The Toyota FJ Bruiser concept is a customised FJ45 Land Cruiser that goes ‘above and beyond’, in a time when the world seems so on edge and serious (but then, when isn’t this the case?) Toyota has added an injection of much needed fun and light relief into the automotive world.

Side view of an FJ Bruiser derived from a classic Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser

Unstoppable Boulder Crunching FJ Bruiser

The company has customised a 1966 FJ45 Land Cruiser and created an outrageous, comic book-style ‘FJ Bruiser’.


Toyota has embraced the legacy of the Land Cruiser and created an off-road beast that certainly has an unstoppable feel to it – in part, thanks to Toyota’s use of a modified 715bhp NASCAR Camry V8 engine

Unstoppable Toyota FJ

FJ Bruiser Toyota Concept


Toyota’s Team Manager on the project was Marty Schwerter, who described how the initial project was nicknamed the Unstoppable FJ, which quickly turned to the far catchier FJ Bruiser as the vehicle’s rock-climbing attributes started to manifest. 

Side view of the 'go-anywhere' FJ Bruiser concept by Toyota

Firstly, the team behind the FJ Bruiser began by contacting Toyota Racing Development in California’s Costa Mesa, who came up with the idea of the 5.8-litre NASCAR V8 engine.

A modified 715bhp NASCAR Camry V8 engine powers Toyota's FJ Bruiser concept

The intimidating sound of the FJ Bruiser comes from a MagnaFlow side-exit exhaust, all powered via a 3-speed race-built automatic transmission, courtesy of Rancho Drivetrain Engineering.

3-speed race-built automatic transmission by Rancho Drivetrain Engineering

FJ Tank Mode

Toyota FJ Bruiser concept truck based on a 1966 FJ45 Land Cruiser


The Toyota Bruiser allows four 2WD speeds and four 4WD speeds.

The go-anywhere tagline has been massively assisted by the centre skid plate being replaced by a CAMSO track system to allow the Bruiser to force its way out of any awkward situation, rather like a tank.

Toyota FJ Bruiser CAMSO system

The CAMSO system can be controlled from within by the driver, allowing ‘tank mode’ to kick in at just the push of a button.

Outside

Rear view of the FJ Bruiser concept by Toyota

As for the exterior looks of the FJ Bruiser, there’s an inevitable hint of custom hotrod about it, with massive raised 20-inch Method Beadlock wheels and 42-inch BF Goodrich tyres, all with the inevitable huge clearance.

42-inch BF Goodrich tyres on the FJ Bruiser 'go-anywhere' truck concept


Suspension comes from tough looking Fox shocks and Eibach springs.

FJ Bruiser Fox shocks and Eibach springs


The Toyota team also created a tube chassis and hefty roll cage as the basis for the vehicle.

This new, more rigid frame then had the FJ45 panels placed around it, creating the classic and timeless look of the attractive FJ45 Land Cruiser in a striking metallic turquoise colour.  

Toyota Heritage Interior

The interior has not been neglected, with Complete Customs collaborating with the Toyota team to create an interior that complements the original FJ45 Land Cruiser.

FJ Bruiser gear stick


MOMO Daytona Evo seats were customised in a plaid finish to complement the exterior – this is something that pays homage to the original FJ45 plaid bench seat.

Toyota FJ Bruiser interior

A nice touch is a period piece; a 1968 Jackie Stewart championship steering wheel.

Toyota FJ Bruiser bonnet


Not that the Toyota FJ Bruiser is required to have a reason for existing, but Toyota is indeed celebrating the return of the Toyota Land Cruiser to US shores; and if the Bruiser doesn’t make you curious, then surely nothing will.

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