Toyota shows what an unlimited budget and endless supply chain can do to a classic FJ45 Land Cruiser.
SEMA is undoubtedly one of the most eccentric car shows in the world. With tons of crazy builds and modifications, the event is ultimately unique and different from your average car show. And Toyota Motorsport is joining the event and showcasing a heavily modified classic 1966 ‘FJ45’ Land Cruiser. Built to celebrate Land Cruiser’s return to the US, the “FJ Bruiser” is guaranteed to tackle pretty much anything you might throw at it.
The body itself remained mostly untouched, retaining the iconic boxy shape, while a custom frame more suitable for a rock climber was added. The beast now sits on a set of humongous 42-inch BF Goodrich Krawler T/A KX Tires with 20-inch Beadlock wheels from Method Riding, Fox shocks, and Eibach springs, significantly increasing the ground clearance — and let’s be honest, such a setup also makes it look like a million bucks!
If that wasn’t enough, the FJ Bruiser was also equipped with solid axles, an advanced Adaptor Atlas transfer case, and Currie differentials (front and rear). Interestingly, the underbody is not only covered by the usual 3-inch forged steel; instead, Toyota went for tank-like tracks from CAMSO. The idea is to provide more grip when the Land Cruiser gets stuck so it can crawl out without any towing hook or winch – props for the deep thinking at Toyota!
And if tank tracks were not crazy enough, the FJ Bruiser has been given a NASCAR V8 engine from Schwerter’s team Camry. It’s a 5.8-liter V8 producing 715 hp, paired with a three-speed automatic racing transmission. Thanks to its advanced transfer case, the restomod can do 12 mph in its lowest gear at a shouty 7,000 rpm and up to 165mph in the highest gear ratio at the same rev!
And if looks isn’t enough to make sure you don’t go unnoticed, the MagnaFlow side exit exhaust, producing a sound that the manufacturer itself describes as ‘intimidating’, sure will!
That said, the cabin is a bit subtler than the outside (would be tricky to try to be as hardcore inside as outside anyway). The guys at Complete Custom went for plaid Momo bucket seats, a roll cage, and a somewhat vintage “1968 Jackie Stewart championship” steering wheel.
Sadly, the FJ Bruiser is still (and might forever be) just a prototype — unless Toyota wants to make a few limited editions of it, which we believe some deep-pocketed people would be very happy to write a blank check for.
Gallery: 2023 Toyota FJ Bruiser Concept
