You may have heard of the AWDROLA (pronounced “Odd-Rolla”). If you haven’t, here’s the story: a rendering of a Corolla AE86 by @stevo.form that circulated around Instagram came across KC HiLites Marketing Activation Manager Randy Wimenta’s feed way back in 2020, and, long story short, a couple of years and a ton of elbow grease later, we have the AWDROLA.
The rig we see rolling out in the desert today is a true Frankenstein, with the body of a Corolla, the 4ASV transaxle and transfer case of a 1989 All-Trac wagon, and the suspension of a 1999 Rav4. Down to its individual components, this vehicle is unique, from a 4AGE engine cranking out 120hp to its fully custom roll cage.
Safari Team
Randy’s 1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S was his daily driver back in 2020, but he immediately saw potential to turn it into something that looks a whole heck of a lot like this Ivan Stewart-inspired B-Class Safari rig rendering. But first, he needed a team.
First came the AWD conversion, a full swap with a 1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac, set up by Randy’s cousin Will Wimenta and executed with the help of Alberto Rivera of KC. Overall direction of the suspension and roll cage install was provided by Jon Rood. Suspension and roll cage fabrication was done by Trophy Truck trainer and builder, Chuck Dempsey.
From there began the first of three phases of the AWDROLA (so far):
Phase 1: AWDROLA “GR”
This story is from the Yota Spring 2023 edition of Tread.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Yota Spring 2023 edition of Tread.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SPEED CRUSH
Evolving Through the Trails: The Journey of ARB'S 2020 Toyota 4Runner
BATTERY POWER
INSTALLING A REDARC SMART BATTERY MONITOR AND DUAL BATTERY CHARGER IN A 2018 RAM 1500.
KNIVES OF THE INSTRUCTORS
DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT THE PROS CARRY? HERE'S A LOOK.
FROM DREAM TO REALITY
The Twin-Turbo 1969 Ford F-100 Race Truck
TRUE BOLT-ONS
Installing AERO6-DM Direct-Mount Front Brake Kits from Wilwood
KHONSU
Purpose-Built and Ready for Anything
THE 2024 CENTERFORCE ADVENTURE RUN
Like buffalo, manual transmissions once roamed in great numbers across this beautiful land.
ADDING A SPARE
Being able to carry an oversized spare tire on the exterior tailgate is important, and the new Smittybilt Bronco HD Pivot is up to the task.
RARE AND BUILT RIGHT
The Story Behind Jake Winterton's 1972 Suzuki LJ10 Jimny
THE 2024 ROUSH FORD F-150
The Perfect Blend of Style, Function and Capability