In the German-speaking automotive world, GRIP – Das Motormagazin is an institution. Known for its mix of high-octane car tests and entertaining road trips, the popular TV show and YouTube channel regularly sends its most famous duo—charismatic TV host Matthias Malmedie and former professional rally driver Nicki Schelle—on challenging adventures.
For their latest annual road trip, the two headed to Susa in Northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Their goal: tackling roughly 60 kilometers of unpaved, high-altitude tracks across the legendary Colle delle Finestre and the Strada dell’Assietta—a historic former military road winding almost entirely above 2,000 meters—all the way to the ski resort town of Sestriere.
To kick off the mountain expedition, we handed them the keys to our newly built delta4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser J25.
Effortless on the Colle delle Finestre—With a Classic TV Twist
Right from the initial walkaround and a quick supply stop in town, the Land Cruiser’s wide stance, 35-inch tires, and full expedition setup made a strong impression on the two hosts (“Now that’s a machine!”).
Once the tarmac ended and the steep gravel switchbacks of the Colle delle Finestre began, the J25 was in its element. Thanks to the combination of its lift kit, rally-bred suspension, and beefy all-terrain tires, the Land Cruiser climbed the rocky mountain pass up to an old alpine fortress without breaking a sweat.
In fact, the build proved to be a little too capable for a dramatic TV survival challenge. Looking at the parked J25 halfway up the mountain, Matthias summed up the dilemma: “With this Land Cruiser, we’ll get up safely and get back down safely, no matter the weather. Let’s spice things up a bit.”
Behind Nicki’s back, the film crew had prepared a nasty surprise for the remainder of the trail: swapping the comfortable off-roader for a beat-up, €1,000 Fiat Doblo work van with over 200,000 kilometers on the odometer. Even rally veteran Nicki Schelle wasn’t thrilled about leaving the Toyota behind: “Anyone could drive up there in the Land Cruiser—in that thing, it would have been child’s play!”
After two days of nursing the rattling little van through thick mountain fog, loose rock, and a sleepless night in a rustic alpine hut, the duo finally made it to Sestriere. While the old Fiat miraculously survived the ordeal, both hosts immediately agreed on one thing at the finish line: “We’re driving home in the Toyota!”
The Build Specs: delta4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser J25
To prepare the new Land Cruiser J25 for demanding alpine trails and overlanding expeditions, we equipped the vehicle with a comprehensive off-road package:
Watch the Full Episode
Even if you don’t speak German, the stunning Piedmont mountain scenery, the footage of our Land Cruiser J25 in action, and the sheer chaos of two seasoned drivers wrestling a battered work van across the Alps are well worth a watch:
Do you have questions about modifications or are you looking for the right parts for your own Toyota Land Cruiser J25? Feel free to stop by our shop or contact our team directly!
