Toyota FJ Bruiser – SEMA Build
With the highly anticipated reintroduction of the Land Cruiser in the U.S. market, Toyota pays tribute to the Land Cruiser’s heritage by introducing the “FJ Bruiser,” an unstoppable rock crawling machine capable of conquering almost any terrain.
Marty Schwerter, the manager of Toyota Motorsports garage, explained, “Every year, we have the privilege to create a special project vehicle for SEMA. Given the return of the Land Cruiser to the U.S. market, it was a natural choice to build a rock crawler. This project was initially referred to as ‘The Unstoppable FJ,’ but as it evolved, it became a beastly vehicle, and the team affectionately named it the ‘FJ Bruiser.’ The team delivered a ‘King of The Hammers’-style classic FJ that excels in extreme performance.”
The first step was to collaborate with Toyota Racing Development in Costa Mesa, California. Recognizing that this build needed more than just a powerful engine, they equipped it with a modified version of Toyota’s TRD 358 cu.in. V8 NASCAR® Cup Car engine, generating 725 horsepower. A MagnaFlow® exhaust system produces an intimidating exhaust note, and the power is managed by a 3-speed automatic race-built Rancho Drivetrain Engineering® transmission.
Staying true to its old-school, robust design, the FJ Bruiser retains a solid axle configuration. It boasts front and rear Currie® differentials and an Advanced Adapter Atlas® transfer case, offering four 2WD speeds and four 4WD speeds. This setup allows the FJ Bruiser to crawl at 12 mph at 7,000 rpm in the lowest gear and reach speeds of up to 165 mph at the same engine speed in the highest gear.
In case ground clearance becomes an issue, the team replaced the center skid plate with a tank-like track system that can be activated from the cockpit, enabling the driver to overcome high-centered situations with ease.
The next challenge was to incorporate modern, terrain-conquering technology into the classic FJ’s body while retaining its iconic lines. The team fabricated a full tube chassis and roll cage and matched it with the more rigid custom frame. A full trailing arm suspension with Fox® shocks and Eibach® springs was added, and 42-inch BF Goodrich® Krawler T/A KX tires were mounted on 20-inch Method® Beadlock wheels, giving the vehicle an impressive look with the tires reaching halfway up the windshield line at full bump travel.
Inside the vehicle, Complete Customs® collaborated with the team to outfit the interior. MOMO® Daytona EVO seats were reskinned in a paint scheme-colored plaid pattern as a nod to the FJ’s original plaid bench seat. Additionally, a vintage 1968 Jackie Stewart championship steering wheel was incorporated.
The combination of modern automotive technology and the classic aesthetics of the FJ45 results in a vehicle that lives up to its nameplate. What started as a well-worn 1966 FJ45 pickup truck was transformed into a ground-up concept ready to conquer the world’s most challenging terrains.
Mike Tripp, the group vice president of Toyota Marketing, remarked, “This build is iconic, one-of-a-kind, and, let’s face it, looks totally radical. It serves as a reminder of what the Land Cruiser has always represented – a vehicle designed to take you as far as your imagination will allow.”
The FJ Bruiser is among the impressive special projects showcased in the Toyota booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas (Central Hall, Booth 22200). Featuring more than 19 accessorized vehicles, builds, and concepts, this year’s display marks Toyota’s largest presence at SEMA to date.
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