Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Superb 1 Owner 2007 Toyota Fj Cruiser Pkg 2, Katzkin Leather Rear Park Assist on 2040-cars

Year:2007 Mileage:31032 Color: Sun Fusion/White Top
Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Advertising:

     

2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 4x4

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4

 

1 Owner • 31,032 Miles

 

Katzkin Leather Seats • Rear Parking Assist • Upgrade Package 2

 

Locking Rear Differential • Inclinometer • Suicide Doors

 

Ultra Low Mileage • Aesthetic and Functional Near Perfection • Future Collectable

 

If you want to talk deal, pick up the phone

and make your serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond nicely to stupid messages such as:

"What's your reserve?"

"What is your bottom line?"

"What's the least you'll take?"

"What is your bottom dollar?"

"Do you have a Buy-it-Now?"

"What's it take to buy it?"

"What is your asking price?"

I will not email you a figure but we can talk about it.

 

It's a flippin' Auction!  That means . . . it's your number that counts . . . not mine.

 

Also, if yours is among the hundreds of emails I get with any of the above lame questions, I will immediately assume that you(r):

have not taken time to read the listing

have zero intent to purchase

• are clueless about relevant market values

• forthcoming "offer" will be completely detached from reality

 

26 years in the business has proven beyond all doubt that serious buyers read every line, look at every picture, research well enough on their own and feel confident making a real offer.

 

Our presentations are unequalled, on eBay or anywhere else.

We are therefore, usually able to choose from among quality buyers that actually want to purchase a vehicle.

 

THE ONLY WAY TO WORK YOUR DEAL IS TO CALL ME!

My vehicles are so unique and so rare,

knowing how much they will or should sell for is nearly impossible.

That is the magic of an eBay auction . . . serious buyers making a serious offer.

 

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4

VIN: JTEBU11F170030636

Odometer: 31,032

Engine: 4.0 Liter VVTi DOHC V6

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Exterior: Sun Fusion/White Top  (2JU)

Interior: Katzkin Charcoal Leather

Built: June, 2006 - Hino Motors, Hamura, Tokyo, Japan

 

Over 118 high resolution pictures below.

 

Standard Equipment

5-Passenger 5-Door 4-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Vehicle

4.0 Liter VVTi DOHC V6 Engine

239 horsepower @ 5,200/278 ft-lb. torque @ 3,700 RPM

Electronic 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

4-Wheel Drive with 2-Speed Transfer Case  (1.00/2.57 center differential)

Variable Gear Power Rack and Pinion Steering

4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist

Vehicle Stability Control/Traction Control

Engine/Front Suspension, Transfer Case and Fuel Tank Skid Plates

Driver and Front Passenger Frontal Airbags

Air Conditioning with Cabin Filter

Power Windows

Power Locks

Tilt Steering

Seatbelt Pretensioners and Force Limiters

8-Way Adjustable Driver's Seat

Backlit/White Faced Analog Gauges: 7,000 RPM Tachometer, 120 MPH Speedometer, Volt Meter, Temperature and Fuel

Rubber Floor Covering

60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat with Removable Cushions

Exterior Color Dash Insert

Rear Defrost

3 Windshield Wipers  (intermittent)

Digital Clock

Covered Driver's Side Dash Top Storage

Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlamps

Black Overfenders with Integrated Mud Flaps

Rear Opening Access Doors

2-Front and 1-Rear Tow Hooks

Pipe Structure Flat Dash

Sun Visors with Passenger Side Mirror

Center Console with 2 Storage Bins and 2 Cup Holders

Seat-Back Pockets

Opening Rear Hatch Glass

Rear Door Storage Net

Rear Cargo Tie-Down Hooks

2 A-Pillar and 2 Front Overhead Assist Handles

2 Front and 2 Rear Door Map Pockets

Fully Boxed Frame

Coil Springs

5,000 lbs. Towing Capacity

Trailer Light Wiring/Plug

Rear Door Mounted Full Size Spare on Matching Alloy Wheel

Jack/Tools

3.72 Axle Ratio

19-Gallon Fuel Tank

 

Optional Equipment

Roof Rack with Adjustable Bars

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Mounted Side Airbags and Front/Rear Side Curtain Airbags

Running Boards

Spare Tire Cover

Toyota Tow Hitch Receiver

Sirius Satellite Radio

Driver and Passenger Fold-Down Armrests

Carpeted Floor and Cargo Mats

First Aid Kit

Convenience Package:

Remote Keyless Entry

Cruise Control

Folding Power Mirrors with Illuminated Markers

Rear Privacy Glass

Rear Wiper

Rear Parking Assist

Daytime Running Lights

Upgrade Package 2:

AM/FM Stereo/6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer with 8-Speakers and Subwoofer

(on/off subwoofer switch)

Exterior Color Interior Door Panel Inserts

Dash Top Gauge Pod Including Compass, Outside Temperature and Floating Ball Type Inclinometer

3-Spoke Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel with Integrated Audio Controls

Aluminum Brush Transmission and Transfer Case Levers

115v/400 Watt Power Outlet

6-Spoke 17-Inch Alloy Wheels

Active Traction Control

Electronic Locking Rear Differential

 

Other Items

Katzkin Leather Upholstery

Capitol Precision Trac II Steel Belted Radials 265/70R17

 

Backstory from the owner...

You are looking for the nicest, near new, best maintained FJ Cruiser you can find.  You are here because the quality found in your neck of the woods, by even the lowest standards, is a joke.  I know exactly how you feel.  I attend specialty and dealer-only auctions every week searching for the best of the best in what me and my assistant (Foy) call "niche autos."  I scan lists of over 3,000 vehicles locally each week and select cars I've come to know are hard to find and that fit my business model of marketing exclusively on eBay.  FJ Cruisers make my list because they are just plain cool.  A few, maybe 1 or 2 a month, appear at one of the three major auctions here in the Las Vegas area or perhaps in local classifieds.  During the past seven years I've seen hundreds of Toyota off-road vehicles and what that means for you is; I have looked at, touched and smelled a lot of Toyota SUVs.  I am extremely picky about what to buy and this FJ is one of just a handful nice enough for this business model.  Past ownership, service history and condition, condition, condition are what matters.  4-wheel drive vehicles are not always treated well, but a precious few are taken care of.  This particular Toyota is one of those rare finds and you will not want to pass it up.  Beautiful paint, spectacular Katzkin leather interior, near new condition everywhere you look and an absolute knock-out to see in person.  As good as my pictures are, they can't possibly show how truly beautiful this truck really is.  What else could you want?  A great deal?  I have that covered too but you will not be purchasing this fine vehicle for wholesale or even low book value.  You already know you get what you pay for and if you want unmatched quality, service, care and condition, this Toyota is a super rare find.  Read what Foy has to say about his time driving this incredible FJ Cruiser.  Examine every picture in detail, see the amazing quality, up close and personal and then make your call and give me an offer.  I promise, you will not be disappointed.

                                                                                                              Doug - Viva Las Vegas Autos, Inc.

 

 

Full disclosure: I knew I would love this Toyota the minute I laid eyes on it and if someone could be objective (for example, a buyer such as yourself) they're going fall head-over-heels as well.  This is a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4-wheel drive with a dazzling Sun Fusion yellow finish.  It has had one previous owner and shows just 31,032 miles on its digital odometer.  It is superbly maintained and has every option available from the factory at the time (Upgrade Package 2) including a locking rear differential, premium audio and a dash-top inclinometer, to name a few.  It also has an expensive Katzkin leather seat upgrade that appears factory installed.  It looks, feels and functions like a brand new vehicle and the more I drive it, the more I want it.  Intensely . . .

 

 

available dates/mileage
6-06 compliance label build date
7-16-06 NICB - vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer  
8-1-06 Longo Toyota - El Monte, California - install Sirius Satellite 12 miles
8-9-06 Longo Toyota - El Monte, California - install center caps 15 miles
9-11-06 California DMV - Los Angeles  
9-20-06 Longo Toyota - El Monte, California - install spare tire cover, activate remote 16 miles
10-5-06 California DMV - Los Angeles  
10-15-06 California DMV - Los Angeles  
9-12-08 California DMV - Los Angeles  
6-18-09 California DMV - Los Angeles  
6-11-13 California DMV - Los Angeles  
8-5-13 California emissions - Los Angeles 28,372
1-6-14 California emissions - Duarte 30,571
1-29-14 Nevada DMV - Clark County  
4-2-14 Carmax - Henderson, Nevada 30,603
4-9-14 current 31,032

 

 

The boxy shape and lozenge grille strongly connects the new FJ to the original Land Cruiser and like its legendary predecessor, is a very real and serious off-road performer.  As you'll see in the pictures below, it has a beefy, fully boxed frame, an undercarriage armored with thick skid plates, a 2-speed transfer case and suspension pickup points tucked up and well out of harms way.  Its off-road prowess is no accident; this FJ Cruiser is justifiably fearless in the outback . . .

 

 

I simply never get tired of looking at this gorgeous SUV and it's even more amazing when you consider some of its startling capabilities.  The FJ Cruiser has 8-inches of rear suspension travel and over 9-inches up front and can ford 27 inches of water.  The good news is, from what I can see, this FJ hasn't even been down a dirt road yet . . .

 

 

Integrated mudguards, covered full size spare, optional roof rack with adjustable cross bars and running boards make this FJ Cruiser look terrific.  I especially like the corners on this rig and come to find out, the design was intentional.  The chamfered corners (up front in particular) are a definite off-road plus when the going gets claustrophobic . . .

 

 

Side opening rear door with a glass hatch that opens too.  Also, an externally carried spare is important for an authentic 4-wheel drive.  Imagine having a flat in the mud, crawling around on all fours to retrieve the spare.  Or worse, a vehicle sinking in the wet with an undercarriage mounted spare tire on or near the ground.  Carrying it outside the vehicle makes it easy to get to and avoids taking up valuable interior space . . .

 

 

With the installed receiver tow hitch, this FJ Cruiser can haul up to 5,000 lbs.  The muscular 4.0 liter engine is definitely up to the task with an impressive 278 ft-lbs of torque, enough to squirt the FJ through traffic with authority.  Behind the wheel, the upright windshield appears further away than most vehicles and the perception of roominess is real - one of the most comfortable cabins I've ever been in . . .

 

 

Lots of FJ Cruisers for sale but this is the one I want.  They look great in any color but I like this slightly darker shade of yellow best and this FJ is equipped exactly right with quality perfect for the most demanding buyer.  Exceptional low mileage, spectacular condition and feels showroom fresh behind the wheel, this stunning FJ is going to sell very quickly to a very happy person . . .

 

 

Looks like new in here and things like a flat instrument panel with silver trim pipe structure, outside body color dash and door panel inserts and an upright windshield are styling cues taken directly from the original FJ40.  This modern interpretation however has a 9-speaker stereo with 6-disc in-dash changer, an enormous bass boom box in the cargo area, a 400-watt power outlet, leather wrapped steering wheel and power equipment everywhere . . .

 

 

Toyota never offered a leather interior for the FJ Cruiser but the quality of the Katzkin upholstery in this FJ looks factory perfect - as well it should for an installed price approaching $1,500.  Even with an all-weather floor that can be hosed out, the smooth leather manages to look and feel luxurious . . .

 

 

This optional dash-top pod is very cool.  A simple digital outside temperature in the middle, a floating ball compass on the left and an inclinometer at right showing fore/aft and side-to-side angles up to 30°.

 

 

Looks like a boom box but this is a subwoofer that can be turned off by a button on the dash . . .

 

 

Floor can be easily washed out . . . vehicle has averaged about 4,400 miles a year since new.

 

 

4.0 Liter DOHC VVT-i V6 Engine

239 horsepower @ 5,200/278 ft-lb torque @ 3,700 RPM

 

 

Like the rest of the vehicle, the undercarriage looks like it just rolled off the assembly line . . .

 

 

Fully boxed frame and all frame braces and supports are thick gauge steel.

 

 

VIN Decode: JTEBU11F170030636
country J Japan
manufacturer T Toyota
type E multi-purpose passenger vehicle
body/drive type B 5-door wagon, 4x4
engine U 4.0 liter V6  (1GR-FE)
series 1 GSJ15L  (model 4704: 4x4, 5-speed automatic)
restraint system/grade 1 S  (?)
car line F FJ Cruiser
check digit 1 matches per NHTSA
model year 7 2007
assembly plant 0 Hino Motors - Hamura, Tokyo, Japan
sequential production number 030636

 

 

Compliance label with June, 2006 build date.

 

Receiver trailer hitch

 

 

 

Original owner books.

 

 

 

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast.  I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles.  I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners.  I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.  Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle.  If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear.  It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list.  To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back.  He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant.  They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation.  Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me.  Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true.  If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one.  I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay.  He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity.  Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.  Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself.  The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch.  I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.  Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean.  This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing.  If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast.  If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill.  In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent.  How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty?  We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level.  No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information.  I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth.  All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact.  I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay.  To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500.  If your inquiry is sincere and your offer  serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with.  If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation.  Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine.  I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer.  I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine.  I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk a serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond to emails asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now" figures on top line cars.

THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!

The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling figures.

NADA & KBB wouldn't be in business if their values were not real but their figures are averaged for the entire nation.  If this car is less than or better than this average, bid or offer accordingly.

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

 

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

 

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

 

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious.  I know, because I fix them without the advantage of a warranty.  You don't have to.  Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

 

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

 

Terms of Sale
 

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada.  We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery.  We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe.  We stand ready to facilitate whatever arrangements are necessary, at the buyers request and expense.  This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends.  We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction .  We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction.  Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States.  Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams.  M/Os will NEVER be accepted.  CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important:   Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.  Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued.  Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted.  If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty.  This is not a new vehicle, it is used.  A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage.  This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used.  Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A document fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An optional 15 day drive-away permit is available for $8.25. 

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary  to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts.  All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct.  If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do.  Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.  If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction.  Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

 

 
 
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)
Fax Line - 702-889-8486
Dlr # 26850
 
Doug Williams
Owner
 
Direct Line -  702-353-7500
 
 
 

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

 Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.  

 
 
 

A Note for Potential Victims

 

 Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours.  You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system.  They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either.  If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

 

* Be Careful! *

 

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

&

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

 

 

 

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

 

 

 

 

Toyota FJ Cruiser for Sale

Auto Services in Nevada

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Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automotive Tune Up Service
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Phone: (702) 648-2404

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Phone: (888) 434-3959

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Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, Auto Transmission
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Phone: (702) 433-5005

Auto blog

Everybody's doing flying cars, so why aren't we soaring over traffic already?

Mon, Oct 1 2018

"Where's my flying car?" has been the meme for impending technology that never materializes since before there were memes. And the trough of disillusionment for vehicles that can take to sky continues to nosedive, despite a nonstop fascination with flying cars and a recent rash of announcements about the technology, particularly from traditional automakers. Earlier this month, Toyota applied for an eye-popping patent for a flying car that has wheels with spring-loaded pop-out helicopter rotors. The patent filing says the wheels/rotors would be electrically powered, while in on-land mode the vehicle would have differential steering like tracked vehicles such as tanks and bulldozers. At an airshow in July, Aston Martin unveiled its Volante Vision Concept, an autonomous hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle it developed with Rolls-Royce. Aston says the Volante can fly at top speeds of around 200 mph and bills it as a luxury car for the skies. Audi used the Geneva Motor Show in March to unveil a flying car concept called the Pop.Up Next it developed with Airbus and Italdesign. If the Pop.Up Next, an electric and autonomous quadcopter/city car combo, gets stuck in traffic, an app can be used to summon an Airbus-developed drone to pick up the passenger compartment pod, leaving the chassis behind. Audi said that the Pop.Up Next is a "flexible on-demand concept that could open up mobility in the third dimension to people in cities." But Audi also acknowledged that at this point it has no plans to develop it. The cash-stoked, skies-the-limit Silicon Valley tech crowd is also bullish on flying cars. The startup Kitty Hawk that's backed by Google co-founder Larry Page announced in June that it's taking pre-orders for its single-seat electric Flyer that's powered by 10 propellers and is capable of vertical takeoffs and landings. The current version can only fly up to 20 mph and 10 feet in the air and has a flight time of just 12 to 20 minutes on a full charge. The Flyer is considered a recreational vehicle, so doesn't require a pilot's license. Uber says it plans to launch its more ambitious Elevate program and UberAIR service in 2023. "Uber customers will be able to push a button and get a flight on-demand with uberAIR in Dallas, Los Angeles and a third international market," Uber Elevate promises on its website.

Scion was slain by Toyota, not the Great Recession

Wed, Feb 3 2016

Scion didn't have to go down like this. Through the magic of hindsight and hubris, it's easier to see what went wrong. And what might have been. What the industry should understand is this: Scion wasn't a losing proposition from the get-go. Its death is due to negligence and apathy. This is more than just the failure of a sub-brand. It's the failure of a company to deliver new and compelling products over an extended period of time. Toyota will point to the Great Recession as the reason it hedged its bets and withdrew funding for new vehicles, instead of using that as an opportunity to redouble efforts. This was as good as a death warrant, although myopically no one realized it at the time. Sadly, GM's Saturn experiment was a road map for this exact form of failure. No one at Toyota seemed to think the Saturn experience was worth protecting their experimental brand from. Or they weren't heard. Brands live and die on product. Somehow, Scion convinced itself that its real success metric was a youthful demographic of buyers. It seems like this was used to gauge the overall health of the brand. Look at the aging and uncompetitive tC, which Scion proudly noted had a 29-year-old average buyer. That fails to take into account its lack of curb appeal and flagging sales. Who cares if the declining number of people buying your cars are younger? Toyota is going to kill the tC thirteen years [And two indifferent generations ... - Ed.] after it was introduced. In that time, Honda has come out with three entirely new generations of the Civic. Scion wasn't a losing proposition from the get-go. Its death is due to negligence and apathy. At launch, the brand could have gone a few different ways. The xB was plucky, interesting, and useful – a tough mix of ephemeral characteristics – but the xA didn't offer much except a thin veneer of self-consciously applied attitude. That's ok; it was cute. Enter the tC, which managed to combine sporty pretensions with decent cost. It took on the Civic Coupe in the contest for coolness, and usually managed to win. More importantly, an explicit brand value early on was a desire to avoid second generations of any of its models, promising a continually evolving and fresh lineup. At this point, the road splits. Down one lane lies the Scion that could have been. After a short but reasonable product lifecycle, it would have renewed the entire lineup.

Toyota FV2 Concept is a single-seat mood ring for the road

Wed, 20 Nov 2013

Of all the vehicles Toyota brought to the Tokyo Motor Show, the FV2 might be the most creative. The minimalist single-seat concept is a glimpse at Toyota's idea of a "fun to drive" vehicle in the future.
The FV2 is essentially a pod with a diamond-shaped wheel array (what powers said wheels has not been disclosed), and Toyota says that the technology of the vehicle allows it to gauge the driver's mood and suggest possible destinations. The interaction between driver and vehicle is also displayed in an augmented reality screen on the windshield, and the car can also act as a mood ring of sorts with exterior colors and patterns that can change based on the driver's mood. We can just see it now: "Don't mess with Jim today, his car is red."
Scroll down for a brief press release on the FV2.