Many vehicles have unique features that cause them to stand apart from others, but few boast amenities like the latest "Tanked" version of the Toyota Highlander. That's because this one-of-a-kind vehicle has a fish tank installed in the back, courtesy of a partnership between Toyota, Nickelodeon and Animal Planet.
Debuting at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this edition of the Highlander was inspired by the Nickelodeon cartoon "SpongeBob Squarepants." While the exterior of the vehicle may be what initially caught the attention of spectators thanks to its bright colors and cartoon figures, the fish tank is what stole the show. This 800-gallon tank was home to about 115 small fish from 32 different species, as well as some figurines and shelters straight out of the "SpongeBob Squarepants" cartoon.
"When we talk about the size and versatility of the new 2014 Highlander, we now can add how many fish swam inside one," said Jack Hollis, vice president of marketing for Toyota. "The 'Tanked' designers and Nickelodeon combined the mystery of the ocean and the fun of SpongeBob into a Highlander everyone will be talking about at SEMA."
Because of the vehicle maintenance and safety issues involved with a car like the Tanked Highlander, it won't go into production, but that hasn't stopped curious drivers from giving it a second look.