Custom classic Toyota LandCruiser gets NASCAR V8 power

The US division of Toyota has unveiled a wild classic LandCruiser powered by a V8 engine from its NASCAR race cars – and fitted with heavy-duty rock-crawling equipment.

Built to celebrate the LandCruiser nameplate’s US return – albeit as what is called the Prado in Australia – this retro Toyota started life as a 1966 ‘FJ45’ pick-up but was recently modified by Toyota Motorsports for this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas.

Dubbed the ‘FJ Bruiser’, the LandCruiser’s body has been largely unchanged, but its chassis has been replaced by a custom frame inspired by go-anywhere rock-crawlers, giving the 4x4 ample ground clearance.

In period, the ‘FJ’ 40 Series LandCruiser was available with a choice of two inline-six cylinder petrol engines – either 3.8 or 4.2 litres – but the FJ Bruiser has been upgraded with a V8 which makes more than five times its original power.

Sourced from Toyota’s NASCAR race team – which has won two championships at the top level of competition since 2015 – the 5.86-litre/358ci V8 produces up to 540kW, sucking in air through a drag-racer-style intake, though without a supercharger.

A transfer case can send the power to either the rear or all four wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission.

In low range, the FJ Bruiser can crawl at just 19km/h while revving at 7000rpm or, in high range, it can reach 265km/h in top gear.

Another kind of propulsion system is fitted to its undercarriage, with a tank track allowing the 4x4 to be moved forwards or backwards if it becomes stuck on a surface.

A set of 20-inch Method beadlock wheels – shod in 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tyres – are connected to the tube-frame chassis via Fox shocks and Eibach springs.

Inside, Complete Customs assisted Toyota in updating the LandCruiser’s cabin and improving its safety, fitting a roll cage to protect occupants in the event of an impact.

A pair of plaid-patterned Momo Daytona Evo seats hold the driver and passenger in place, while a vintage Momo replica the steering wheel from Jackie Stewart’s 1968 Matra Formula One car is also fitted.

The Toyota FJ Bruiser will be on display at SEMA until November 3 when the trade show ends.