LAS VEGAS (October 27, 2025) — Toyota unveiled one of the most striking vehicles of the SEMA Show 2025: the Turbo Trail Cruiser, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Land Cruiser FJ60 powered by a high-tech twin-turbo i-FORCE V6 engine.
Developed by Toyota Motorsports Garage, the project combines the timeless design of the classic off-roader with the performance and efficiency of the brand’s modern engineering.
A Fusion of Past and Future
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The Turbo Trail Cruiser is powered by the 3.4-liter twin-turbo i-FORCE V6 engine, the same unit found in the Toyota Tundra pickup, producing 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque — nearly double that of the original FJ60’s inline-six.
More than just power, the new setup delivers reduced noise, lower emissions, and improved efficiency while maintaining the smoothness and reliability that define Toyota engines.
“The Turbo Trail Cruiser shows what happens when Toyota’s modern performance technology is integrated into one of our most iconic classics,” said Marty Schwerter, operations director at Toyota Motorsports Garage and head of the project. “It’s a hot-rod approach with Toyota DNA — power, drivability, and reliability in a package true 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 look and factory structure of the 1985 FJ60. No firewall cutting, structural modifications, or drastic alterations were made.
The team engineered custom motor mounts, an adapter plate to mate the V6 to the original five-speed manual transmission, and redesigned the oil pan for compatibility with the Land Cruiser’s chassis.
The exhaust system was completely custom-built, delivering an aggressive tone, while a new heat exchanger and bespoke wiring harness ensure factory-grade performance and reliability.
Externally, the vehicle features a 1.5-inch lift, 35-inch tires, retro graphics, and PPG Silver 1986 147 paint — true to the original shade. Inside, a modern JBL sound system updates the cabin while maintaining its vintage charm.
A Tribute to Toyota’s Heritage
“For Toyota fans, the Turbo Trail Cruiser is about more than just horsepower,” said Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. “It’s about preserving the character of a beloved vehicle and showing how the brand’s technology can elevate the driving experience.”
The model will be showcased at the Toyota booth during SEMA Show 2025, symbolizing the brand’s multi-path strategy — aiming to balance traditional, hybrid, electric, and fuel-cell powertrains, offering consumers the freedom of choice.
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 street legal.
Source and images: Toyota. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
