SP Rides: Dare To Be Different
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Mark Ian Valerio Aquino
Age: 22
Occupation: Pacific Tire
Hobbies: Cars, trucks, spending time with family
Year, Make, Model: 2014 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner
Color: Jet Black
Exterior: T1 eyelids, OEM tailgate spoiler, Beats Sonic antenna, OEM window visor, after market red and clear LED taillights
Interior: OEM double din, X-Fire 6 by 9s and two eight-inch X-Fire subwoofer within custom enclosure, Junction Produce 10-year Anniversary Tsuna, Junction Produce Fusa Kiku Knot
Suspension: DJM lower and upper control arms, QA1 coilovers, DJM notch, DJM 4-inch blocks, QA1 rear shocks, OEM leaf springs with a 1.5 drop
Wheels: Leon Hardiritt Waffe with red center caps, 19 by 9.5 and 19.10, 5 by 114
Mark Ian Valerio Aquino was introduced to the Toyota X-Runner line of trucks as a kid. His dad’s friend rocked one and the ride left an impression him that was hard to shake. That’s understandable because the X-Runner is a limited production model known for its styling and sportiness.
This 2014 model is one of the last X-Runners to be sold in the North American market. Equipped with a six-speed Aisin RA60 transmission, it’s very different from the standard Tacoma lineup that it originates from.
In fact, most X-Runner builds are geared towards a performance mindset. Aquino took it in a different direction however and went VIP — something that has never been done in Hawaii before. “I don’t really race or off-road, so I’m gonna go with the VIP style,” said Aquino.
To achieve this look, Aquino had to use modifications that leaned more in the luxury department than the off-road scene.
Bathed in Jet Black, light seems to flow easily over the aggressive bodylines. Aquino has accented this with T1 eyelids, an OEM tailgate spoiler and window visor. The Beats Sonic antenna looks like something Batman would like but the aftermarket LED taillights leave a red afterglow that anyone is sure to like. This X-Runner also features truck bed lining that looks high quality.
This truck is dropped low on static QA1 coilovers and rear shocks while a DJM notch kit and 4-inch blocks allow it to hang even lower. The drop allows the stunning three-piece, 19-inch Leon Hardiritt Waffe to tuck nicely into the fender wheels. A touch of color is added thanks to the red center caps while handling is further improved thanks to the DJM lower and upper control arms. In addition, the OEM leaf springs have been adjusted to allow a 1.5 rear drop in combination with the aforementioned setup.
The interior hasn’t been neglected. First to notice is the booming sounds coming within as Aquino receives a soothing back massage from two X-Fire subwoofers that have been built into a custom enclosure that fits nicely between the rear seats. In addition to this, X-Fire 6 by 9s are pumped full of music via the amp installed under the driver’s seat. The VIP look is continued inside thanks to a Junction Produce 10th Anniversary Tsuna and Fusa Kiku Knot.
There are more plans in store for this ride, in fact an entire laundry list of ideas are still germinating in Aquino’s head. But for now, this hobby is his way of showing the world how to take a different direction.
