Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Gets Tesla Electric Upgrade with Tesla-sourced Electric Motor Option

May 01, 2024 10:26 PM EDT

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 80 S VX LIMITED SERIES — (Photo : PEXELS/FLOATING RABBIT )

During the restoration journey of the Land Cruiser FJ40, a transformative shift occurs as the vintage vehicle sheds its traditional internal combustion engine for a cutting-edge zero-emission powertrain. In a captivating move, Inverted, a renowned UK company celebrated for its electrified Range Rover creations, unveils an exciting venture centered around the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40.

Electric Version for Land Cruiser FJ40

The classic Toyota Land Cruiser gets transformed into an environmentally conscious vehicle by adding an electric powertrain. According to CarScoops, this legendary Toyota FJ40 upgrade comes with a fully electric drivetrain installed along with a host of buyer-specific customization options.

Fans have the choice of a potent 320 horsepower electric drivetrain or a 215 horsepower electric motor combined with a manual transmission. The original SUV's traditional internal combustion engine is painstakingly swapped out for a single electric motor that is flawlessly fitted into the original gearbox and produces an amazing 215 horsepower (160 kW / 218 PS) and 250 lb-ft (339 Nm) of torque.

When opting for increased power, individuals have the choice of selecting the Tesla-sourced electric powertrain for the enhanced Toyota FJ40 upgrade, delivering an impressive 320 hp (238 W / 324 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. Nevertheless, this particular configuration is specifically paired with permanent 4WD and removes the manual gearbox from the equation.

The tuner elaborates that by preserving the original transmission, the functionality of the gear shift remains intact, while benefiting from a significant improvement by Inverted which enables the FJ to seamlessly initiate movement in any gear, offering varying levels of torque thanks to the incorporation of the electric motor.

Customization Options, Pricing

Before taxes and other optional extras, the electric Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 starts at £195,000, or $244,000. As per the details from CarScoops, the customization options for the Toyota FJ40 upgrade encompass the short (FJ40), middle (FJ43), and long (FJ45) wheelbase variants of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

These configurations can be paired with a diverse selection of body styles, including hardtop, soft top, station wagon, or pickup, available in both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) setups. The refurbishment journey initiated by Inverted commences with the meticulous stripping down of the chassis to its bare metal structure.

Following a comprehensive restoration process, the off-roader is elevated to concours quality, primed for the integration of the electric powertrain. Throughout this transformation, owners are granted the freedom to personalize their preferred specifications for both the exterior and interior components.

Luxurious Bridge of Weir leather upholstery can be found within the cabin, along with a custom center console and fresh floor mats. The updated Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40's premium Hi-Fi audio system, rearview camera, enhanced air conditioning, energy-efficient LED lighting, and infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay are just a few of the contemporary amenities that make it even more enjoyable to drive.

1983 FJ40

As per information from Tork US, in the lead-up to the debut of the fourth-generation 70 Series, the 40 Series made a notable introduction to the US market by releasing a limited run of 350 FJ40 units. Evidence of this historical event was validated through the sale of a 1983 model auctioned nearly ten years ago by the esteemed auction house Gooding and Company.

Featuring a robust six-cylinder 4.2 engine with a displacement of 4,228 cc, generating 135 horsepower at 3,600 rpm, mated to a four-speed gearbox, and equipped with a four-wheel drive system incorporating a two-speed transfer case, along with front and rear suspension utilizing semi-elliptical leaf springs. Notably, unlike elliptical springs, these leaf springs are characterized by the presence of two leaves joined together instead of one.

The vehicle boasts disc brakes on the front wheels and hydraulic brakes on the rear wheels. Among the limited production of this final model, a mere 50 units were outfitted with the luxury of air conditioning and power steering.