Toyota has announced the upgrades for the 2013 model year FJ Cruiser, with the vehicle receiving just a few changes. It all starts with the Trail Teams Special Edition, which gets a new two-tone exterior finish.The Trail Teams Special Edition Package incorporates a standard Off-Road Package and features a new color, Cement Grey, which replaces Radiant Red. With the optional Class Four receiver hitch, the FJ Cruiser can pull a trailer up to 4,700 pounds, enough to take with it, a pair of watercraft, a powerboat, dirt bikes or even a racecar. The 2013 FJ Cruiser offers convenient audio and connectivity features. New for 2013, the FJ Cruiser gains standard power outside mirrors with illuminated markers, and a new Magma Red exterior color.
Upgradation-
The 2013 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition sports a monotone Cement Grey exterior,noticeable by black bumpers, front grille and door handles. Matching Cement Grey accents on the door trim, steering wheel and fabric seat inserts complement the exterior styling. The Trail Teams styling compliments its off-road capability. Under the hood is a cyclone pre-air cleaner (which is standard on all models) here is effective at trapping sand and dirt, while being easy to clean. The Trail Teams package beefs up chassis performance with trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, rear differential lock and the Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) system, engine, fuel tank and transfer cases, skid plates, rock rails, plus Toyota Racing Development (TRD) alloy wheels and BF Goodrich 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires with wheel locks.
The Trail Teams Edition also prepared the FJ Cruiser’s body and interior for serious off-road driving. The power-side mirrors feature Illumination markers, and the auto-dimming rear-view mirror integrates a backup-camera monitor. The water-resistant seats, rubber-type floor and rear deck make it easy to clean the “trail” out of the Trail Teams Edition, while 12V,DC/120W and 120V,AC/400W outlets enable the driver to keep “plugged in”. New Toyota Racing Development (TRD) aluminum door sill scuff plates stand up to wear and mud, an aluminum shift knob and transfer case knob added to the rugged interior design.
In addition, the Trail Teams Edition comes ready for road and trail with a “floating ball” type multi-information display, remote keyless entry, cruise control, rear privacy glass and rear wiper. The final touch is a Trail Teams exterior badge.
Under the Hood-
The FJ Cruiser is powered by DOHC(Double Overhead Camshaft). A 4.0-liter V6 engine, this powerful, responsive V6 incorporates dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i = variable phasing for both the intake and exhaust cams) and produces 260 horsepower and 271 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The broad torque curve helps easy cruising on or off-road. The FJ Cruiser meets the stringent LEV II/Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions certification.
The 2013 FJ Cruiser is available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations. The 4×4 offers a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an electronically shifted five-speed automatic transmission, the 4×2 model is equipped exclusively with the five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission varies the shifting pattern based on road conditions and driver input.
A Flex Lock-Up 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.
Exterior-
The styling cues reminds us of the Toyota’s famed FJ40 4×4 utility vehicle, sold in the U.S. from 1960 to 1983, the FJ Cruiser,design features includes a front grille with two round, five-inch headlights, reminiscent of the FJ40’s frontal styling, the hood and fender contours, and a rear-mounted and exposed full-size spare tire with an off-center license plate mount.
The FJ Cruiser’s side access doors open 90 degrees in clamshell fashion for easy rear-seat ingress and egress. Additionally, a swing-up glass hatch is incorporated into the side-hinged rear door. The glass hatch opens independently of the rear door and helps accommodate longer items. The angular wheel arches open to provide maximum clearance for the FJ Cruiser’s large 32-inch tires at full suspension deflection.Three wiper arms provide nearly complete coverage of the wide windshield.
Interior-
Inside, the Large control knobs provide easy grip, even when wearing gloves. The standard full gauge package – including speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauge and fuel gauge – uses round, black-white dials for enhanced visibility. Switches for major functions, including climate and audio controls, and the optional locking rear differential, are mounted in the center dash panel within easy reach for the driver.The driver’s seat is eight-way adjustable, while the front passenger seat offers four-way adjustment.
Audio system in the 2013 FJ Cruiser includes an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription), auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity, plus hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology. The steering wheel integrates audio system and Bluetooth controls for added ease of use. A 10-speaker JBL premium audio system, including sub woofer, is optional (standard on Trail Teams Special Edition).
Safety-
the FJ Cruiser is standard, equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST), Toyota’s brake override system. The roll-sensing side-curtain airbags can detect a potential rollover and signal the VSC(Vehicle Skid Control ) system to help reduce a lateral skid. In addition, the rollover sensor can signal the standard seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags to deploy.
Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.
