If there was ever a product to suggest that triathlon is edging towards the mainstream, the triathlon-themed Toyota RAV4 – with features targeted specifically at the multisport athlete – would certainly be up there. Heralding the vehicle, a release from Toyota, starts by noting that ‘After the elation of a triathlon finish wears off, the wet gear and aching muscles remain… Climb into the LifeTime Fitness RAV4 and kick back.’
Specialist fitness company LifeTime Fitness got together with Team Toyota sponsored triathletes Sarah Haskins, Andy Potts and Hunter Kemper to build a 2013 RAV4 with perks that not only ‘soothe tired athletes, but also provide training intelligence.’
The vehicle will be on display this week at the SEMA automotive show in Las Vegas, on 5-8 November. After its display at SEMA, the Life Time Fitness RAV4 will support Toyota-sponsored athletes at select events.
The Motorsports Technical Center in Torrance, California, added the custom features, which include a hot water shower with a 5-gallon fresh water tank, a spin dryer and gear storage compartments in the rear cargo area. While the wetsuit drips into the drain, ‘the athlete can enjoy a shiatsu massage in the front seat while reviewing race statistics and tracking data through the integrated iPad.’
The relaxation doesn’t end with the built-in massage. In the rear seat, a refrigerator holds water and recovery drinks near the Blendtec blender and a cupboard full of snacks. A wireless Bluetooth speaker allows music to move with an athlete around the vehicle. A custom roof rack keeps two bikes secure, yet easily accessible.
“This fun RAV4 brings together a triathlete’s passion for a healthy, active lifestyle and the drive for pushing ourselves to race faster and smarter,” Sarah Haskins said. “The cutting-edge tools incorporated in the vehicle will help us continue to build our racing skills, while enabling us to relax a little too.”
Haskins is one of the top female triathletes in the United States with 29 professional wins and competing on the 2008 US Olympic triathlon team. Her teammate Hunter Kemper is the most decorated US triathlete in history and a four-time member of the US Olympic triathlon team. Andy Potts competed on the 2004 Olympic team and won the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
“We swim, bike and run, and it’s great to see all three sports represented in the RAV4,” Potts said. “There’s no triathlete who wouldn’t love having a vehicle like this on his or her team.”
“For always on-the-go triathletes, this RAV4 will help us train, recover and clean up in a private space,” Kemper said. “I loved contributing to this fun project and can’t wait to see this car at the finish line.”
While the triathlon-themed Toyota RAV4 is yet to hit car showrooms across the US and internationally, the fun and feature packed vehicle does show a sustained support for triathlon from Toyota.
Life Time and Toyota have collaborated on a number of event sponsorship initiatives over the years. In March 2013, Life Time Tri, producer of nearly 100 athletic events annually, and Toyota announced the introduction of the Toyota Triple Crown Series, billed as ‘a new dimension in triathlon’.
Toyota serves as the presenting sponsor of the Triple Crown Series as part of a multi-year agreement, extending Toyota’s long held support of Life Time Tri events and the sport of triathlon.
www.lifetimefitness.com
www.toyota.com
