Toyota quietly announced this year’s SEMA lineup by posting two videos on YouTube previewing an equal number of builds. The Land Cruiser ROX Concept is a wild pickup version of the new SUV reimagined with an arsenal of custom parts, while the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept is a beach-bound two-door throwback with unmistakable ‘80s vibes. Starting with the Land Cruiser ROX, this is a brainchild of Toyota’s Calty Design Research studio. Here, the team went all-in on an open-air vision of Toyota’s new generation off-roader, a machine designed to immerse occupants in the environment around them.
First off, they’ve hacked off the
C-pillar, obliterated the D-pillar, and ditched the roof entirely. To keep
things from crumbling under pressure, they’ve built in a bespoke framework to
offset the lost rigidity. A panoramic roof topped with a reclining soft top
leaves nothing between you and the sky while the study also features custom
half-doors without glass windows, wide fender extensions, and larger wheels
with off-road tires.
Toyota didn’t hold back on the heavy-duty gear either. Steel front and rear bumpers, along with reinforced skid plates and brush guards, are all in the mix. Out back, there’s a functional tailgate and a new spare wheel carrier, providing a hassle-free access to the exposed cargo area. According to the company, more than half of the vehicle has been replaced with new parts, which is an impressive feast for a one-off concept. The next SEMA concept in the works is based on the upcoming based on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. This project, helmed by Motorsports Garage, reimagines the ladder-frame SUV as a two-door semi-convertible off-roader with roots in the Japanese-spec Hilux Surf from the 1980s.
To nail the beach cruiser aesthetic, the
SUV will shed its roof and D-pillars in favor of a removable structure. It’s a
setup that recalls the freewheeling spirit of the original while adding a
modern twist. A custom roof rack, purpose-built to haul surfboards, stays true
to the Surf’s legacy and delivers on the theme. The rear door delete requires
the development of flip-up front seats, providing access to the rear bench.
Furthemore, the 4Runner is expected to receive wide fender extensions, a bull bar,
Turbo stampings on the doors, and a topographical map printed on the hood.
Toyota plans to keep us guessing with
periodic updates on the builds leading up to their SEMA debut. The 2024 edition
of the show kicks off at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 5.
