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With the 2023 SEMA show quickly approaching, Toyota is once again presenting a uniquely crafted pickup truck to steal the spotlight at the event. Emerging from the same team behind the Tacozilla camper is a distinctive retro creation, standing out as one of the most radical 40-series Toyota Land Cruisers ever assembled. Meet the FJ Bruiser, a wild crawler propelled by a NASCAR V8 engine.
A recent video posted on Toyota USA’s YouTube channel details the early stages of the truck’s construction. The motorsports tech team at Toyota’s facility secured a 1966 FJ45 pickup truck in poor condition and ripe for restoration. The decision was made to avoid altering its rare ladder frame, opting instead to fabricate a tube chassis to enhance sturdiness. Given the powerhouse residing beneath the hood, durability is paramount.
Despite the initial goal of creating a rock crawling vehicle, Toyota opted to equip it with a 5.9-liter NASCAR V8 engine that has been specially “enhanced” for this project (perhaps a cam upgrade for improved low-end torque). The formidable power output almost positions the pickup more as a rock bouncer than a crawler. The V8 is anticipated to be situated within the wheelbase, offering promising handling capabilities in the final rendition. A sneak peek of the envisioned specs is presented in a CAD illustration within the video, resembling a premium Jeep Gladiator model.
A sequence of further construction videos is set to be released in the days leading up to the SEMA Show 2023. The FJ Bruiser will be showcased alongside a range of custom creations, including a bagged 2023 Chevy Colorado boasting 24-inch wheels. Amidst a multitude of exclusive builds valued in the high six-figure range, standing out is always a challenge, but the FJ Bruiser, as an official Toyota endeavor, is sure to make its mark.
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