Toyota sends the FJ Cruiser off into the pages of history with the Ultimate Edition

Toyota revealed the final edition of the current FJ Cruiser SUV, one of the few offerings from the Japanese automaker that perpetuates the brand’s long-standing history of producing solid off-roaders. The ending variant is called the Ultimate Edition, and was revealed at the SEMA show in Las Vegas not too long ago.

Only 2,500 examples of the FJ Ultimate Edition will be sold, a car that pays homage to the original, groundbreaking Land Cruiser FJ40 of the 1960s. That, you were obvious to tell with the subtle design cues that mimic the original design.

The 2014 FJ Cruiser Ultimate Edition comes in a Heritage Blue paint job complete with a TRD upgraded suspension supplied by Bilstein, TRD coil springs, a TRD front skid plate, and more.

For full details, check out the press release after the jump.

November 05, 2013

Happy Trails, FJ Cruiser

Toyota Bids Farewell to an Off-Road Icon with Ultimate Edition
2013 SEMA Show – 2014 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams 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 4×4 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 4×4 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.##

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

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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