The Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept keeps the old-school charm of the FJ60 while packing powerful twin-turbo performance for SEMA 2025.
Toyota is taking fans of classic off-roaders on a nostalgic ride with its latest creation, the Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept, a beautifully restored and reimagined 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60. The automaker unveiled the build ahead of the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, demonstrating that vintage vehicles can thrive in the modern age without compromising their essence.
A Vintage Land Cruiser With a Powerful New Heart
Unlike most restomods that replace old engines with heavy modifications, Toyota took a very different approach. The Motorsports Garage team gave the original FJ60 a major power upgrade while retaining its classic body, frame, and mechanical components.
Gone is the original 2F 4.2-liter inline-six, which made 135 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. In its place sits a modern 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 i-Force engine, the same powerhouse found in Toyota’s newer trucks. The result? A stunning 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, more than double the performance of the old motor.
Even more impressive, the FJ60’s factory five-speed manual transmission, “split” transfer case, and live front and rear axles remain untouched. This is a rare achievement, as most swaps of this nature require redesigning the drivetrain. It’s a testament to how overbuilt Toyota’s classic driveline really was back in the 1980s.
Old Body, New Soul: The Perfect Blend
To make everything fit under the hood, Toyota’s Motorsports Garage team created a new oil pan and a custom exhaust system. The new setup not only helps clear the engine bay but also gives the vintage SUV a deeper, more aggressive sound that perfectly matches its modern power.
A new radiator was added as well, offering better cooling capacity while still fitting into the original factory mounting points. The engineers even designed a fresh wiring harness and upgraded the engine management system, all while maintaining the original driving feel of the classic Land Cruiser. Image source
Built to Look Original, Down to the Smallest Detail
One of Toyota’s biggest goals was to ensure that the Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept still looked like a factory-fresh FJ60 from the 1980s. To achieve this, the Motorsports Garage team gave it only a few subtle upgrades: a 1.5-inch suspension lift, a front shackle reversal, and a set of 35-inch Continental TerraContact A/T tires mounted on 17×9 Mickey Thompson Canyon Pro wheels.
Otherwise, the body is almost identical to how it rolled out of the showroom four decades ago. The restoration used period-correct paint and graphics, including a reproduction of the original Silver 147 color in collaboration with PPG. The result is a Land Cruiser that looks as if it’s been preserved in a time capsule since 1985.
A Classic Interior With a Modern Touch
Inside, Toyota kept nearly everything true to the 1980s interior layout, right down to the upholstery and dash design. The only major update is a new infotainment system, replacing the original AM/FM radio with an Alpine Halo11 head unit and JBL speakers.
This gives the cabin rich sound quality and modern features like touchscreen navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, all without cutting up or modifying the dashboard. While the large 11-inch screen may look a bit modern for such a retro ride, Toyota managed to fit it using a single-DIN mount, staying faithful to the original dash design.
Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts
Toyota’s Motorsports Garage team didn’t just build a showpiece; they built a tribute to Land Cruiser heritage. Every detail, from the careful restoration to the powerful yet compatible engine swap, reflects Toyota’s deep respect for its off-road legacy.
The Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept proves that you don’t have to choose between vintage looks and modern performance. It’s both a rugged, reliable 4×4 that looks old but drives like something straight out of today’s lineup.
Where You Can See It
Car fans and off-road enthusiasts can get a firsthand look at the Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept at the 2025 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It will be one of many customized Toyota vehicles on display, highlighting the brand’s “multi-pathway strategy,” a commitment to innovation through multiple power sources, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and hydrogen fuel-cell models.
Why This Build Matters
Toyota’s approach to the Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept isn’t just about horsepower- it’s about showing that the company’s engineering roots still run deep. By maintaining the original mechanical components, Toyota proves that its classic vehicles were built with incredible durability and foresight.
For enthusiasts who love the blend of old-school toughness and modern-day power, this concept represents the perfect balance. It’s a vision of what happens when tradition meets technology, and it keeps the legendary Land Cruiser spirit alive for the next generation.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept is more than a custom build- it’s a rolling reminder that timeless design never goes out of style. With its restored looks, boosted performance, and respect for original craftsmanship, this restomod might just be one of the most authentic blends of past and future we’ve seen in years.
Expect this stunning FJ60 to draw plenty of attention when it takes center stage at SEMA 2025, a perfect tribute to the heritage and evolution of the Land Cruiser name.
FAQs
What is the Toyota Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept?
It’s a special version of the 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60 built for the SEMA Show. Toyota restored the old SUV and added a modern twin-turbo engine while keeping its classic body, suspension, and manual gearbox.
What engine does the Turbo Trail Cruiser use?
It runs on a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 i-Force engine from Toyota’s newer models. This powerful setup makes 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is more than double the original engine’s power.
Did Toyota keep the original manual transmission?
Yes. The Turbo Trail Cruiser still uses the original five-speed manual gearbox from the 1985 Land Cruiser. Engineers made custom parts to connect it to the new twin-turbo engine.
What’s different about this Land Cruiser compared to the old FJ60?
The biggest change is under the hood: a modern, turbocharged engine with far more power. It also features new wheels, larger tires, and a slight suspension lift. But the body and interior still look mostly original.
Can you buy the Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept?
Not yet. It’s a concept vehicle, meaning it was built to show at SEMA 2025, not for sale. However, it shows what’s possible if Toyota or custom builders decide to make similar restomod versions in the future.
What makes this restomod different from others?
Most restomods change everything, but this one keeps most of the original parts, including the frame, axles, and transfer case. Toyota just added power and technology without losing the FJ60’s classic feel.
Does the Turbo Trail Cruiser still drive like the original?
Yes. Even though the engine and electronics are new, Toyota designed it to keep the same driving feel as the 1985 Land Cruiser. The steering, suspension, and gear shifting all stay true to the original design.
What updates were made to the interior?
Inside, the SUV still looks vintage, but it now includes a modern Alpine touchscreen, JBL speakers, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The dashboard and seats were restored to look factory-new.
Where can people see the Turbo Trail Cruiser in person?
It will be displayed at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This event showcases new and custom vehicle builds from automakers and tuning shops worldwide.
Why is Toyota showing off this old Land Cruiser now?
Toyota wants to celebrate the Land Cruiser’s long history while showing how old models can be upgraded for modern performance. It’s also part of Toyota’s plan to highlight different power options: gas, hybrid, electric, and more.
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