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This isn’t a case of slapping in a modern motor and calling it a day. The engineering team went all-in — fabricating custom mounts, redesigning the oil pan, and even building a special wiring harness from scratch. They designed an adapter plate to mate the new V6 to the FJ60’s original five-speed manual transmission, preserving that old-school driving feel. Then they added a custom exhaust system that gives the SUV a growl as fierce as its performance.
Built to Drive — Not Just Show
Most concept cars at SEMA are built for photos, not dirt roads. But Toyota made sure this one’s the real deal. The ladder-frame chassis stays, while a 1.5-inch suspension lift and 35-inch tires on beadlock wheels make it trail-ready. The front shackle reversal improves off-road articulation — a nod to Toyota’s “function over flash” ethos.
Even with the modern guts, the team refused to mess with what made the FJ60 iconic. Those halogen headlights stay right where they belong, not swapped for LEDs. The square silhouette is untouched. From a distance, it looks like a mint-condition classic — until it roars past you.
Inside, Toyota kept things simple. A JBL sound system and a center touchscreen bring modern convenience, but the rest of the cabin stays true to the 1980s design that fans love.
A Hot Rod with Toyota DNA
“The Turbo Trail Cruiser is about showing what happens when Toyota’s modern performance technology is integrated into one of our most iconic classics,” said Marty Schwerter, Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Garage.
“It’s a hot-rod approach with Toyota DNA – power, drivability, and reliability in a package that still feels true to the original Land Cruiser.”
It’s the kind of build that bridges generations — proving you can honor the past without living in it.
The FJ60 Legacy Lives On
When the Land Cruiser FJ60 debuted in 1980, it marked a shift for Toyota — a step from bare-bones off-roader to comfortable family SUV. It came with unheard-of luxuries for its time, like air conditioning and power steering, while keeping its bulletproof off-road reputation. Over 400,000 units were produced between 1981 and 1987, and today pristine examples can fetch $30,000 or more, with high-end custom builds topping $100,000 at auction.
At this year’s SEMA, Toyota showcased over two dozen projects — from the Camry GT-S Performance Concept to the Corolla Cross Hybrid Nasu Edition — but none hit the crowd like this.
Because this one wasn’t just built for Instagram or the showroom. The Turbo Trail Cruiser is a machine meant to drive, not just shine under convention lights.
For gearheads, it’s proof that Toyota still remembers how to have fun — and that some legends never die.
