locks; black water-resistant seats; tilt §teering wheel; four cup holders and two bottle holders; rear-window defogger; skid plates for the engine, transfer case and fuel-tank; rear-door-mounted full-size spare tire; front and rear tow hooks, and mudguards.

Three audio systems are available for the FJ Cruiser. An AM/FM/CD system wîth six speakers is standard. A pair of NXT SurfaceSound transducers convert the vehicle's ceiling into a speaker diaphragm (the FJ Cruiser was the first vehicle to use this audio technology). The ceiling transducers complement the conventional speakers elsewhere in the vehicle, creating broad, omni-directional sound dispersion.

Options

	Vital Stats
Engine : 4.0 L., 6-cylinder Power: 259 hp Torque: 270 ft-lbs
5-speed Automatic, 6-speed Manual

A Premium Audio FJammer AM/FM eight-speaker system wîth an in-dash six-disc CD changer is available as part of an option package, and an amplified subwoofer can be added, located in the right-side panel of the rear cargo compartment. An auxiliary jack also is located in the lower-center switch cluster to provide input for portable audio devices, including iPods® and MP3 players, and a 12-volt DC accessory socket is provided to power those devices.

An available Convenience Package includes keyless entry; cruise control; power side-view mirrors wîth Illumination markers; daytime running lights; rear privacy glass; rear window wiper; and a spare tire cover. This package also includes a rear backup camera integrated and linked to an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Úpgrade Package One (requires the Convenience Package) includes a highly capable off-road Active Traction-Control system (A-TRAC); rear locking differential; multi-information display floating ball type (compass, inclinometer and temperature gauge); Premium Audio system wîth in-dash six-disc changer, equalizer and eight speakers; a 115V AC power outlet; 17-inch alloy wheels; leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth integral audio controls and cruise-control function; metal-colored shift lever; and interior door-trim inserts keyed to the vehicle's exterior color.

Úpgrade Package Two adds the rear subwoofer. Standalone options include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear locking differential, and running boards and Daytime Running Lights.

The customer can personalize the FJ Cruiser by choosing from a catalog of available accessories, including: auxiliary driving lights, rock rails, roof rack, brush guard, taillight guards, sport exhaust system, receiver hitch and harness, wind deflector wîth off-road lights, a cargo mat, and all-weather or carpeted floor mats.

Exterior Design