Talk about two beachin’ custom builds! Toyota will be bringing two open-top concepts to 2024 SEMA next week, both with fully removable tops that throwback to early 4Runner and Land Cruiser models.
They’re also posting build-in-progress videos (embedded below) that show the insane amount of custom work required to build these fully functional concepts. Here’s the details…
Calty Design Studios Land Cruiser ROX concept
This Land Cruiser ROX concept is built on the latest 2025 model, but made to look like earlier Toyota SUVs with an open-air concept thanks to a LOT of body panel modifications.
There’s also new bumpers, interior panels, and tailgate. Adventurous touches include hard-sided floorboards and second-row seat backs to make it easy to clean and better weather the elements (or salty surfboards, dirty mountain bikes, etc. Also love the integrated spare gas & water canisters.
Interestingly, Calty Design Research, Inc. is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota’s North America design studio providing innovative concept and production, so it’s presumably more likely that some of these ideas could make it into production.
If it’s any indication of how far they took this, note that some of the exterior body panels were stamped from one-of-one molds made exclusively for this concept. I can think of a great way Toyota get recoup that expense…here’s hoping some of these bits make it to showrooms. But, even more so, check out the hood concept on the…
Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf concept
Inspired by the first-gen 4Runner from 1984 and it’s completely removable hardtop, this concept from Toyota’s Motorsports team starts with the 6th-gen 2025 model, then loses 2/3 of the metal roof with a composite shell to replace it.
Episode #1’s video thumbnail definitely doesn’t sell it, but it’s worth a watch…especially to see the topographic hood embossing that they apparently decided not to use.
Episode #2 gets a little more into the details. Keep scrolling for more pics and details…
Roll bars butt up against the rear seats, but note that it’s a two-door vehicle now…just like the original. They had to fabricate a new passenger seat frame that could fold forward to ease access to the 2nd row.
Notice how low-profile the top light bar is, mounting almost flush with the roofline.
One thing that video thumbnail profile of the 2025 4Runner does show is just how deep into the rear wheel well the back doors go…which is why this looks perfectly natural as a two-door here.
Inside, the vehicle is completely transformed with beachier colors and (likely) neoprene seat fabric.
Note the third brake light integrated into the roll bar for when the roof is off.
The vehicle is lifted and sits on 37″ BF Goodrich KO3 tires, with a healthy dose of TRD long-travel parts to make that happen. Note the hoses going to the top of the front shock… Ride height control? Active suspension adjustments? What do you think?
More TRD goodies include a front brush/skid plate and CNC’d Pan-Hard bar and trailing arm lower linkages.
The embossed “TURBO” on the doors is stamped outward, another throwback to earlier models. The raised hood with vent suggests it’s not just a word on the side, with a turbo charged engine and tuned exhaust likely.
Want one? Got questions? We’ll be at SEMA to cover it, leave your questions in the comments and I’ll ask!
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