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Toyota didn’t need to dive far into its parts bin to find an engine wild enough to complement this custom-made ‘FJ Bruiser’ off-roader.
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.
Dubbed the ‘FJ Bruiser’, the LandCruiser’s body has been largely unchanged, but its chassis has been replaced by a custom frame inspired by go-anywhere rock-crawlers, giving the 4×4 ample ground clearance.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 4×4 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.
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