CARS.COM — Toyota released a concept vehicle teaser today that is truly a tease: just a photo of a tire and the phrase “Four Wheeling. Scene Stealing.” It promised a full reveal of the FT-4X Concept (Future Toyota 4×4?) concept April 12 at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.
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Not much to go on, then, but enough to light a fire under fans of the departed Toyota FJ Cruiser who hope for a new version of that cult-hit truck last sold in the U.S. in 2014. Giving some cred to the idea is the fact that the tire in the photo is a beefy, block-tread, 225/55 18-inch Goodyear.
There’s a business case for a new FJ. Toyota must have noticed that Jeep’s Wrangler continues to sell, with a new generation waiting in the wings. Also, Ford has announced a return of the Bronco with off-road chops. And there is a world market for such a truck, particularly in places where driving on the road is like off-roading. Will Toyota, home of ruggedized TRD truck models, leave this profitable segment to others?
We’ll have full coverage here of what Toyota unveils in New York, so check back.
