It isn’t very often that we get a chance to see starting up or showcasing some part that actually works. In the few instances that it does happen, it’s a hell of a treat. Just like it is with this at SEMA

While attending SEMA this year, a few of us enthusiasts were able to talk Toyota officials into starting up their FJ Bruiser Concept. I mean, they threw a huge honking V8 up front, why not? Let us hear it rip! Plus, we wanted to see whether or not it was actually functional and not just all for show. Surprisingly, Toyota agreed — much to our delight.

After a bit of trouble trying to start it due to it sitting for a while, the engine finally roared to life. And I do mean roar. It was fitting this was happening on Halloween because this thing sounded like a monster in the best possible way. It had that distinctive NASCAR idle where it sounds as if its about to cut off at any moment but it doesn’t.

We got just over a minute of fantastic engine sounds. They even revved it a bit for us. While it wasn’t long, the fact that they even agreed to do it was good enough for me.