The larger and more technologically advanced Toyota Land Cruiser The 80 Series may be the more popular choice for Australian tough truck upgraders, but Toyota has opted for the earlier one 60 series (FJ60) from the 1980s as the basis for this eye-catching official resto-mod, which will be revealed at the upcoming SEMA Show.
But the cool novelty of the Japanese giant Turbo Trail Cruiser – one of no fewer than two dozen Toyota concepts that will be on display at the world’s largest automotive aftermarket show in Las Vegas from November 4th to 7th – is probably more appropriately called a hot rod.
That’s because it’s been blessed with a modern engine transplant that nearly doubles the original model’s power, in the form of a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged i-Force gasoline V6 from the full-size Tundra pickup.
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The result is 290kW of power and 650Nm of torque – almost double the output of the car’s original inline-six engine – and, according to Toyota, quieter operation, improved refinement, lower emissions and better fuel efficiency, making this classic LandCruiser “feel more modern, more roadworthy and more capable than ever before”.
With the goal of maintaining the factory-original appearance, Toyota says all components were designed to fit without cutting into the firewall or altering the structural integrity of the 1985 FJ60.
New engine mounts and a machined adapter plate were required to connect the i-Force V6 to the bell housing of the FJ60’s factory five-speed transmission, while the oil pan around the chassis was redesigned and a bespoke exhaust system is said to add an aggressive note.
A new heat exchanger has been installed at the original mounting points to provide additional cooling capacity to the turbocharged engine, and a custom wiring harness connects to the engine management system to ensure “factory-quality drivability.”
Aside from a modest 1.5-inch suspension lift, including reversing the front shackles for better articulation, and fat 35-inch tires on polished beadlock wheels, the Turbo Trail Cruiser remains surprisingly original.
The ladder frame chassis itself is untouched and within the undamaged sheet metal (save for the period paint and graphics finished in a PPG reproduction of the original 1986 Toyota Silver 147) is a stock looking interior.
In fact, the only interior upgrades are a tablet-style multimedia touchscreen mounted on the retro dashboard and a modern JBL sound system; Even the original halogen headlights are retained to preserve the vehicle’s old-school charm.
“For Toyota fans, the Turbo Trail Cruiser is about more than just horsepower,” said Mike Tripp, vice president of Toyota USA Marketing Group.
“It’s about preserving the character of a beloved vehicle while demonstrating how seamlessly Toyota technology can enhance the driving experience. It’s a concept design, but it shows the passion we share with our customers for keeping these classics alive in new and exciting ways.”
Marty Schwerter, Toyota Motorsports Garage Operations Manager and lead developer on the project, said: “The Turbo Trail Cruiser is about showcasing what happens when Toyota’s advanced performance technology is integrated into one of our most iconic classics.
“It’s a hot rod approach with Toyota DNA – performance, handling and reliability in a package that still feels like the original LandCruiser.”
MORE: Explore the Toyota LandCruiser showroom
