- 1985 FJ60 Cruiser fitted with modern i-Force twin-turbo V6.
- Built by Toyota Motorsports Garage to appear 'factory original'
- Every new component adapted to avoid cutting into the classic Cruiser.
A unique restomod Toyota Land Cruiser will go on show at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA, that's hot rods and aftermarket performance) show from tomorrow, in Las Vegas (November 4-8).
The Turbo Trail Cruiser has been created by the Toyota Motorsports Garage (TMG). It blends a 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 with the modern 290kW/649Nm 3.4-litre twin-turbo i-Force engine from the current Tundra ute. It nearly doubles the outputs of the 1980s original.
TMG says the project differs from many restomod efforts in that it attempts to present a package that appears "factory original". Every component was developed to fit without cutting into the firewall, relocating mount points, or altering the vehicle's structural integrity.
“The Turbo Trail Cruiser is about showing what happens when Toyota’s modern performance technology is integrated into one of our most iconic classics,” says Marty Schwerter, director of operations at TMG and lead builder of the project.
“It’s a hot-rod approach with Toyota DNA - power, driveability, and reliability in a package that still feels true to the original Land Cruiser.”
The TMG team engineered new motor mounts and machined an adapter plate to mate the i-Force V6 to the bell housing of the factory 5-speed transmission. The engine oil pan was redesigned to work with the Land Cruiser’s chassis layout, while a bespoke exhaust system provides an aggressive exhaust note.
A new heat exchanger was fitted to original mounting points to provide added cooling capacity for the turbocharged engine, while a custom wiring harness makes the connection to the engine management system, ensuring factory-quality drivability.
Beyond the powertrain, the classic FJ received a modest 1.5-inch lift, 35-inch tires, front shackle reversal, and
period-correct colors and graphics finished in a PPG reproduction of Toyota’s original 1986 Silver 147.
Inside, a modern JBL stereo system enhances the vintage cabin experience.
“For Toyota fans, the Turbo Trail Cruiser is about more than just horsepower,” says Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Marketing. “It’s about preserving the character of a vehicle enthusiasts love while showing how seamlessly Toyota technology can elevate the driving experience. It’s a concept build, but it demonstrates the passion we share with our customers for keeping these classics alive in new and exciting ways.”
