Toyota revives the spirit of off-road dominance with the unveiling of the Fj Bruiser, a concept vehicle that masterfully blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. As the iconic Land Cruiser makes its highly anticipated return to the US market, Toyota pays tribute to its legendary heritage by introducing this extreme rock crawler, designed to conquer any terrain imaginable.
Marty Schwerter, the Toyota Motorsports garage team manager, explains the inspiration behind this formidable machine: “Every year we are fortunate enough to build a SEMA special project vehicle. With the return of the Land Cruiser to the U.S. Market, it only made sense to build a rock crawler, so this is our take on a 1966 Toyota FJ45 Pickup Truck. At first, it was referred to loosely as ‘The Unstoppable FJ,’ but by the time it was done, it was a beastly vehicle, and so the team started referring to it as the ‘FJ Bruiser.’” Schwerter and his team have truly outdone themselves, crafting a “King of The Hammers”-worthy classic FJ that pushes the boundaries of extreme performance.
To ensure the FJ Bruiser lived up to its aggressive moniker, the team turned to Toyota Racing Development (TRD). They equipped this beast with a modified version of Toyota’s current TRD 358 cu.in. V8 NASCAR® Cup Car powerplant, unleashing a staggering 725 horsepower. The roar of this engine is amplified by a MagnaFlow® exhaust system, delivering an intimidating soundtrack to its unmatched performance. Power is channeled through a race-proven 3-speed automatic Rancho Drivetrain Engineering® transmission, built to withstand the rigors of extreme off-roading.
Staying true to the rugged DNA of classic off-roaders, the FJ Bruiser retains a solid axle configuration. Built with “unstoppable” as the core principle, the driveline boasts front and rear Currie® differentials and an Advanced Adapter Atlas® transfer case. This advanced setup provides an impressive range of gearing, with four 2WD speeds and four 4WD speeds. This allows the FJ Bruiser to crawl at a mere 12 mph at 7,000 rpm in the lowest gear, while also capable of reaching blistering speeds of up to 165 mph at the same 7,000 rpm engine speed in the highest gear, offering unparalleled versatility on any terrain.
Addressing the challenge of extreme ground clearance, the team ingeniously integrated a tank-like track system to replace the center skid plate. This CAMSO® track system empowers the FJ Bruiser to overcome any high-centered situation with ease. Controlled directly from the cockpit, the driver can activate “tank mode” with a simple push of a button, eliminating the need for external winching and ensuring seamless recovery in the most challenging obstacles.
The creation of the FJ Bruiser’s bodywork was a delicate balancing act, aiming to maintain the classic FJ lines while accommodating modern, terrain-conquering technology within a relatively compact chassis. The team meticulously fabricated a full tube chassis and roll cage, providing a robust and rigid foundation. The original 1966 FJ45 body was then carefully mated to this custom frame. To further enhance its off-road prowess, a full trailing arm suspension system was implemented, featuring high-performance Fox® shocks and Eibach® springs. At each corner, massive 42-inch BF Goodrich® Krawler T/A KX tires are mounted on 20-inch Method® Beadlock wheels, emphasizing the FJ Bruiser’s dominant stance and exceptional grip. At full suspension compression, these tires reach approximately halfway up the windshield line, showcasing the vehicle’s immense scale and capability.
Inside the FJ Bruiser, Complete Customs® collaborated with the team to craft an interior that blends vintage charm with modern performance. MOMO® Daytona EVO seats were custom re-skinned in a plaid pattern that echoes the original FJ’s plaid bench seat, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary design. A vintage 1968 Jackie Stewart championship steering wheel adds a touch of racing pedigree and historical significance to the cockpit.
Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the FJ Bruiser: “This build is iconic, one-of-a-kind, and, let’s face it, totally radical looking. It’s a reminder of what Land Cruiser has always been; a vehicle built to take you as far as your imagination will allow.” The FJ Bruiser stands as a testament to Toyota’s enduring legacy of off-road innovation, transforming a well-worn 1966 FJ45 pickup into a ground-up concept vehicle ready to conquer the world’s most demanding terrains. It is a powerful symbol of Land Cruiser’s past, present, and future, embodying the go-anywhere spirit in a truly unforgettable package.
The FJ Bruiser is a highlight of Toyota’s extensive presence at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, showcased alongside more than 19 other accessorized vehicles, builds, and concepts, marking Toyota’s largest SEMA footprint to date. This concept vehicle serves as a potent reminder of Toyota’s commitment to pushing boundaries and celebrating the enduring legacy of the Land Cruiser.
