August, 10 2004

Metra Electronics’ newest sponsored demo vehicle, the 2002 Raptor Celica, made the competition circuit take notice with its spectacular July debut. From the NOPI Nationals, July 10 and 11, to the Dub Magazine Car Show, July 31, the fierce Raptor Celica racked up an impressive total of eight major category awards during four separate shows. Metra’s resident geniuses Jeremy Carlson and Dave “Fishman” Rivera fully tricked out owner Pete Colello’s Celica with massive amounts of mobile audio and video equipment, and of course, Raptor car sound accessories. Colello, who resides in Harrisburg, PA, had hooked up with Fish to take his ride to the next level after installing a body kit, vertical door system, turbo engine and killer 19-by-10-inch rims. “The Celica is designed to be a bridge between the tuner and performance worlds,” Rivera said. In sponsoring Colello’s ride – which he owns with his mom, Deb – Metra choose to showcase its powerful Raptor brand, which is designed to deliver affordable, true-to-spec high quality and high performance to mobile audio/video installations. Was Colello taken aback by the Raptor Celica’s awe-inspiring showing? “I kind of expected it,” he said in a matter-of-fact manner. When you know your ride’s the best, there’s no reason for false modesty. The Raptor Celica’s July victories are as follows: NOPI Nationals, Bristol, TN, July 10 and 11 – Best of Show, Asian Super Tuner Show, Virginia Beach, July 17 – Best Interior, Best Sound Presentation, Best Celica, Best Toyota; Second Place: Two-Door Wild Falken Drift Showoff, Washington, D.C., July 24 – Best Custom Car Dub Magazine Car Show, Englishtown, N.J. – Best Toyota The Raptor Celica is slated to participate in 12 additional shows in 2004, and is doubtlessly destined to earn even more major awards.