TOYOTA USA CREATES A NEW OLD-SCHOOL SURF TRUCK FOR SEMA, AND IT'S RAD AF.
Toyota just dropped a bombshell at the 2024 SEMA Show, unveiling the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept – a head-turner that’s pure California soul on wheels. Inspired by So-Cal’s legendary surf scene, this concept, built at Toyota Motorsports Garage, marries the gritty freedom of the first-gen 4Runner (or Hilux to local readers) with the advanced engineering of the all-new 2025 model. It’s an ode to a bygone era, where the 4Runner was the beach cruiser of choice, chasing the perfect wave. For Marty Schwerter, Director of Operations at Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center, this project was personal. Reflecting on his days cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a Toyota mini pickup, Schwerter saw that same freewheeling spirit in the 2025 4Runner. “The new 4Runner reminded me of the original – rugged, with that tough 4-cylinder heart. We knew it had to be the ultimate beach cruiser,” Schwerter said. Key to that vision? A fully removable top, crafted to keep the spirit of the first-gen alive with modern style and functionality. Starting life as a 2025 4Runner TRD Limited, this beast packs Toyota’s iForce 2.4L turbocharged engine, pushing out 278 horsepower and a chunky 317 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic and full-time 4WD with an electronically controlled dual-range transfer case. To give it a real presence, Schwerter and his team opted for a custom exhaust, dialling in a throaty growl to match the vehicle’s bold looks. But transforming the 4Runner into a “factory” two-door, removable-top machine came with its challenges. “Engineering a true removable top, converting it to a two-door while keeping it functional – there were some real hurdles,” Schwerter shared.
“Every change had to work seamlessly together, from widening it by 2 inches on each side to flipping the front passenger seat for better access. This build is more than the sum of its parts – it’s a harmony of design and function,” he added. The team’s attention to detail shines brightest in the removable top – meticulously fabricated in-house. Blending traditional methods with CAD and 3D printing, they crafted cutlines to ensure the top fits like a glove. Even better, it’s designed for solo removal, so one person can pop it off and enjoy that true open-air 4Runner feel. On the suspension front, they left no stone unturned, equipping it with billet aluminium front A-arms and a long-travel suspension system for ultimate ruggedness. With steering upgrades, custom front axles, and a Toyota Tundra rear-end, this concept is ready to take on serious terrain. And thanks to massive 37-inch tyres mounted on custom 17x8.5-inch wheels, it looks just as wild as it rides. Inside, Toyota has geared it up for every adventure, rain or shine. Waterproof flooring, flip-forward front passenger seats, and a rear area fit for beach gear make it as practical as it is cool. For added style, a custom surfboard “Travel Quiver” matches the concept’s vibes, perfectly perched on a roof rack ready for action. Built with input from TRD North Carolina, TMNA Production Engineering, Service Parts and Accessory Development, and more, the 4Runner TRD Surf Concept showcases Toyota’s passion and commitment to pushing limits. Mike Tripp, Group VP of Toyota Marketing, summed it up best: “This isn’t just engineering – it’s the creativity and passion of our team. And who doesn’t love a concept that’s all about surfing?”
Take a look at the YouTube video, this is Part 1 and Part 2 follows below, and it shows off the process that took place to turn a regular Toyota 4Runner into a rad AF surf-inspired beach toy. This is a concept that needs to be more than a concept: 4Runner TRD Surf Concept - SEMA 2024 Build - Episode 1 | Toyota | Toyota USA
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