Sunday Stories: Truck Or Die!

Truck Or Die! Toyota’s Vision of the SEMA 2008

Earlier today we talked about Honda and their SEMA 2008 show car selection. Now let’s see Toyota’s vision, and yes we have trucks, trucks, and more trucks... Oh wait there's a Yaris Too!

We admit that, except the Five Axis Design Yaris Club and the Tundra Ducati Transporter, we aren't overwhelmed by Toyota’s vision. From our European perspective we're not accustomed to seeing a truck as an everyday commuter.

Tunder Ducati Transport
The Ducati Desmosedici RR is the only street legal MotoGP bike ever produced. The ultimate track day bike requires the ultimate transport; that’s where Toyota comes in with the 2009 Tundra Ducati Desmosedici transporter.

The Tundra/Ducati Transporter is built on a Tundra CrewMax, which has been modified to accept a 6.5-inch bed. The transporter is tied thematically to the bike, incorporating Ducati Corse style along with high tech materials and execution to create synergies for two companies obsessed with quality and performance. Additional features include major bed innovations such as flip up bedsides, a motorized loading ramp by Rampage, integrated tool and spares storage, and popup solar panels for accessory power.
Performance is enhanced through the full catalog of TRD Performance parts such as supercharger, exhaust, intake, suspension and brakes.

The interior treatment by Fast Ed’s Interiors combines high tech style with Italian flair.

Five Axis Design Yaris Club
The Yaris Club project pays tribute to Toyota’s racing heritage harkening back to the late ‘60s when Toyota challenged for the Group 7 category of Can-Am racing with the Toyota 7.

The Yaris Club is a stripped-down, no-nonsense car with no extras – only what is needed to perform. The roof has been removed and the windshield lowered.

With the interior removed, a tonneau was fabricated, turning the Yaris into a single seater with a fairing that doubles as a driver headrest.

A supercharger, exhaust headers and a free-flowing exhaust were added for performance to back up the good looks. The suspension was lowered by two inches with front and rear coil-over shocks and larger brakes added.

The Yaris Club was developed by Five Axis in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Source
Nihoncar