New Toy(O)S!
Toyo Tires is rolling out (literally) its newest flagship tire: the all-new Toyo Proxes T1R. The tire replaces what has been a godsend to mini-truckers everywhere: the Toyo Proxes T1-S. Toyo's Proxes T1R combines a unidirectional, V-shaped center tread for water channeling with rigid shoulders for high-cornering grip. The new Proxes T1R will be available in a broad variety of sizes to fit wheels from 14 to 21 inches. Don't worry; there are plenty of sizes that we mini-truckers will be able to use for just about any mini-truck-related project! For more information on the new Proxes T1R, log onto www.toyo.com.
Scions 2 Come?
At the '05 New York Auto Show, Scion unveiled a new xB concept. Toyota's Scion brand actually unveiled three new concepts for future products at the show. First was a possible next-generation xB along with scale models of a mini-truck and a three-door fastback vehicle. All three designs are sized to fit on the same Toyota platform that also spawned the Scion tC coupe. Toyota's Mike Michels cautioned that the vehicle designs are merely "exploratory" at this point. "It's not to be interpreted as the next xB, but as a number of possible directions for Scion to go," Michels said. We here at MT are still looking for images of the mini-truck concept but haven't found photos of the scale models yet.
The Raider Is Ready
Mitsubishi's new truck, the '06 Mitsubishi Raider is expected in dealer showrooms soon. The midsize truck, derived initially from the Dodge Dakota, can come complete with a V-6 or V-8 in either LS or DuroCross trim in two cab designs. The new truck is expected to take on such heavy-hitters as Nissan's fullsize Titan and midsize Frontier, as well as Toyota's larger Tacoma and fullsize Tundra models. These are trying times for Mitsubishi, and Toyota and Nissan are taking huge bites out of the Big Three right now. Good luck Mitsu'-you'll need it!
FAST 411
* An environmental group has persuaded nearly 23,000 people to file complaints with the government against automobile industry advertisements that claims new cars and trucks are "virtually emission-free."
* If General Motors' stock continues to fall, Toyota Motor Corporation could theoretically shell out just one year's worth of profits to buy the Detroit automaker.
* In March, GM was supposedly looking to kill off a few of its weaker, more-troubled brands (Pontiac and Buick it was thought). Later, that line was recanted. We'll see.
www.browsinaround.com.org
www.mmmetalizing.com Chrome plastic? Chrome glass? This could be the cure for that boring engine compartment full of plastic. Check it out!
www.subcultureworldwyd.net Shameless plug for SubCulture World Wyd's newly reinvented club website.
www.blazinlow.com This site/forum is dedicated to owners of Blazers, Jimmys, Typhoons, and Bravadas and has nearly 8,000 members.
www.layitlow.com Lowriding and mini-truckin' go hand in hand with 12,000-plus registered members.
www.builtbybyc.com Smokin' custom work straight outta Rockwall, Texas, by Mike White.