Toyota Reveals Four Athlete-Designed Models Headed to SEMA Show

Waterville, USA, 11/07/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

As the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas gets under way this week, Toyota has revealed four custom models developed by not only some of the best build shops, but by top professional athletes in a variety of sports. Using a Toyota Corolla, Tundra, 4Runner and Camry as the canvases, Toyota's 2013 Dream Build Challenge gave the creative reins to pros from BMX biking, supercross, freestyle skiing and NASCAR to design competing vehicles.

BMX rider Drew Bezanson teamed up with Skullcandy and Motorsports Technical Center to create the music- and BMX-inspired Crusher Corolla, which features a black paintjob with purple graphics and a bike rack holding the DK Helio and Bezanson's signature model, the DK Machine. Inside, the audio system has been upgraded to an MV Designz custom stereo with an in-dash iPad display and removable external speakers with "bass you can feel." Meanwhile, performance has been boosted to rally-ready status with BFG Gravel Spec Soft Rally tires and an exhaust and rear sway bar from TRD.

"While the Crusher Corolla won't be on sale for the general public, Toyota fans will still find a sportier look on the redesigned 2014 Corolla, which boasts a more aggressive stance and an edgier design," said Jeff Leclerc, general sales manager of Central Maine Toyota, a Waterville, ME Toyota dealership. "Even with its bolder styling, though, the new Corolla still upholds Toyota's reputation for reliability and impressive fuel economy."

Fuel economy may be appealing to the average car buyer, but for supercross and motocross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant, having the ability to take on any potential pitfall on the track is much more important. The two collaborated with N-FAB Inc. to design the Let's Go Moto Tundra, a rolling pitlane equipped with video feeds, spare parts and data acquisition for motocross test runs.

Freestyle skier Simon Dumont is heading to the 2014 Winter Olympics, so he needed a vehicle that could get him to the slopes in complete comfort. Joining with Oakley and Herbst Smith Fabrication to make the Ultimate Dream Ski 4Runner, Dumont decked out his ride with a snow-camo paintjob and an innovative side-opening ski rack, as well as a grill and a coffeemaker located in the rear cargo area.

The final vehicle in the Dream Build Challenge is the Toyota Camry-based CamRally designed by NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman with the help of Kyle Busch Motorsports and Detroit Speed, Inc. Kligerman wanted the CamRally to be ready for any type of rally course, so he outfitted the car with an adjustable suspension featuring Vogtland springs, turbocharged the engine and added Formula 43 wheels and BFGoodrich Rival tires. A large rear spoiler and a multicolored rally-race exterior complete the vibrant look.

"The SEMA Show is a great place for custom tuners to push the limits of vehicle design, and Toyota's Dream Build Challenge lets adventurous athletes join in to create one-of-a-kind models that really show their personalities," noted Leclerc. "Toyota owners also get some cool ideas on how they could customize their own vehicle to amp up the style and fun factor."

About Central Maine Toyota:
A part of the Central Maine Motors Auto Group, Central Maine Toyota has served local drivers for years with the outstanding Toyota buying experience they deserve. Their diverse inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles, as well as their friendly, professional staff, has earned Central Maine Toyota a reputation for delivering unrivaled automotive sales and service. View their inventory in person at 15 Airport Rd. in Waterville, or online at www.cmtoy.com. They can also be reached by phone at 888-719-3168 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralMaineToyotaScion.