Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Wild Toyota LandCruiser Prado based ROX concept is an open-air SEMA concept headed for the beach after Las Vegas debut alongside one-off two-door 4Runner TRD Surf

Toyota Toyota News SUV Best SUV Cars Toyota SUV Range Car News News Cars
...
Land Cruiser ROX Concept
Land Cruiser ROX Concept
James Cleary
Deputy Editor
31 Oct 2024
3 min read

Not for the first time Toyota is using the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada to showcase its custom design and engineering prowess, this year unveiling a pair of highly-modified concept vehicles based on the 2025 LandCruiser (Prado) and 4Runner.

Nearing completion, the Land Cruiser ROX Concept is a product of Toyota’s Calty Design Research studio across its two campuses in Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. And clearly the West Coast team’s surf-side location has been an influence on its development.

Taking a gas axe to the rear of the car results in an open-top, four-door design with ute-like cargo capacity in the back, the ‘tray’ reinforced by a sloping lattice-type frame.

There’s a full-width, full-length panoramic roof with a folding soft top and the doors will be half-height without glass.

Then add muscular wheel arch extensions, oversize rims and hardcore off-road tyres as well as hand-fabricated (steel) front and rear bumpers, brush guard and skid plates.

Calty Design Research Chief Designer Adam Rabinowitz confirms the project was inspired by early roofless LandCruiser FJ40 models, with Senior Lead Designer Scott Roller adding, "This isn’t where you just bolt parts on so it looks the part, it actually does function.”

Land Cruiser ROX Concept
Land Cruiser ROX Concept

In fact, Toyota says more than half of the vehicle has been replaced with new, one-off parts.

Also a work in progress is the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept being developed by Toyota USA’s Motorsports Garage at the brand’s Plano, Texas HQ.

A throwback to the first-generation 4Runner (sold in Australia from the early to mid-1980s), the two-door ‘semi-convertible’ leans into the model’s Japanese domestic market HiLux Surf nameplate.

Land Cruiser ROX Concept
Land Cruiser ROX Concept

Toyota Motorsport Group Manager Paul Doleshai said, “We wanted it to really be a throwback as true as we could be to the '84.”

Featuring a removable roof structure and custom roof rack, the Surf concept is also in line for front folding seats (to allow rear row access) wheel arch extensions, a bull bar and a map printed on the bonnet.

The 2024 SEMA show opens at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 5, 2024 and Toyota USA has produced a pair of videos outlining each car’s origin and progress.

James Cleary
Deputy Editor
As a small boy James often sat on a lounge with three shoes in front of him, a ruler between the cushions, and a circular drinks tray in his hands. He would then play ‘drivings’, happily heading to destinations unknown for hours on end. He’s since owned many cars, raced a few, and driven (literally) thousands of them at all points of the globe. He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas. His time in motoring journalism has included stints at national and international titles including Motor, Wheels and TopGear, and when asked to nominate a career highlight, James says interviewing industry legend Gordon Murray, in the paddock at the 1989 Australian Formula One Grand Prix was amazing, especially as Murray waived away a hovering Ayrton Senna to complete the conversation. As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content, while creating written and video product reviews, as well as the weekly 'Tools in the Shed' podcast.'
About Author

Comments