The 2009 SEMA Show will play host to the Toyota Tacoma TX Package Concept car developed to measure public interest in this type of vehicle. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) provided a number of the added accessories and body graphics.

The base was a 2010 Tacoma PreRunner SR5 with a 4.0-litre V6 DOHC 24V VVT-i engine making 174kW (236hp). The transmission is a 5-speed automatic. Some modifications include Bilstein 5100 Series shocks plated in cadmium, genuine Toyota lightweight aluminium tube steps with black finish, a TRD stainless steel cat-back exhaust system and TRD 16 X 7.5 off-road wheels inside BF Goodrich all-terrain T/A KO LT285/75X16 tyres. The young at heart will appreciate the TX Pro passenger side graphic design inspired by such high-energy events as organised by SCORE International and others.

Equipment already installed in the factory car includes fog lamps, chrome grille surrounds, colour-coded bumpers and a fibre-reinforced sheet molded composite (SMC) inner bed with steel outer panels. Passenger comfort creatures include cruise control, a leather steering wheel with audio controls and TRD floor mats.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Japanese company Wald International have certainly brought out some interesting body kits since they got into the modifications game.  In just 15 years, they have built a reputation as a top shelf tuner willing to go after literally any type of Japanese or European premium vehicle.

There latest creation is a company first.  The Wald 200 Land Cruiser Sports Line Black Bison Edition is the first vehicle they’ve attacked from Toyota that is not a minivan.  It also marks the 8th vehicle in the Sports Line Black Bison lineup.

Others in the range include four Mercedes-Benz models (S-Class W221, CL-Class W216, C-Class W204, and R-Class W251), the Lexus IS F Sports Line, Toyota Alphard, and of course the Nissan GT-R.

Although the Wald Land Cruiser edition was originally purpose-built for the Russian and Eastern European market, a postive response from the rest of Europe, Australia, and the Middle East means the SUV could show up on three different continents.  It’s no surprise interest has piqued.  The company was trying to build a vehicle that is, “Aggressive, Powerful and [has a] Muscular Style.”  Often times when a tuner goes after just those qualities, they end up going overboard.

But the engineers at Wald managed to style their Land Cruiser in both a strong and dignified manner.  The new front bumper with integrated fog lamps sticks out in a particularly bold way that is matched by the new sidesills.  The rear bumper incorporates the same mesh as seen at the front, while also building in new reflectors and space for the interestingly shaped quad-exhaust.  Blacked-out Mahora M11C 20-inch wheels match the paint pretty well, but we like the five-point chrome-look wheels for the added contrast.  If there is anything that can be removed, it is the rear spoiler, which looks rather out of place.

All in all, this is a very interesting design from a very interesting company.  The Wald 200 Land Cruiser Sports Line Black Bison Edition sales should begin soon if not already.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Number 10: Honda CR-V (197,279)

Honda helped kick-start the compact crossover segment back in 1996 with its first CR-V. Now in its third-generation, the CR-V continues to offer just the right mix of space, style, efficiency and reliability for the 197,279 who drove one off the lot in 2008. Click above to see which vehicles sold even better.

Number 9: Dodge Ram (245,840)

Dodge made a big splash in 1994 when it introduced “big rig” styling to the non-commercial pickup market, and the latest version carries that same theme a step further with all-new styling and the market’s only coil-over rear suspension arrangement. Two trucks sold more than the Dodge’s 245,840 units, but there’s a few cars wedged firmly in between.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

The Toyota and Lexus modifying veterans at Five Axis have put together a seriously hot-rodded Lexus GS 460 for the SEMA show. Following up last year’s IS F concept, the Troy Sumitomo-designed super sedan was revealed on Tuesday. As the teaser illustrations hinted, the Five Axis GS 460 features a widebody kit housing massive 20-inch offset wheels, 8.5 inches up front and 10.5 at the rear. Custom-formatted PPG paint contrasts with the blackout wheel trim.

That striking bodywork is wrapped around a lowered and stiffened suspension, and Five Axis has added a big-brake kit and custom fabricated exhaust as well.

The GS 460 shares display floor space with last year’s IS F concept, which has returned with more power, as well as a range of F-branded Lexus modification products. Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Here we have a transformed people mover, now turned into people flyer by Street Image. They’ve done this in the interests of high-performance fans, but primarily for the lucky sods arriving at SEMA 2008 this November. You’ll be able to spot it by its special kit that includes a rear hatch spoiler, a custom grille, and integrated hood scoop.

SportLux Venza rides on high Chrome Cognac No 20 wheels with these measurements: front 255/30ZR24 and rear 275/30ZR24. Not your average people carrier, but then again this ain’t exactly your average show, SEMA, is it? To help it persuade this rubber to move expeditiously a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger is employed, to which effect we’ll have to wait until SEMA to know. Suffice to say things will be moved at a much quicker pace than before.

What’s SEMA with no ICE? True to form Street Image has installed state-of-the-art ICE based on Eclipse with in-dash 7-inch TFT display, dual DVD multi-source receiver, satellite navigation, satellite radio receiver, headrest-mounted monitors and a custom false floor subwoofer enclosure.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

The sneak peeks at the show cars for SEMA continue to come our way. Toyota has released details of its Venza Active Sports Versatility (AS V), an active-sport oriented version of the upcoming Venza. Modified by Five Axis, the Venza AS V is set up to haul winter sports gear and other expensive toys.

If the styling of the all-new Venza was considered too bland and forgettable, the AS V by Five Axis should help it to stick in your head. New front and rear bumpers with aggressive fender flares and mirrors in a contrasting color bring out the Venza’s angular lines and give it a more robust appearance. Projector-style driving lights add a touch of sporty aftermarket flair. The white and bronze paint color reflects the winter-sport theme. Larger and wider 20×10.5-inch Five Axis wheels and a big-brake package from TRD are installed.

Magna Car Top Systems designed a rooftop ski and snowboard carrier, dubbed the Integrated Cargo Carrier. This stowaway rack can be used to haul bicycles and large warm-weather sports gear as well. In the cargo area there’s a purpose-built sports gear rack with a hideaway design for carrying smaller items, with protected space for messy or wet items to keep the interior pristine. At SEMA, the Venza AS V will be displayed with a snowmobile-carrying trailer hooked up, to highlight its hauling ability.

The Venza AS V will be on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas from November 4-7.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Toyota has announced on their official Open Road Blog that they will display a pair of Venza project cars at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Assn. (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. In cooperation with well known tuners, Five Axis and Street Image, Toyota plan to show another side of the modest crossover’s personality.

The Venza AS V by Five Axis not only showcases eccentric body styling but features unique storage and utility system called, Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC). The system accommodates easy access and storage for recreation equipment such as bicycles and skis.

The SportLux Venza by Street Image Inc. appears to have massively over sized wheels in the attached renderings. It will be funny to see if they get close to those actual dimensions. Nonetheless, the approach on this Venza is more traditional with flavorful body styling, full navigation/entertainment system plus custom leather upholstery inside.

Read the rest of this entry and check out more photos »

Toyota Corolla Trueno AE86 is 25 years old car but still very interesting for drifters and also for time attacks. This hachiroku is tunned by C2 Auto and it has a lot of goodies installed like HKS Cams, TODA head gasket, cam gears, Black Top ITB’s, HKS Hi Power Exhaust and so on. Check their site for full mod list.