It's always
nice to receive a memento recognizing your efforts and dedication to your
employer. But when you've helped your company become one of the most recognized
names in dependability, racing ability, and durability, you deserve something
more than a wall plaque and a handshake. In the case of Ivan Stewart and
Toyota, the only thing to do is produce a special vehicle to show the
intense gratitude for all the success.
And there's
no division better to create this special vehicle than Toyota's own TRD
(Toyota Racing Development), which produces this Ivan Stewart Signature
Edition Toyota Tundra for enthusiasts to enjoy. For those who haven't
heard the name Ivan Stewart, he's one of the most successful off-road
racers in the world. He singlehandedly has done more for Toyota than any
other driver in just about any other venue. But to slap some decals on
a truck would be an insult, so the good people at TRD went the distance
and developed a ride that would make any champion proud.
Although
the Ivan Stewart Tundra has been in production since 2000, TRD continues
to add features that keep it exciting and on the shopping list of those
looking for lots of performance and plenty of good looks in a full-size
pickup. At around $45,000 loaded, this truck isn't for posers, and will
help to keep the vehicle in the hands of those that really want it and
understand it.
To create
the IS Tundra, TRD starts with a Tundra Access Cab Limited 4WD model with
the powerful iFORCE V-8 engine, and adds a monochromatic body package
that consists of wide-lip fender flares with integrated mudguards, a one-piece
grille surround with charcoal mesh insert, an aggressive front bumper
treatment, and matching mirror covers. The package is available in all
the factory colors, so you can really have it your way. To mark the truck
as special, Ivan Stewart's signature is found on both sides of the truck.
No subtle badging here.
The next
layer includes 5-spoke, lightweight, pressure-cast, one-piece aluminum
wheels with embossed forged center caps that wear BFGoodrich All-Terrain
T/A 265/70R16 rubber.
Inside, our
test Tundra had the contoured two-tone leather-trimmed and TRD-embroidered
sport seats, super-high-gloss carbon-fiber interior trim (the real thing,
not that fake stuff most manufacturers are using), TRD floormats, an IS
interior dash plaque for authenticity, and a windshield banner. There's
also an A-pillar-mounted boost gauge to let you know when the supercharger
is putting out.
