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Supercharger you say? Yes, for 2002, TRD adds more juice to the package, delivering a 35 to 40-percent increase in power, or roughly 84-96 horsepower for a more-than-respectable 329 to 341 engine output. TRD can't be more specific than that because the supercharger is a prototype for the iFORCE engine, and it's still experimenting with the final numbers. When it's finished, TRD also will make it available for the new Sequoia SUV with the iFORCE V-8 engine for those who can't get enough of a good thing.

You can't just add power without reinforcing the rest of the package, so TRD pumped up the volume with custom-designed nitrogen-pressurized, self-adjusting, rising-rate, monotube Bilstein shocks. An Eaton posi-design limited-slip differential also was added, and features a unique three-pinion configuration and race-bred carbon-friction discs. More parts to round out the package include the TRD Big Brake kit, which consists of stainless steel brake lines, aluminum 4-piston calipers, and floating two-piece 322mm rotors. If that's not enough, go the distance with more optional TRD Sport Parts, such as a stainless steel dual outlet exhaust for 6 hp more and headers for the iFORCE that are 50-state legal and add another 13 hp to the total with almost 19 more lb-ft of torque.

Do all these parts and pieces make for a fantastic truck? Absolutely. Do they all come as part of the Ivan Stewart package? Absolutely not. That's done so you can mix and match, and be as reasonable or as crazy as your checkbook allows. You can get the looks and the truck for under $35,000, but if you're gonna do something, why not do it right?

We had the chance to spend a few days with the IS Signature Edition, and were deeply impressed with the amount of performance and handling this truck had to offer. The first thing we noticed was the Tundra no longer rode and handled like a full-size truck. There was a major reduction in body roll, and the Bilsteins provided outstanding damping characteristics. The ride was controlled-not harsh and definitely not mushy. We kept pushing it hard into corners, and the Tundra responded with the grace of a sedan. Even the steering offered good feedback and plenty of responsiveness. No waiting for days for reaction and recovery.

Stepping on the accelerator quickly brought the supercharger to life, and off the line we kicked the butt of more than a few shocked sports car drivers. We were entertaining challenges from super-streeted coupes who could hear the exhaust and see the decals. It was rather humorous as we sprinted away from their astonished faces. And more than once we were cornered, complimented, and answered the standard cluster of questions from excited truck enthusiasts. Even during a photo shoot, the lot guards were more interested in the vehicle than in us not having permission to take the photos…distraction is the always best diversion!

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Ivan Stewart: The Man Behind the Mask

Ivan Stewart's name is plastered on both sides of the TRD Tundra. Who is Ivan Stewart, and why does he deserve to be recognized by Toyota?

Born in Oklahoma, Stewart spent his formative years in San Diego, California. He started his love of off-roading by driving dune buggies in high school. He married his high-school sweetheart after graduation, and began racing as a hobby, even though he worked full time in construction.

In 1973 he worked with Bill Hrynko to maintain and build Hryko's buggie. Stewart also acted as co-driver for Hrynko, until he had the chance to takeover the wheel after Hrynko broke his leg. He took home first-place wins that year in the Baja 300 - Class 2, BSC, and in the Ensenada 300 - Class 2, Overall, SCORE, and continued to win as part of various grassroots racing efforts for 10 years following.

Between 1973 and 1983, when Stewart joined Toyota's factory-sponsored team, he scored almost 30 first-place finishes, was named "Driver of the Year" four times, "Man of the Year" in 1976, and took home more trophies than he had room for in his house. By 1990, Stewart had won his third championship, a feat matched only by Rod Millen, who won three consecutive titles in 1992, 1993 and 1994.

Stewart has helped Toyota win 11 manufacturer's championships and 42 main event victories in the 12-year history of the Mickey Thompson Off-Road Stadium Series- nearly three times more than any other truck team. As if these victories weren't enough for Stewart and Toyota, he got behind the wheel of a Toyota in the mini- and mid-size pickup class in the desert during the 1983 and 1984 seasons. During that time, he took home six victories, including two SCORE World Championships. When Toyota moved to the Unlimited Class in 1985, he became the only driver for the team's single entry. Stewart also helped Toyota win a Baja 1000 victory, as being part of the only truck team in history to take the triple crown of desert racing by winning the Nevada 400, Baja 500 and Baja 1000 all in the same season.

Entering his 27th year in off-road racing and 18th year with Toyota, Stewart has amassed 83 career victories and eight driver's championships. Included in these wins are Seventeen Baja 500s, eight Mint 400s, four Parker 400s and Three Baja 1000s. He earned the nickname "lronman" for his numerous solo victories in the two Baja races.

Besides his racing victories, Stewart is one of the most affable, entertaining drivers ever to speak to an audience. His love of the sport comes across strongly, and his devotion to children and charities makes him that much more special in the racing community.

If it wasn't for the racing talents of Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, Toyota trucks would not being enjoying the durability status it has today. So the question isn't, why is his name on the truck, but rather why isn't his name bigger on the truck!

-BJ Killeen