Toyota mentioned the Land Cruiser ROX idea can “simply be envisioned as a future manufacturing mannequin,” however that may largely rely upon public response
November 1, 2024 at 16:29
- The CALTY Land Cruiser ROX idea is perhaps greater than only a flashy SEMA construct.
- Toyota claims the ROX idea can “simply be envisioned as a future manufacturing mannequin.”
- The corporate needs to see how the world reacts to a possible Land Cruiser pickup.
The Toyota Land Cruiser ROX idea is shaping as much as be one of many standout points of interest of the 2024 SEMA Present in Las Vegas, rolling in as a closely modified, roofless pickup variant of the brand new off-roader. Whereas most SEMA builds are little greater than imaginative one-offs destined for oblivion, the extent of custom-designed parts on the ROX—and a cryptic trace from Toyota—suggests it may evolve into an precise manufacturing mannequin. Consider it as a lifestyle-oriented pickup model of a real off-roader.
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Toyota itself describes the ROX idea as a “seamless mix of rugged sturdiness and open-air freedom, providing an exhilarating new tackle the traditional Toyota Land Cruiser that may simply be envisioned as a future manufacturing mannequin.” That single sentence was sufficient to make us attain out to Toyota and press them for extra particulars.
We Requested Toyota
Our query to Toyota was easy: does the ROX trace at a manufacturing model model of the Land Cruiser pickup, or was the remark merely a nod to the excessive degree of workmanship that went into this one-off idea? A Toyota spokesperson advised us, “We now have no official assertion on this subject, however SEMA is a chance to study and take a look at ideas. The CALTY Land Cruiser ROX is an idea automobile, and we are going to see how the world reacts to it.”
It’s not a affirmation, however they’re clearly not shutting the door on the thought, both. If the ROX idea sparks sufficient public curiosity, a manufacturing Land Cruiser pickup may simply be on the desk.
LAND CRUISER ROX CONCEPT
Apparently, the Recreation Open eXperience (ROX) idea was designed in CALTY by the identical crew that participated within the growth of the Land Cruiser 250 Collection. Setting apart some wild particulars such because the sliding roof, the dearth of aspect home windows, metal bumpers, and the huge off-road wheels, the ROX contains some options that would find yourself in a manufacturing mannequin.
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As an illustration, Toyota engineers developed a useful tailgate with a {custom} spare wheel provider and bolstered the construction to take care of rigidity regardless of the roofless design. That’s a big quantity of engineering effort for a static SEMA show, suggesting they could have had greater than only a showpiece in thoughts. Different cool parts embrace the half-doors and the sports activities bar, though we’re undecided if the price of growth can be justified for them to search out their approach right into a manufacturing Land Cruiser pickup.
Market Positioning and Competitors
If Toyota decides to maneuver ahead with this mission, it wouldn’t be the one Land Cruiser-based pickup in existence—Toyota has supplied pickup variants of the Land Cruiser for years—however it might be the one one accessible in North America. The Land Cruiser Collection 70, as an example, is obtainable in single-cab and dual-cab pickup configurations in choose markets like Australia. That mannequin has been round since 1984, with its most up-to-date facelift arriving in 2023.
Nevertheless, a ROX-based pickup can be a unique beast; seemingly smaller than the Tacoma and geared toward lifestyle-oriented, adventure-seeking consumers. It could additionally carve out a singular area of interest out there, driving on a rugged ladder-frame chassis fairly than the unibody platforms of rivals just like the Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Alternatively, if Toyota sticks with the topless design of the idea, the Land Cruiser may enter the market as a competitor to the soft-top variations of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
For now, we’ll have to attend and see how the group at SEMA reacts, and whether or not Toyota’s execs drop any extra hints as soon as the mud settles in Las Vegas. The ROX is a daring idea which may simply have a shot at manufacturing if it will possibly seize sufficient consideration. Based mostly on the general public’s response, Toyota officers may give away extra details about what’s being mentioned behind closed doorways.
