This year, the Philippine aftermarket automotive scene roared into a new era. Presented by Motul, the global leader in high‑performance lubricants, the stage was set for a milestone unlike any other. For the first time, Tradeshow International’s most anticipated showcases — TransSport, SportTruck, and Manila Auto Salon — united under one colossal banner.
The result was nothing short of spectacular: a festival of horsepower, craftsmanship, and culture that ignited Manila with adrenaline and creativity. From purpose‑built overlanders to motorsport‑inspired icons, the event became a living testament to how passion and innovation continue to drive the Filipino automotive community forward.
At the center of it all stood the Wheel Gallery x Nitto Tires showcase, where two builds told a story that was both deeply Filipino and globally ambitious: the LC200 Black Rhino Adventure Vehicle #001 and the 2025 Toyota Tamaraw “Tama‑WOW” with its Royal Enfield Interceptor.
Toyota LC200 – Black Rhino Adventure Vehicle #001
The LC200 Black Rhino Adventure Vehicle #001 is a machine reborn. Restored by Area One Garage, it was purpose‑built for off‑road and overlanding, carrying the DNA of exploration in every detail.
Its Cromax paint glistens under the lights, a flawless finish that highlights the vehicle’s muscular stance. Kut Snake flares widen its profile, while Black Rhino Wheels wrapped in the hybrid Nitto Ridge Grappler tires grip the ground with authority. Beneath it all, an OME BP‑51 suspension, Rival bumper, and PIAA lights make the LC200 unstoppable in the wild.
Inside, the story shifts from raw power to refined comfort. A custom black interior houses an Overlandkings’ drawer system and a Kings’ fridge, turning long journeys into effortless expeditions. On the roof, a Front Runner rack carries an Epic Kayak, ready for adventures where the road ends and the water begins.
Finished by Sonax Philippines, the LC200 is more than a vehicle — it’s a companion built for exploration, a rolling testament to resilience and freedom.
2025 Toyota Tamaraw – “Tama‑WOW”
If the LC200 embodies adventure, the 2025 Toyota Tamaraw “Tama‑WOW” embodies reinvention. Developed in collaboration with Hoonigan (Wheel Pros) and Black Rhino Wheels, it carries a striking livery etched with enthusiasts as the build is inspired by Ken Block’s famous 1965 Ford Mustang or famously known as Hoonicorn.
The transformation begins with a custom bodykit by Atoy Llave, sculpted to give the Tamaraw a bold, aggressive stance. Beneath it, an air suspension system allows the vehicle to shift seamlessly from show‑ready elegance to street‑dominating presence. But perhaps the most striking feature is its dedicated flatbed, designed not just for utility but as a stage — carrying a motorcycle centerpiece that completes the story.
Royal Enfield Interceptor, Riding in Style on the Tama-WOW
Royal Enfield Interceptor, Riding in Style on the Tama-WOWResting proudly on the Tamaraw’s flatbed is a Royal Enfield Interceptor, customized by Antazo Custom Motorcyclesin to a one‑of‑a‑kind machine. Every detail speaks of craftsmanship and attitude.
The custom aluminum engine cover gleams with precision, while a restructured chassis and custom seat redefine its silhouette. A low handlebar conversion and 17‑inch wheelset give it a lean, aggressive stance, complemented by a custom exhaust that growls with raw character. Modern touches like LED lighting blend seamlessly with the bike’s classic lines, while a custom plate holder and hand‑painted finish tie the entire build together.
The Interceptor, displayed proudly on the Tamaraw, creates a dual‑build masterpiece: a vehicle and motorcycle united in one vision, symbolizing mobility, freedom, and Filipino ingenuity.
Toyota LiteAce – Racing Beyond the Road
At this year’s TransSport, SportTruck, Manila Auto Salon, the humble Toyota LiteAce was transformed into something no one expected: a fusion of everyday utility and motorsport fantasy.
From the outside, the LiteAce sits low and confident, thanks to its air suspension setup that gives it a stance more often seen on performance cars than on compact vans. But the real surprise lies inside. Step through its doors and you’re greeted not by rows of seats, but by a dedicated SIM Racing Rig — a cockpit built for speed, precision, and adrenaline.
The rig turns the LiteAce into a rolling motorsport simulator, complete with racing controls and immersive visuals. It’s a build that blurs the line between reality and simulation, allowing enthusiasts to experience the thrill of the track even when parked at the show floor.
This LiteAce isn’t just a van; it’s a statement. It proves that creativity knows no boundaries — that a vehicle designed for practicality can be reimagined as a playground for racing dreams. With its air suspension stance and SIM Racing Rig interior, the LiteAce became one of the most talked‑about builds of the show, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines the Philippine automotive scene.
The Bigger Picture
Together, the LC200 and the Tamaraw “Tama‑WOW” with its RE Interceptor tell a story of adventure and identity. One is built to explore the unknown, the other to showcase Filipino pride on a global stage.
This year’s Tradeshow International mega‑event gave them the perfect stage. For the first time, TransSport, SportTruck, and Manila Auto Salon merged into one, amplifying the impact of builds that weren’t just machines — they were symbols of a movement.
Behind it all stand the partners who make it possible:
- Wheel Gallery Inc. – Official Black Rhino distributor in the Philippines
- YHI Philippines Inc. – Official distributor of Nitto Tires in the Philippines
The Personal Touch
The Personal TouchAs Sam Liuson of Wheel Gallery shared: “We wanted to show the world that Filipino creativity isn’t just local — it’s global. Starting here in Manila, we’re setting the tone for builds that will carry their own across the world.”
With Atoy Llave’s craftsmanship and Antazo Custom Motorcycles’ artistry, the Tamaraw “Tama‑WOW” became more than a build — it became a symbol of pride. And alongside the LC200 Adventure Vehicle #001, it proved that the Philippines isn’t just part of the global automotive conversation. It’s leading it.
Visit the Black Rhino Wheels PH (Wheel Gallery) and Nitto Tires at SMX Convention Center, Pasay till tomorrow November 16, 2025.