Toyota bids farewell to FJ Cruiser with Ultimate Edition at SEMA

Tue, 05 Nov 2013

Happy trails, to you... As we reported back in August, the FJ Cruiser is headed to the great automotive graveyard in the sky, and Toyota is offering a fitting eulogy in the form of the 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition, which was just unveiled here at the 2013 SEMA Show.

Unlike many special edition models, the Ultimate FJ Cruiser earns its name with a host of parts from Toyota Racing Development, starting with TRD Bilstein race shocks that Toyota says improve damping, articulation and high-speed stability. The front shocks measure 66 millimeters and feature TRD race coil springs, with geometry that improves the approach angle; the 50mm rear units are equipped with remote reservoirs to diminish damping fade.

A new one-quarter-inch thick aluminum TRD front skid plate offers protection for the underbody bits, and the outfit is completed with a BF Goodrich A/T KO tires on 16-inch bead lock wheels, rock rails and a roof rack. Check out the high-res image gallery above and the press release below for all the rest of the details.

Happy Trails, FJ Cruiser

Toyota Bids Farewell to an Off-Road Icon with Ultimate Edition

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5, 2013 -- It's finally here...and then it's gone. Toyota today unveiled the 2014 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition at a press conference held at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

The 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition is a commemorative final special edition of the FJ Cruiser. It is the toughest and most capable FJ ever and pays tribute to the iconic vehicle that will end its production run at the conclusion of the 2014 model year. With limited production, only 2,500 will be built.

The FJ Ultimate Edition pays tribute to the iconic Land Cruiser FJ40 of the 1960's, from which the FJ Cruiser draws its rugged DNA, inspiration and design. A unique white painted front grille surround and newly developed "Heritage Blue" paint are reminiscent of the classic FJ40.

Designed and built for rugged off-roading, the Ultimate Edition raises the bar one more time for off-road capability with all new performance upgrades. A race-inspired Toyota Racing Development (TRD) off-road suspension was developed and meticulously tuned for the Ultimate Edition. The new suspension includes TRD Bilstein race shocks with increased damping, articulation and high speed stability. The front shock assemblies are 66mm with new TRD race coil springs, which raise the front of the FJ just enough to level out the stance and improve the approach angle. The rear shocks are 50mm and are equipped with remote reservoirs to decrease damping fade.

The list of new TRD goodies doesn't stop there. A newly developed TRD front skid plate, made from one-quarter-inch thick aluminum plate comes standard on the Ultimate Edition. The TRD stamped front skid plate not only looks great, but improves approach angle and provides an increased level of underbody protection. TRD 16-inch bead lock wheels with BF Goodrich A/T KO tires, rock rails and roof rack complete the exterior.

The Ultimate Edition FJ Cruiser is only available in 4x4 and comes standard with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Crawl Control (CRAWL available with automatic transmission only), Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with off switch and electronically controlled locking rear differential. In addition, the Toyota Star Safety System is standard.

Farewell to an Icon
Chiseled from nearly a half-century tradition of tough off-road performance provided by the legendary FJ40, the original 4Runner, and 4x4 compact pickups, the FJ Cruiser was developed as a basic, capable and affordable off-roader aimed specifically at serious off-roaders looking to push the limits. Hailed by consumers and critics alike, the FJ Cruiser became an instant classic.

The final model year 2014 FJ Cruiser is on sale now. The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition is scheduled to roll into dealerships in February 2014, kicking off a fond farewell to a Toyota original.

With sales of more than 200,000 units sold since 2006, the FJ rides into the sunset leaving lasting memories of one of the most iconic vehicles in Toyota's rich SUV history.

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FJ CRUISER ULTIMATE EDITION TRAIL TEAMS KEY FEATURES

Performance and Exterior Features

Unique white front grille surround and exclusive Monotone "Heritage Blue" paint
Blacked out bumpers, exterior mirrors and door handles
All-new TRD heavy duty one-quarter-inch thick aluminum front skid plate
Sew Specially-developed off-road tuned TRD Bilstein front suspension and rear Bilstein shocks with remote reservoir
Exterior FJ Trail Teams Badge
Roof rack
Rock rails
TRD 16-inch Gunmetal bead lock wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires
Rear wiper

Interior Convenience Features

Stainless steel FJ Cruiser Ultimate Edition dash plaque
Power outside mirrors with illuminated markers
Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and rear door windows
Cruise Control
Leather-trimmed steering wheel
Floating-ball Multi-information Display with inclinometer, Compass and outside temperature
Remote keyless entry system
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera display
One 115V/400W AC power outlet

By Jeremy Korzeniewski