STOW, Ohio (July 28, 2003)— Mickey Thompson performance tires and wheels are featured in the movie sequel, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, the specialty tire maker said.
Mickey Thompson Baja Claw Radials, size 35x13.50R17, outfit the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon featured in the sequel, which opened July 25. The Jeep also carries 17x9 Classic II Wheels from Mickey Thompson. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. of Findlay, Ohio, owns Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels.
“We were surprised to be featured in such a big movie but are not surprised that the prop builders selected our tires and wheels because of our great reputation as a leader in the off-road business,” said Ken Warner, vice president of marketing for Mickey Thompson.
Goodyear's Wrangler MT/R off-road tires, size LT245/75R16, outfit the limited edition 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, inspired by the movie. About 1,000 vehicles, with a base price of $28,815 including destination charges, are available at U.S. dealerships.
A Mickey Thompson spokesman said the Goodyear tires are on the limited-edition vehicle, but the Mickey Thompson tires are actually on the vehicle in the movie.
After its first weekend open, Lara Croft finished fourth in the box office, taking in about $21.8 million, which is less than half the amount the original movie took in its opening weekend in 2001, according to the BBC.