World-renowned Toyota truck re-imagineer Icon 4×4 has created a new breed of bespoke FJ: The Roadster. This line begins with the company’s “old school” factory-appearing exterior, then cleanly simplifies the interior and amenities while evolving the mechanical experience.
“We are probably best known for obsessing on small details,” comments Icon Co-Founder/ Lead Designer Jonathan Ward. “But for the FJ Roadster, we decided to go super-simple: no A/C, no doors, less weight… Plus, we’re able to reduce cost and build time — but without compromising durability. If you think of the established Icon FJ series as trekking boots, think of the new Roadster as a pair of all-terrain sport sandals.”
While Spartan simplicity is the theme, Icon does include modern amenities to meet (and ideally exceed) customer expectations. The first-in-series FJ Roadster shown here is loaded with current-tech touches. A prime example is the seat-heaters: three-stage carbon-fiber heating elements integrate with the two-way-stretch marine-rated vinyl upholstery. Icon also elevated the infotainment coefficient with a Pioneer AVIC-8500NEX 7” Multimedia System. Its head unit feeds an Alpine 5-channel digital amplifier, four Focal marine-rated speakers, and a JL Audio 8” subwoofer. The system’s main audio components are secured in an Icon stainless steel center console.
Also, the FJ Roadster’s gauges look analog but were co-engineered by Icon and Dakota Digital to accept modern OBDII powertrain signals.
The rest of the FJ Roadster continues the Icon ethos: a modern interpretation of a utilitarian classic. It uses the same proven, top-quality engineered systems and components as the rest of the Icon FJ line. The foundation is Art Morrison chassis components, including a multi-link suspension system that incorporates Fox Racing coil-overs, Eibach springs, and tunable swaybars. Axles are brute-force Dynatracs with custom Icon/Brembo disc brakes: ProRock 44 front, ProRock 60 rear. The pilot FJ Roadster vehicle is upgraded with ARB Air Locker differentials and Icon Sport Suspension with tunable nitrogen-charged shocks with remote reservoirs.
Power on this FJ Roadster comes from an all-aluminum GM 6.2L fuel-injected V-8 rated at 430 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. (Icon also offers an automatic transmission option as well as the Cummins 2.8L diesel engine.) The FJ’s custom exhaust system is constructed in mandrel bent stainless-steel with a Magnaflow muffler. High-performance underhood components also include a Wilwood master cylinder, PSC power-steering components, and a Hydratech hydro-boost system to further increase braking power.
The FJ Roadster’s exterior appearance begins with an all-new 5052 5/32” aluminum alloy Aqualu tub and a new steel hood. Icon offers the FJ Roadster line in a choice of 11 colors; this first build is powdercoated in Mayan Sun Orange. Another FJ Roadster styling cue is its steel-structure canvas bikini top, offered in a choice of four colors (gray pictured). FJ Roadster No. 1 also has an optional auxiliary LED Reverse Light. The vehicle rolls on 18-inch gray Icon Old School forged aluminum wheels and 285/65R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires.
Icon Lead Designer Jonathan Ward adds, “The FJ Roadster is deal for the weekend warrior and right at home on the trail or in town.” Pricing starts at $185,000, in contrast to the existing Icon FJs’ base price of $215,000. Customers can use Icon’s online configurator to spec out their own FJ Roadster — and all other Icon production models.
The first Icon FJ Roadster will debut to the automotive industry at the 2019 SEMA Show in the Optima Battery booth (#20323). For more information, please visit Icon at Icon4x4.com , @icon4x4 , or call 818-280-3333.
