The ease of use is well-documented
GR8 STYLE, which sells Hiace interior and exterior items and complete cars, proposed a cool transporter style specifically for bicycles and motorbikes, the hobbies of vehicle lovers, at the Osaka Auto Messe 2024 (OAM). Although it is still in the prototype stage, the degree of perfection was very high and it was truly a man’s dream mobile garage.
GR8 STYLE transporter style
In recent years, the customization of the Toyota Hiace has been attracting attention as a way of creating a space where hobby equipment can be loaded into your car and turned into a mobile garage or your secret base. The creation of “dream box cars” that make use of the spacious interior to fill with one’s hobbies is attracting attention, with overnight stays in the car and the customization of camping and fishing tools to make them easier to use at the top of the list.
An important point about the Hiace “GR8 Transporter Style” exhibited at OAM is that it is based not on the wide body of the Hiace, but on a narrow body that is easy to drive. The spacious interior of a wide body can accommodate a considerable amount of cargo, but this is not the case with the narrow body, which is the Super GL grade of the Hiace’s standard body and standard roof. The low ceiling and narrow interior width naturally limit the number of items that can be installed. How to arrange and incorporate such essential parts was a challenge for the transporter.
The GR8 Transporter Style is proposed to carry a motorbike. The bike mounted on it is the famous Kawasaki Z1 of yesteryear, which is part of the GR8 STYLE president’s collection. The tank has been custom-painted with a Japanese pattern, and the up handlebars, Marshall lights, FCR carburetors, and cast wheels are all to the liking of the experts.
Flat floor surface and strength
All the rear seats were removed, leaving only the driver’s and front passenger’s two legs to make room for the bikes. The floor is covered with GR8 STYLE’s original flooring kit, which realizes a flat floor surface and strength by layering plywood as a base. In addition, aluminum siding is applied only to the center of the bike storage area, and LED lights are used to illuminate the edges of the siding, an elaborate and hateful effect.
A GLAD swing tray is set up on the right side behind the driver’s seat to provide a space for helmets and small items. On the left side, a rear deck table is placed at the foot of the vehicle and can be used as storage for maintenance tools such as toolboxes and oil. A black steel rear window rack is also set on the left side to hang and secure frequently used tools. Furthermore, a rail has been added to allow for the hanging of rider’s jackets and other items.
For securing the bike, a front wheel clamp stand has been set up. In addition, a special pedestal is provided on the floor to ensure that the lashing belt can be tensioned stiffly.
A unit that is a perfect companion for your bike life
The interior is planned to be developed to be even more user-friendly in the future. The exterior parts fitted are the original bonnet, which is popular for its brave front face, front half-spoiler Ver 3, and side steps Ver 4, as GR8 STYLE also handles original body kits. The rear is fitted with an underliner.
The headlights have round eyes, but this was not made by GR8 STYLE, but the Boxy Style ZERO type face change kit. However, as an original specification, a yellow film was applied to the headlights to add an arrangement.
As for the suspension, a 3-inch lowering kit was installed. Although the recent trend for the Hiace is to use the Age style, the low-down style was dared to be used for the transporter specification because it is more convenient for carrying a motorbike.
The president himself is a motorbike enthusiast, so the ease of use is an endorsement. The transporter has a strong image of racing, but its use is not limited to that, and he also loads up his favorite car as a hobby and takes it on excursions. When you get there, you can switch to a motorbike and enjoy a comfortable ride. The Transporter is proposed as a vehicle that can accompany such a motorbike lifestyle.
translated by DeepL