The legendary 4.2-liter inline-six may be gone, but Toyota is proving that modern performance and vintage Land Cruiser character can coexist. With its latest restomod project, Toyota breathes new life into a classic icon, blending contemporary powertrain technology with the timeless design and rugged spirit that made the Land Cruiser a global off-road legend.
While the FJ40 often claims the spotlight as the original, indestructible Land Cruiser, many enthusiasts see the FJ60 Land Cruiser as the more versatile classic. Its larger, more usable cabin makes it equally suited for long overland expeditions and everyday driving. At the 2025 SEMA Show, Toyota revealed a restomod built to excite both collectors and off-road adventurers: the Turbo Trail Cruiser, an FJ60 powered by a modern Tundra-sourced twin-turbo V6, while still retaining its original five-speed manual transmission a perfect fusion of heritage and modern capability.
This build is not just a swap-it’s a careful balance of modern engineering, historic authenticity, and functional off-road upgrades that makes the FJ60 more capable than ever without compromising its original character.
A Modern Heartbeat: The Tundra Twin-Turbo V6
The centerpiece of the Turbo Trail Cruiser is Toyota’s V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6, a powerplant shared with the global 300-Series Land Cruiser and modern Tundra pickups. This engine delivers 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, a dramatic increase over the FJ60’s original 2F 4.2-liter inline-six, which maxed out at around 135 hp and 210 lb-ft.
While some restomod projects lean toward swapping in a V8 or even a high-performance LS engine, Toyota’s decision to use a modern V6 paired with the original manual gearbox is both practical and inspired. The build team at Toyota Motorsports Garage engineered custom engine mounts and an adapter plate to marry the modern V6 to the five-speed stick, preserving the tactile feel and engagement that driving enthusiasts crave.
“This is likely the first time the V35A-FTS has been mated to a stick-shift in a classic FJ60,” said a Toyota spokesperson. “Our goal was to enhance performance without sacrificing the vehicle’s original driving experience.”
Preserving OEM Authenticity with Thoughtful Engineering
One of the most remarkable aspects of this build is how factory-like it feels. Toyota emphasized maintaining the FJ60’s structural integrity and original design cues. The crew avoided cutting into the firewall, preserved all original mounting points, and reinforced the chassis where necessary to handle the increased torque.
The result is what many restorers call an OEM+ build: a classic vehicle that looks and feels original but benefits from modern engineering, safety, and performance. Toyota’s attention to detail is evident throughout the vehicle:
- The exterior features a PPG reproduction of Silver 147, a classic Toyota color from the 1980s.
- The suspension was upgraded with a 1.5-inch lift and flipped front shackles to improve off-road geometry.
- 35-inch Continental all-terrain tires provide both aggressive grip and daily drivability.
Inside, the dashboard maintains its vintage appeal, with only subtle modern touches like a touchscreen infotainment system and JBL audio upgrade. From first glance, the cabin could be mistaken for a stock FJ60, but the enhancements deliver comfort, convenience, and modern functionality.
Turbo Trail Cruiser: A Restomod Designed for Off-Road Adventure
While this FJ60 may look stock, it’s far from a museum piece. The Turbo Trail Cruiser is engineered to perform on trails, over rocks, and through rugged terrain. The combination of the modern V6 and manual transmission gives the SUV immediate torque delivery for climbing and crawling, while the lifted suspension and 35-inch tires enhance ground clearance.
The team also upgraded ancillary systems to support reliability in extreme conditions. Cooling, drivetrain durability, and braking performance were all recalibrated to handle the engine’s increased output. Toyota notes that every modification is fully serviceable and retains compatibility with OEM components-a detail crucial for owners who value both performance and long-term maintenance ease.
For enthusiasts who dream of blending classic looks with modern capabilities, the Turbo Trail Cruiser is a blueprint. It proves that a vintage SUV can be daily-drivable, overland-ready, and capable of high-performance highway speeds without sacrificing authenticity.
The Appeal of OEM+ Restomods in Today’s Market
Restomods have grown increasingly popular among collectors, enthusiasts, and investors. Cars like the FJ60 Land Cruiser benefit from both nostalgia and practicality, especially when factory reliability is married with modern engineering. By choosing a V6 swap over a V8, Toyota achieved better weight distribution and improved fuel efficiency while maintaining a performance edge.
The Turbo Trail Cruiser also showcases Toyota’s philosophy that modernization doesn’t have to mean exaggeration. Rather than radically altering the vehicle’s exterior or interior, Toyota’s team prioritized subtle enhancements that improve usability while preserving heritage. This approach resonates with the growing off-road and overland community, who seek vehicles that can tackle trails without looking out of place at a car show or local gathering.
Why the Turbo Trail Cruiser Stands Out
Several aspects of this restomod elevate it above typical SEMA show cars, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to thoughtful engineering, factory-level refinement, and real-world usability rather than purely visual spectacle or one-off showpiece modifications:
- Powertrain Innovation: A modern twin-turbo V6 with manual gearbox is virtually unheard of in classic Toyota Land Cruisers.
- Factory-Faithful Engineering: No cutting of the firewall or compromise to the chassis ensures structural integrity.
- Daily Usability: Despite the lift and off-road tires, the vehicle remains road-friendly and comfortable for daily driving.
- Aesthetic Respect: Original colors, trim, and minimal interior upgrades maintain visual authenticity.
- Off-Road Performance: Suspension tweaks and tires optimize the FJ60 for modern trail conditions.
Toyota has created a restomod that is both collectible and functional, a combination that can appeal to traditional collectors, off-road enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a classic SUV with modern power.
Seeing the Turbo Trail Cruiser in Person
For those eager to experience this FJ60 restomod firsthand, Toyota is displaying the Turbo Trail Cruiser at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, running from Nov. 4 through Nov. 7. Visitors will see firsthand how a vintage Land Cruiser can be transformed into a capable, modern SUV without losing its classic charm.
This build also sets a precedent for future Toyota restomods, signaling that the automaker is willing to explore OEM+ concepts, blending authenticity with practicality. For collectors and enthusiasts, the Turbo Trail Cruiser demonstrates that restomods can respect history while embracing modernity.
Final Thoughts
The Turbo Trail Cruiser represents a thoughtful intersection of heritage and innovation. By pairing a modern Tundra V6 with the FJ60’s classic five-speed manual, Toyota has created a vehicle that appeals to multiple audiences: collectors seeking originality, enthusiasts craving performance, and adventurers wanting reliability on the trail.
In an era where many restomods favor extreme aesthetics or massive V8 swaps, Toyota’s FJ60 project shows that balance, authenticity, and functionality can be equally compelling. For anyone who has ever admired the FJ60’s rugged charm, the Turbo Trail Cruiser demonstrates that the perfect blend of old and new is not only possible-it’s exhilarating.With off-road capability, modern power, and OEM+ styling, this SEMA build may very well become the benchmark for future Toyota Land Cruiser restomods.
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