Patent submission the thumbs-up for “mini” Toyota FJ Cruiser production?

Toyota has ignited speculation that its latest patent filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office has paved the way for the concept FT-4X becoming a reality.

Unveiled at New York International Auto Show two years ago where it was described as being 75% production, motor1.com reports that the automaker’s filing for the designation 4Active could either represent the final production name of the FJ Cruiser inspired crossover, or possibly even refer to a completely different aspect of it or future models.

What it however known is that Toyota will be producing an all-new crossover from 2021 at its equally fresh Huntsville Plant in Alabama as part of a $1.6-billion (R22.4-billion) joint development exercise with Mazda, which will seemingly be the FT-4X after the cancellation of Corolla production as well as that of an unspecified Mazda SUV.

In concept form, the FT-4X makes use of the same TNGA platform as the Corolla, C-HR and RAV4, but if approved, will slot-in between the latter pair and join the 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia and Land Cruiser 200 in Toyota’s North American SUV line-up.

Another possible theory is that the 4Active patent could refer to the four-wheel-drive system, which will however come without a low-range transfer case as previewed by the FT-4X. Expect more details and reports on the matter to emerge within the coming weeks and months.

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