Following TLC ICON's secret test of its prototype chassis on its BAJA Edition ICON at SEMA and the BAJA 1000 released last year, it has decided to release its new chassis to the public. The chassis was developed with the help of Morrison Enterprises of Washington state, a longtime leader in the world of custom chassis and suspension design for everything ranging from top car builders to Special Operations military projects.
The new ICON chassis features rigid, wrinkle-free frame rails made of mild steel. The chassis is precisely designed, formed, and expertly hand-welded to ensure the highest quality. The chassis also features four-wheel independent coil suspension in contrast to the classic leaf spring chassis. The chassis will also come with 12 in. of true wheel travel, front and rear anti-roll bars, heavy-duty Johnny joints, and .250 wall 2-in. steel control arms. The new ICON suspension allows for increased off-road performance with improved road manners, while saving weight off the old leaf-spring system. The Race version of the new coil chassis features remote canister 2.5-in. RaceRunner nitrogen charged shocks, hydraulic bump stops, and limiter straps. For those who desire the classic leaf springs, it will be available until ICON chooses to stop production in favor of the new coil chassis.
ICON is looking to build FJ45 Pick Up trucks. An original Long Bed concept is now cruising the London streets on biodiesel, with another original Short Bed version containing a more refined body based off the Long Bed FJ45. Some of the Long Bed's original body dissimilarities in line and proportion were smoothed out. An extra 6 in. of cabin space was added as well. The New School ICON FJ45 Short Bed will be equipped with the 450-hp LS6 Chevy engine and automatic transmission, and it looks like there is adequate interest in future FJ45 models.
ICON's next focus was on its seats. After receiving feedback that the front seats were tight on occupants' ribcages, the seatbacks were expanded by 2 in., and the lines were improved. The rear seat was also expanded with the addition of a headrest while remaining a tuck-and-tumble seat.
ICON has experienced increased interest in unique projects due to more market exposure. The project ranged from private individuals to corporations. Lexus was consulting ICON to add edge and styling to the new LX 570, and ICON is looking forward to the projects the future will bring.
Source: TLC Icon Newsletter