The SEMA show is a place for wild explorations of possibility for the manufacturers who take part as well as the aftermarket companies showing their latest ideas. Though Toyota’s getting in on the game as usual (along with Ford, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai, Honda and others), this year’s round from the Japanese juggernaut seems surprisingly…sensible.
Take the LifeTime Fitness RAV4. This versatile compact SUV doesn’t bother with wild body modifications. It’s been upgraded to suit the needs of a triathlete, with a hot water shower and fresh water tank, additional storage and even a spin dryer and a Blendtec blender for making smoothies on the go. The built-in refrigerator keeps the ingredients fresh, and a shiatsu massage in the front seats enables the driver to relax between events. There’s an integrated iPad as well. Team Toyota triathletes contributed to the outfitting of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the DC Shoes Tacoma takes ideas from professional snowboarding athletes to become the ultimate winter-sports support vehicle. A snowplow has been mounted at the front, while at the rear a ramp allows a snowmobile to be driven right into the bed. There’s storage for snowboards, shovels and other gear, and a pop-up tent on the roof provides shelter should you not want to return to the lodge. The Tacoma’s batteries have been beefed up to help power numerous accessories. The DC Shoes Tacoma was built by Camburg Engineering.
The “Crusher Corolla” is another Toyota with corporate tie-ins, this time with Skullcandy and BMX rider Drew Bezanson. This Corolla carries two bikes in a custom rack over the rear window and sports a trunk full of repair gear, as well as a pair of grind rails at the front and rear of the car so it can be a part of the action. As a part of the Toyota Dream Build Challenge, the “Crusher Corolla” was put together by Team Toyota athletes, and fans can vote for their favorite. A 2013 Camry rally car, winter-sports 4Runner and a motocross-influenced Tundra comprise the other Dream Build Challenge vehicles, and all will be on display at SEMA.
