SEMA 2007: Adventures in Grafting, Toyota FJ Runner
by Damon Lavrinc on Oct 30th 2007 at 1:17PM 
click above image to view more live shots of the Toyota FJ Runner
Toyota tapped MV Designz in Santa Ana, CA, to fuse two of its most off-road capable creations into one semi-coherent package. The result is the FJ Runner, essentially a 4Runner with an FJ front clip, which Toyota describes as "ruggedness personified." We think it's the proverbial question that no one asked, but equipping the "FJ-R" with all the required gear – 20-inch alloys, Nitto Mud Grapplers, Stoptech brakes and a host of ICE – has made it a true SEMA player.
All the details and specs are posted after the jump in Toyota's press release.
Gallery: Toyota FJ Runner
click to enlarge
PRESS RELEASE
FJ Runner
10/30/2007
For almost 24 years, 4Runner has been identified as a rugged off-road vehicle. The FJ Runner project blends the legendary heritage and DNA of the FJ Cruiser and 4Runner into an invincible mid-SUV. Imagine extreme rugged off-road styling outside while ruggedness is personified inside with a durable rubber-type floor and rear deck material in addition to water-repellant seating material capable of shedding liquids.
The FJ Runner has been lifted giving it serious off-road agility, and equipped with Nitto Mud Grappler™ tires. Inside, FJ Runner has been designed with comfortable seating, balanced with an Alpine state-of-the-art navigation, rear seat entertainment and audio systems that deliver an unparalleled sound experience.
MV Designz of Santa Ana, Calif. created the FJ Runner project vehicle.
FJ RUNNER SPECIFICATIONS
Alpine Audio System
-8 speakers, model #SPR-17S< SPR-17C
-(2) Subwoofer Model # SWR-1042D
-XM satellite radio
-HD included
-Amp 1 400 watts, model # PDX-4.100
-Amp 2 600 watts, model # PDX-1.600
Alpine Multimedia System
-Screen is 8 inches, model #TME-M860
-Control Unit Model # VPA-B222
-Navigation model # NVE-N872a
-HD Radio - Model # TUA-T500HD
-IPOD Nano
Alpine Rear Entertainment System
-7 inch monitors, model#PKG-M780
-2 headrest monitors, not remote controlled and 1 in dash; dash is remote controlled
Wheels and Tires
- 20-inch alloys
- Nitto Mud Grapplers 33x12.5x20
Brakes
Stoptech
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
john 2:22PM (1/26/2008)
I love it. Please make one. The FJ looks and the extra room make this a great rig that looks fantastic.
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Scott Hunter 1:29PM (10/30/2007)
Uhhh.... what's wrong with the hood? Can't it close??? TOO MUCH ENGINE????? ;)
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AlexP 1:36PM (10/30/2007)
No, I think some journalists are incapable of closing them properly, though (check the Cobalt).
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Rick 3:14PM (10/30/2007)
Trying thier damnedest to clear inventory...
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LeftBhindinNY 2:37PM (10/30/2007)
Far from a question no one asked, this couuld be the answer to: Why can't they make an FJCruiser you can see out of!
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Guenther 2:44PM (10/30/2007)
The hood being popped is a little annoying. I like the concept. If the fender surrounds were formed tube instead of plastic, that'd be great. I could do without weird aluminum looking stuff.
I guess te rear door handle didn't make it...
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schneider 3:20PM (10/30/2007)
Still prefer last year's short box FJ.......sigh.
Why don't they make one with a removable rear hardtop over the last third of the vehicle, (D pillar??), as it were? How easy would that be? You'd eliminate the huge blind spot. Weather permitting, of course. And put the orange in production, please.
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simianspeedster 3:35PM (10/30/2007)
"We think it's the proverbial question that no one asked"
To be fair, doesn't this cheap jab apply to basically every car at SEMA?
-SimianSpeedster
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Eek 5:00PM (10/30/2007)
That roof makes the FJ better looking than the actual model by leaps and bounds. Just have to replace that ugly hood.
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thetruth 7:33AM (10/31/2007)
My god your medication isn't working, get help, anyone that could even picture this hideous thing in there mind needs locked away.
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rick 9:59PM (10/30/2007)
Toyota needs to seriously consider hiring some designers. These guys from the night-shift custodial team ain't making it.
One word - FUGLY
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cibrlx01 10:10PM (10/30/2007)
something about it looks as beautiful as a nerd with glasses
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Alex B 3:03PM (10/31/2007)
I like it better than the production FJ - less like a tonka-come-to-life, more like a real truck (and with smaller blind spots hopefully)
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