Toyota has introduced the Turbo Trail Cruiser at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The vehicle is a modernized version of the classic Land Cruiser FJ60, featuring Toyota’s i-FORCE 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which is also used in the current Tundra model. This new powertrain produces 389 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque, nearly twice the output of the original FJ60’s inline-six engine.
The updated engine offers quieter operation, reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and a more responsive driving experience due to its twin turbochargers. According to Marty Schwerter, Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Garage and lead builder for this project: “The Turbo Trail Cruiser is about showing what happens when Toyota’s modern performance technology is integrated into one of our most iconic classics. It’s a hot-rod approach with Toyota DNA — power, drivability, and reliability in a package that still feels true to the original Land Cruiser.”
The design team aimed to maintain an appearance as close to factory-original as possible. They developed custom motor mounts and an adapter plate so that the modern V6 could be paired with the FJ60’s existing five-speed transmission without altering the vehicle’s structural integrity. Other modifications include a redesigned oil pan, bespoke exhaust system, additional cooling capacity via a new heat exchanger fitted to original mounting points, and a custom wiring harness for compatibility with contemporary engine management systems.
Exterior updates feature a modest lift of 1.5 inches, 35-inch tires, front shackle reversal, and period-correct colors finished in PPG reproduction paint matching Toyota’s original 1986 Silver 147 scheme. Inside, enhancements are limited to features such as a modern JBL stereo system while maintaining much of the vintage cabin look.
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing stated: “For Toyota fans, the Turbo Trail Cruiser is about more than just horsepower. 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.”
The Turbo Trail Cruiser will be on display at Toyota’s booth during SEMA 2025 as part of Toyota’s ongoing strategy to offer multiple powertrain options including gasoline engines alongside hybrids and other electrified vehicles.
Toyota has operated in the United States for almost seven decades and employs nearly 48,000 people nationwide across its manufacturing plants and dealerships. In 2025, Toyota began assembling automotive batteries for electrified vehicles at its North Carolina facility.
For further details about Toyota’s initiatives or products visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
