LAS VEGAS (October 27, 2025) — Toyota presented at the 2025 SEMA Show one of the most notable vehicles of the event: the Turbo Trail Cruiser, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 with the technological heart of a V6 biturbo i-FORCE.
The project, developed by Toyota Motorsports Garage, combines the timeless style of the classic utility vehicle with the performance and efficiency of the brand’s contemporary engineering.
A fusion between past and future
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The Turbo Trail Cruiser is powered by the 3.4-liter i-FORCE twin-turbo V6 engine, the same one used in the Toyota Tundra pickup truck, delivering 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque — nearly double the FJ60’s original inline-six.
Beyond power, the new set offers lower noise, fewer emissions and greater efficiency, while maintaining the smoothness and reliability characteristic of Toyota engines.
“The Turbo Trail Cruiser demonstrates what happens when modern Toyota performance technology is integrated with one of our most iconic classics,” said Marty Schwerter, director of operations at Toyota Motorsports Garage and responsible for the project. “It’s a hot-rod approach with Toyota DNA: power, handling and reliability in a package faithful to the original Land Cruiser.”
Original style with a modern soul
Unlike many restomod projects, the Turbo Trail Cruiser was designed to preserve the original appearance and structure of the 1985 FJ60. No firewall cuts, structural modifications or drastic changes were made.
The team designed custom engine mounts, an adapter plate to mate the V6 to the original 5-speed manual transmission, and redesigned the oil pan to make it compatible with the Land Cruiser chassis.
The exhaust system was completely custom, providing an aggressive sound, while a new heat exchanger and custom electrical wiring harness ensure factory-quality performance and reliability.
Externally, the vehicle received a 1.5-inch raised suspension, 35-inch tires, retro graphics, and PPG Silver 1986 147 paint — true to the original shade. Inside, the modern JBL sound system stands out, updating the cabin without compromising its vintage charm.
A tribute to Toyota’s legacy
“For Toyota fans, the Turbo Trail Cruiser is about much more than horsepower,” said Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. “It’s about preserving the character of a vehicle beloved by enthusiasts and showing how the brand’s technology can elevate the driving experience.”
The model will be displayed at Toyota’s booth during the 2025 SEMA Show, as a symbol of the brand’s multimodal strategy — which seeks to balance traditional, hybrid, electric and fuel cell engines, offering freedom of choice to consumers.
Note: The vehicle is a special prototype, modified with parts and accessories not commercially available. These modifications may affect warranty, performance and safety, and may not be legal for use on public roads.
Source and images: Toyota. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
