Toyota’s heading to SEMA with something that doesn’t scream for attention but still manages to turn heads. The Turbo Trail Cruiser takes a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser — arguably the model that transformed Toyota’s off-road icon into a family-friendly SUV — and slips in the turbocharged heart of a current Tundra pickup. It’s managed with a clean build that respects the original while addressing everything that made driving vintage SUVs so much more fun.
The Same But Better
The FJ60 ran from 1980 to 1987 and marked a turning point for the Land Cruiser nameplate. Where the utilitarian FJ40 prioritized capability over comfort, the five-door FJ60 wagon brought amenities like air conditioning, power steering, and plush interiors. Over 400,000 rolled off production lines as the Land Cruiser that made families fall in love with off-roading. Its original 2F inline-six was good for 135hp and 210 lb-ft of torque — respectable in 1985, but not so much so now.
Toyota’s Motorsports Garage team addressed this with the i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Tundra, bumping output to 389 horses and 479 lb-ft of torque. That’s nearly double the original grunt, but the swap brings more than just speed. The modern engine runs quieter, cleaner, and considerably more efficient than its predecessor. They kept the factory five-speed manual too, machining a custom adapter plate to mate it with the new powertrain.
Factory-Fresh Philosophy
Rather than hack away at the firewall or relocate mounting points, every component of the FJ60 was engineered to fit as if it came from the factory. Custom motor mounts, a redesigned oil pan, a new heat exchanger, bespoke wiring harness, and a one-off exhaust system were all developed to preserve the original vehicle’s structural integrity.
The exterior stays remarkably true to form, finished in a PPG reproduction of Toyota’s 1986 Silver 147 paint. A modest 1.5-inch lift and 35-inch tires give it just enough stance, while a front shackle reversal improves articulation off-road. Inside, the only concessions to modernity are a dashboard-mounted touchscreen and a JBL sound system. Everything else — analog gauges, cloth seats with period-correct stripes, physical switchgear — remains untouched.
More Than a Show Truck
The Turbo Trail Cruiser won’t see production, but it does highlight Toyota’s ongoing commitment to its heritage vehicles. The company already offers parts support for classics like the Supra, AE86, and MR2. If this concept resonates with enthusiasts, don’t be surprised if Toyota starts offering restomod components down the line.
Spec Sheet
Model: Toyota Turbo Trail Cruiser (based on 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60)
Engine: 3.4L Twin-Turbocharged V6 (i-FORCE)
Power: 389 hp, 479 lb-ft torque\
Transmission: 5-speed manual (original)
Suspension: 1.5-inch lift, front shackle reversal
Tires: 35-inch
Special Features: Custom motor mounts, adapter plate, redesigned oil pan, heat exchanger, wiring harness, exhaust system, JBL audio
Paint: PPG reproduction of 1986 Toyota Silver 147
Pricing & Availability
The Turbo Trail Cruiser debuts at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas as a one-off concept. Toyota hasn’t announced any production plans.
Recap
Toyota Turbo Trail Cruiser SEMA 2025
For its latest SEMA build, Toyota stuffed a twin-turbo Tundra V6 into a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser, nearly doubling the power while keeping everything looking factory-original.
