In a nod to its storied past and with great anticipation, Toyota is bringing the Land Cruiser back to the U.S. market, this time as the “FJ Bruiser.” This new iteration is designed to be an unstoppable rock crawler, blending classic design with modern capabilities.

Marty Schwerter, Toyota Motorsports garage team manager, led the project, focusing on a 1966 Toyota FJ45 Pickup Truck. The project, initially dubbed ‘The Unstoppable FJ,’ evolved into the ‘FJ Bruiser’ due to its formidable nature. The team’s ambition was to create a vehicle that could excel in extreme performance situations, reminiscent of the “King of The Hammers” style.

Key to the FJ Bruiser’s power is a modified TRD, 358 cubic inch V8 NASCAR Cup Car engine from Toyota Racing Development, delivering 725 horsepower. This powerful engine is paired with a MagnaFlow exhaust system and a 3-speed automatic race-built transmission by Rancho Drivetrain Engineering.

The vehicle retains its solid axle structure, embodying old-school ruggedness. It features Currie differentials at both front and rear, and an Advanced Adapter Atlas transfer case. This setup provides a range of speeds in both 2WD and 4WD modes, allowing the FJ Bruiser to crawl at slow speeds or reach up to 165 mph, both at 7,000 rpm.

For situations where ground clearance is challenged, the FJ Bruiser is equipped with a tank-like track system, replacing the center skid plate. This CAMSO track can be controlled from the cockpit, enabling the driver to power out of challenging terrain without leaving the seat.

The bodywork posed a significant challenge for the team, as they aimed to preserve the classic FJ lines while incorporating modern technology. They fabricated a full tube chassis and roll cage, mating it with the body to a new, more rigid frame. The suspension includes Fox shocks and Eibach springs, and the vehicle is fitted with 42-inch BF Goodrich Krawler T/A KX tires on 20-inch Method Beadlock wheels.

Inside, the FJ Bruiser features a blend of nostalgia and modernity. Complete Customs collaborated to outfit the interior with MOMO Daytona EVO seats, reskinned in a plaid pattern reminiscent of the original FJ’s bench seat, and a vintage 1968 Jackie Stewart championship steering wheel.

This reinvented FJ Bruiser is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to merging classic aesthetics with cutting-edge automotive technology, creating a vehicle that is as impressive in appearance as it is in performance.