Toyota is usually perceived as an almost boring carmaker. Pardon us for saying this but in its quest to make reliable cars, the sad reality is that the Japanese automaker has become just a tad too safe with its design and overall demeanor.
So it comes as a pleasant surprise to find two examples of extreme Toyotas at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. One of them is the Land Speed Cruiser. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary Land Cruiser—tough yet refined. It’s the kind of vehicle that you’d take off road and come back in one piece ready to do more.
Yet this particular build isn’t cut out for that. Beneath the bodyshell is a turbocharged 5.7-liter version of the V8 motor. This, along with other modifications, allows the Land Sped Cruiser to, as the name suggests, speed its way to a rocket-like 354kph top speed. Wicked, right?
If this doesn’t suit your fancy, then maybe an Xtreme Corolla will. The car combines the rich heritage of fifty years of Corolla with a sporty compact vibe. It’s essentially a four-door made to project the stance of a two-door sports coupe. Even the cabin sports a floating center console and kick-ass JBL sound setup. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the golden birthday of the world’s favorite car—with a truly youthful rendition to boot.
Yes, Toyota does have an extreme and fun side after all.
