Toyota Explores The Wild Side Of All Its Powertrains At SEMA: Hydrogen Tacoma, EV Race Car, & V6 Land Cruiser Restomod

Toyota Explores The Wild Side Of All Its Powertrains At SEMA

Toyota Explores The Wild Side Of All Its Powertrains At SEMA 2025, unveiling a spectacular and diverse roster of seven concept vehicles that showcase the full spectrum of its innovation in gasoline, hybrid, electric (BEV), and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The Japanese giant’s SEMA lineup includes everything from a 547 hp hydrogen-powered Tacoma overlander and a 400+ hp all-electric bZ time attack car to a Tundra-powered classic Land Cruiser FJ60 restomod. By letting its creative teams run wild, Toyota is seeking public feedback to gauge potential future production and expansion opportunities across various niche market segments.

Hydrogen & Electric Performance: The Future Tech Studio

Toyota’s electrified and fuel cell concepts demonstrate its multi-pathway commitment to extreme performance and green technology.

• Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept: The Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept is a hydrogen-powered off-road truck built by the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) team. It uses a Mirai fuel cell stack to power dual electric motors that produce a combined 547 horsepower. Its most impressive feature is a TRD exhaust water recovery system that distills the fuel cell’s only emission (water), providing overlanders with a source of water for washing and showering on long trips. It also features a 24.9-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 15-kW power takeoff for running a custom camper.
• bZ Time Attack Concept: The bZ hatchback was rethought as an all-electric race machine. The dual-motor powertrain, normally 338 hp, is tuned to produce more than 400 horsepower via a bespoke ECU calibration. The car is radically modified, including a six-inch drop in ride height, a full FIA-spec roll cage to stiffen the chassis, and enhanced braking with Alcon brakes from Toyota’s 86 Cup race program. This concept is a “rolling test bed” for the performance potential of Toyota’s BEV platforms.

Classic Power and Hybrid Muscle Restomods

Toyota honored its heritage by seamlessly integrating modern powertrains into classic and current models.

• Turbo Trail Cruiser Concept: The Toyota Motorsports Garage crew stuffed the modern 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (i-FORCE) from the current Tundra into a 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60. The new engine’s 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque nearly double the output of the original engine. Crucially, the swap was engineered to be reversible, fitting without cutting the firewall, and features an adapter plate to mate the V6 with the FJ60’s original five-speed manual transmission.
• Camry GT-S Concept: This concept explores a future sport package for the Camry. Built on the Camry XSE AWD Hybrid, it retains the stock 232 horsepower but features significant handling upgrades, including a 1.5-inch lowered ride height on adjustable coilovers, and large 14.4-inch performance brakes with eight-piston calipers. Toyota is gathering feedback on this concept, which is designed to be aspirational yet attainable.
• RAV4 GR Sport with TCD Body Kit: Toyota displayed an even more aggressive version of the forthcoming RAV4 GR Sport (which already has a 324 hp plug-in hybrid system). The SEMA vehicle adds a prototype TCD body kit with graphite accents, redesigned bumpers, and side skirts. Toyota is soliciting feedback, likely for offering the kit as an option.

New Market Segments and Adventure Concepts

Toyota also teased entry into new market segments with vehicles built for specialized utility.

• Scion 01 Concept: The Scion name was revived for this off-road side-by-side (SxS) concept, which uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 326 horsepower. The build features a tube frame with an FIA-compliant roll cage, 17 inches of ground clearance, and 35-inch Carnivore Maxxis ML1 tires. It serves as a proof-of-concept for performance in the recreational off-road market.
• Corolla Cross NASU Edition: This concept transforms the entry-level Corolla Cross into an off-road overlander, featuring a custom lift kit, Toyo Open Country A/T III tires, rock sliders, and a custom drawer system/refrigerator. It showcases the versatility of the stock three-motor hybrid system for adventure.

Final Thoughts

Toyota’s 2025 SEMA lineup is a definitive statement of the brand’s commitment to its multi-pathway strategy. By putting extreme hydrogen, hybrid, ICE, and electric concepts side-by-side, Toyota proves its engineering depth across all technologies. The focus on soliciting public feedback underscores a strategy to develop products that genuinely resonate with enthusiasts, ensuring that while the company embraces a cleaner future, it never loses sight of its heritage of performance and adventure.

Also Read – Toyota Revives Scion Name for Wild SEMA Off-Road Concept: Scion 01 Hybrid SxS Unveiled