[Pathmaker]

Hey guys,

I'm a new member who, once upon a time owned a 95 Jeep YJ. That truck was the perfect amount of fun and versatility, if only it held up a little more mechanically. Am I the only one who wants a real Toyota alternative? One where the doors and roof come off. Come on, I mean it already has similar styling! Wonder why Toyota hasn't considered this since the discontinuation of the FJ.

 

[bicepeak]

Hey guys,

I'm a new member who, once upon a time owned a 95 Jeep YJ. That truck was the perfect amount of fun and versatility, if only it held up a little more mechanically. Am I the only one who wants a real Toyota alternative? One where the doors and roof come off. Come on, I mean it already has similar styling! Wonder why Toyota hasn't considered this since the discontinuation of the FJ.

Welcome Pathmaker!

 

[ToyoForLife]

Even the original Fj's roof wasn't removable, but it was certainly solid and handy for carrying cargo. Don't think Toyota would want to copy a Wrangler because that would be direct competition and they'll most likely lose. Better to carve out their own niche of buyers who aren't looking for a hardcore off roader.

 

[NY-TJ]

Even the original Fj's roof wasn't removable, but it was certainly solid and handy for carrying cargo. Don't think Toyota would want to copy a Wrangler because that would be direct competition and they'll most likely lose. Better to carve out their own niche of buyers who aren't looking for a hardcore off roader.

They already do well with panoramic roof setups and that to me would be a great addition to the TJ. It even plays into the whole off roading edge the production version should have going for it along with catering towards the mostly city driving crowd that will be buying it. The same logic from other current applications.

 

[ToyoForLife]

Not sure about a panoramic roof, but I won't be surprised to see a sun roof offered and it should be easy to add when the roof is so flat. Harder to make curved glass for sloping roofs, easier if it's just a flat piece. It won't compromised roof storage either and something I'd be interested in.

 

[Pathmaker]

Although the styling of a panoramic roof is great, they often come with a wide array of downfalls. First and foremost, is the generation of heat that accumulates in the summer months, its basically a giant window facing the sun. Second panoramic roofs that are motorized often result in a loss of headroom, to accommodate the motor mechanism. This is why I just want a giant piece of plastic that pops off with a couple lock releases...sigh one can dream.

 

[ToyoForLife]

Just sat in my friend's Jeep the past weekend with the panoramic roof and it sucked the heat out of the cabin! I could instantly feel a drop in temperature once the cover was opened and now I don't think it's such a good idea anymore, still nice to get that extra natural light coming in, but not sure if the climate changes are worth it.

 

[Pathmaker]

Yeah they definitely put styling above function, but a Jeep owner is probably pretty used to the huge variations in temperature. I remember when I turned on the so called heater in my old Jeep during the winter, that often it would blow the snow right into the cabin. They could easily provide more insulation to a glass roof by adding a retractable screen of some kind.

 

[NY-TJ]

Yeah they definitely put styling above function, but a Jeep owner is probably pretty used to the huge variations in temperature. I remember when I turned on the so called heater in my old Jeep during the winter, that often it would blow the snow right into the cabin. They could easily provide more insulation to a glass roof by adding a retractable screen of some kind.

I actually wish they put more emphasis on design because with the tech we have these days there are more ways around what design can compromise. In this segment that tech won't jack up price too much.

 

[bicepeak]

I actually wish they put more emphasis on design because with the tech we have these days there are more ways around what design can compromise. In this segment that tech won't jack up price too much.

Tech tends to get less expensive the longer it's been around. By now a lot of it doesn't cost the companies much to put on.

 

[NY-TJ]

Tech tends to get less expensive the longer it's been around. By now a lot of it doesn't cost the companies much to put on.

Mercedes is a great example of it being done an on aggressive level and very soon. Systems similar to whats in the new S-Class and E-Class is also coming to entry-level models like the CLA and A-Class hatch/sedan

 

[bicepeak]

Mercedes is a great example of it being done an on aggressive level and very soon. Systems similar to whats in the new S-Class and E-Class is also coming to entry-level models like the CLA and A-Class hatch/sedan

Did you see those huge screens the use for everything? Wow!

 

[NY-TJ]

Did you see those huge screens the use for everything? Wow!

Its insane and amazing at the same time. Mercedes knows what people want these days and tech is really it, they want an iPad with wheels and be surrounded by leather

 

[bicepeak]

Its insane and amazing at the same time. Mercedes knows what people want these days and tech is really it, they want an iPad with wheels and be surrounded by leather

Screens seem to be growing in size on all cars, but they have a ways to go to match Mercedes screens!

 

[ToyoForLife]

The large screen unit in the new Mercedes A-Class is what dreams are made of, but they definitely come at a very high cost and not something I'm willing to pay for anytime soon. Also don't doubt that repairs are going to be very costly. Though that is preferable, the usual screen sticking out will do just fine on a rugged car like the cruiser and by the time Toyota does release the next-gen cruiser, maybe larger screen will have become the standard and something like the A-Class unit will be an add on.

 

[Pathmaker]

Yeah I don't know if there is much point in comparing the technology found in the Mercedes to what we could find in the TJ. Although the TJ Cruiser is likely to have some newer tech, I doubt it'll be along the lines of the luxurious offerings found in the A-Class. I have a feeling we will see a relatively simple and small infotainment system in the TJ, and lets hope its improved upon what we've seen in concept.

 

[bicepeak]

Yeah that is a pretty tiny screen....not likely to see production.