Could Toyota be gearing up to take on the Ford Bronco? Judging by its latest concept, we wouldn't be surprised. The automaker recently unveiled an open air concept it calls the Land Cruiser “ROX", which stands for "Recreation Open eXperience". It's basically a Land Cruiser with a convertible top. Toyota goes so far as to call it an "exhilarating new take on the classic Toyota Land Cruiser that can easily be envisioned as a future production model."
The concept is a modern take on the iconic off-roader- and even the exterior body color is inspired by “Spring Green,” a vintage Land Cruiser paint color.
Kevin Hunter, president at Calty Design Research, shared the purpose of the concept: “We asked ourselves how we could make an even more exciting experience for our Land Cruiser enthusiast but from a real product perspective,” Hunter said. “Using Land Cruiser 250 as a base, we modified the body to open it up, expanding the usability, functionality and overall fun outdoor experience.”
Photo Credit: Toyota.
“Open air concepts have been a part of Land Cruiser’s heritage, particularly the “topless” version,” says Exterior Chief Designer, Adam Rabinowitz. “As our design team was sketching this open-top derivative, there was definitely an emotional connection to the Land Cruisers of the past.”
The team started with the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser and then reinvented and fabricated more than half of it to get the new look. The team even worked closely with Toyota Technical Center to create the stamping tools needed to produce the body panels and components for the one-off.
Video: Ford.
Custom-fabricated “skeleton” doors with open upper and lower sections are positioned atop aggressive-looking, high-clearance rocker panels and rock rails. The concept is equipped with a custom sliding soft top, functional mid-gate, integrated tailgate seating and extra storage space behind the cabin.
The interior features custom SLS Nylon 3D printed bits including front and rear doorsills, Heritage Orange leather, and door panels with integrated safety kits and catch-all webbing to hold sunglasses and other adventure gear.
Utility features include a custom integrated triple-bar roof rack and sports bar with molle panels to secure anything that doesn’t fit in the bed or attach to the molle panels. In the back, a custom jerry can next to the rear spare carrier provides secure storage and transportation of liquids. Custom fabricated, high-lift front and rear steel bumpers with D-rings and brush guards provide fore and aft protection. At each corner, specially designed, widened fenders are filled with massive tires mounted to custom Calty-designed, 18-inch 1-piece machined billet wheels.
In terms of off-road capability, the design team added a customized independent suspension by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). After adding a 4-inch lift, the team increased the track width 8 inches by way of forged aluminum control arms at both the front and back, which widens the fender flares and provides a greater stroke range and a broad, menacing stance.
So will Toyota in fact turn this into some form of reality? Stay tuned.
Photo Credit: Toyota.