While the automotive world has recently been abuzz with the arrival of the so-called “baby” Land Cruiser FJ, a fresh concept built on the classic FJ60 platform is poised to steal the limelight at this year’s SEMA Show. Dubbed the Turbo Trail Cruiser, this one-off creation reaches back to the 1980s, merging the timeless styling of the FJ60 with a modern turbocharged powertrain and lifted suspension, resulting in a vehicle that delivers both performance and nostalgia. The concept maintains the classic Land Cruiser charm while injecting it with significantly more speed and capability than its era would suggest.
Under the hood, the Turbo Trail Cruiser is powered by Toyota’s 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 i-Force engine, sourced directly from the latest Tundra. While the engine is not electrified, its output of 389 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque nearly doubles the performance of the FJ60’s original inline-six. This upgrade transforms the classic SUV into a modern, streetable, and capable machine, offering smoother power delivery, enhanced refinement, and improved efficiency without losing the raw appeal of its vintage chassis.
Integrating such a potent V6 into an early-1980s body required extensive engineering innovation. Toyota Motorsports Garage engineers designed custom hardware to accommodate the engine without cutting into the firewall or relocating critical mount points. The extensive list of bespoke components includes engine mounts, a redesigned oil pan, a dedicated heat exchanger, and a specialized wiring harness. An adapter plate allows the new V6 to work seamlessly with the FJ60’s original five-speed manual transmission, while a custom exhaust system provides a tone that reflects the car’s enhanced performance credentials.
Despite these mechanical advancements, the Turbo Trail Cruiser preserves much of the original FJ60 charm. The ladder-frame chassis remains intact but has been upgraded with a 1.5-inch suspension lift and a front shackle reversal to improve wheel articulation. The SUV sits on polished beadlock wheels shod with 35-inch off-road tires, giving it a rugged stance without altering its classic lines. Even the exterior retains the original halogen headlights, resisting modernizing trends to keep the 1980s aesthetic pure.
Inside, updates are subtle and functional rather than flashy. A JBL stereo system and a central touchscreen provide modern convenience while respecting the vintage dashboard layout. These touches enhance usability without compromising the retro vibe that makes the FJ60 iconic.
The Turbo Trail Cruiser will join more than two dozen Toyota concepts at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, including the Camry GT-S and the Corolla Cross Hybrid Nasu, showcasing Toyota’s ability to blend heritage design with contemporary performance in a way that excites both enthusiasts and casual fans alike. This concept serves as a vivid reminder that classic SUVs can be reimagined for the modern era without losing their character.