SEMA 2019

Toyota goes hard at SEMA with 9 super Supra builds

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Nov 9, 2019, 6:38 pm

Toyota showed off nine Supra models among their lineup at the annual SEMA show.

Photo courtesy of Toyota

The Toyota Supra is finally for sale at dealerships and now things are getting fun. Aftermarket outfitters have gotten ahold of customer cars and Toyota has enlisted a few to go to extremes with their new SEMA builds.

The show selection is part of Toyota's celebration of 40 years of Toyota Racing Development heritage.

"2019 has proven a momentous year for Toyota and TRD," said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota Division Marketing. "The eagerly anticipated 2020 GR Supra stole the show when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and this year marks the 40th anniversary of Toyota Racing Development. From NHRA drag racing and drifting to the NASCAR and IMSA racing series, TRD continues to push the limits of what a Toyota can do."

Here's what they showed off.

The GRudge Match: GR Supra Heritage Edition

The GRudge Match: GR Supra Heritage Edition

Photo courtesy of Toyota

This is a showdown. Ed Laukes vs. Rutledge Wood. They decided to hold a build off for the 2019 SEMA Show, and they're each building a 2020 GR Supra. This friendly competition, but there's a clear cut winner. The question is, which one is it?

This model is Laukes' entry. He tasked Marty Schwerter of Motorsports Technical Center to combine elements of the MKIV Supra from the late-90s with the new 2020 GR Supra. It's tuned to produce over 500 horsepower on a stock long block.

The GRudge Match: GR Supra HyperBoost Edition

The GRudge Match: GR Supra HyperBoost Edition

Photo courtesy of Toyota

The GR Supra HyperBoost Edition is NASCAR analyst and broadcast personality, Rutledge Wood's Grudge Match entry. Wood worked with Rick Leos of Lucky Leos 17 Motorsports to transform the model into a 750-horsepower Supra beast. It features a 20-piece carbon-fiber wide-body kit.

GR Supra Performance Line Concept

GR Supra Performance Line Concept

Photo courtesy of Toyota

One part Supra, one part carbon fiber, this Supra was designed by Toyota Customizing & Development. Along with the carbon fiber aerodynamic components its has 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

​GR Supra 3000GT Concept

\u200bGR Supra 3000GT Concept

Photo courtesy of Toyota

Toyota Customizing & Development also created the 3000GT Concept. It's a tribute to the iconic TRD3000GT Supra body kit of the mid-90s that was released in celebration of the Supra's success in JGTC competition.

GR Supra Wasabi Concept

GR Supra Wasabi Concept

Photo courtesy of Toyota

This is "a Supra for the masses according to the Toyota Genuine Accessory Team that developed the model. Dubbed the Wasabi Concept, the Toyota features Brembo B-M Brakes, Öhlins suspension upgrades, Toyota forged aluminum wheels, and Five Axis aero parts.

GR Supra Racing Concept

GR Supra Racing Concept

Photo courtesy of Toyota

Before the Supra became a reality in the marketplace, this concept was shown as a hint of what the model could be. It debuted in 2018 and gave a peek at the look of what a competition model could look like.

​GR Supra GT4

\u200bGR Supra GT4

Photo courtesy of Toyota

This isn't the first time that the GR Supra GT4 has been shown. It first appeared at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show in March. Developed by Gazoo Racing (that's the GR in GR Supra), the model features an FIA compliant cage, racing suspension components, Brembo racing brakes, OZ Racing wheels and a number of motorsports components.

​NASCAR Xfinity Supra

\u200bNASCAR Xfinity Supra

Photo courtesy of Toyota

This Supra was built for Toytoa development driver Christopher Bell, who is racing the No. 20 Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing this year. He's currently atop the driver standings.

​GR Supra Pace Car

\u200bGR Supra Pace Car

Photo courtesy of Toyota

The Supra is competing in NASCAR for the first time this year, which gave Toyota the idea to make a pace car variant of the model. This model features TEIN coil-over suspension, Project Mu brake pads, HRE Forged P101 Monoblok wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tires, and a Whelen LED light bar. The model is on its way to the next NASCAR race in Phoenix following SEMA.

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web

Trending News

Nuts & Bolts

 
 

Concept Cars

Ford teams up with lifestyle brand Filson for 2021 Bronco-based Wildland Fire Rig concept

Ford's latest concept vehicle is designed to better-equip firefighters for the tough tasks ahead.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Filson is a brand for go-everywhere lifestyle enthusiasts looking to be equipped for the long road ahead. The Ford Bronco is ready to take them there. A new partnership between the two iconic names in outdoors-ing has resulted in the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept and limited-edition outdoor gear.

The Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept features a combination of firefighting equipment, rugged materials crafted by Filson, and the four-door Bronco. It is designed to be a tribute to the decades of first responders who used the Bronco for their firefighting duties.

"Ford and Filson share a unique history of helping protect our nation's wildfire crews for more than a century and helping them access rugged areas of forests," said Dave Rivers, Bronco marketing manager. "Today, we're combining those strengths to support those who protect our natural resources as well as helping preserve our nation's forests for future generations."

Ford Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept

Ford Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

The new concept car is based on the 2021 Ford Bronco four-door Badlands trim with available Sasquatch Package. Its exterior features a Forest Service Green paint job that is similar to the color used on the first-generation U.S. Forest Service Bronco. At its face is a modular steel Ford Performance bumper with a Warn Zeon 10s winch.

A heavy-duty custom roof rack with Rigid LED light bar is mounted to the Bronco's accessory points on the side mirror arms and rear J-plate. The rack holds a Pulaski, shovel, water tanks and axes, and is strong enough to double as a firefighter lookout. Additional specialized equipment on the rig includes a Kimtek Firelite Fire/Rescue Transport skid that comes with a Hannay Reels fire hose reel, Davey high-pressure water pump, 50-gallon water tank, Stihl chainsaw, two hard hats, a high lift jack, and Sure Seal drop torch attached to it.

Filson materials make the interior of the concept tougher. There's otter green canvas door bolsters, armrests, and seat trim surrounds. The seating surfaces have quilted black leather inspired by Filson's jacket lining, and Ann embossed Bronco logo.

Grab handles and the center console are painted in matching Filson otter green while a CB radio is mounted to the Bronco's versatile BYO device rack on the instrument panel.

Fireproof ripstop nylon similar to that on Filson backpacks and briefcases is used for the bimini-style top and rear cargo area divider. The top can be opened, rolled back and secured by Filson bridle leather straps.

Bronco Wild Fund Presents: Shared History, Shared Action | Ford www.youtube.com

There's a Cerakote ceramic coating on the wheels, custom fabricated roof rack and grille, and a unique inside for the center console and instrument panel trim, all of which are designed for longevity. The center of the steering wheel features the Bronco horse plated in Filson brass. An embroidered Filson logo is mounted to the interior top and a similar logo has bee napplied to the center console trim tag.

"The Filson and Bronco collaboration was a natural fit, given the deep histories both brands have with the U.S. Forest Service dating back to the midcentury, when crews relied on the Filson Cruiser jackets and first-generation Broncos to reach remote terrain and protect them in harsh conditions," said Doug Thielen, director of marketing at Filson. "Our resilient materials and innovative product designs are the perfect complement for the rugged Bronco SUV, and honor wildland firefighters who risk it all to protect our forests and natural resources."

Earlier this week, Ford announced its new Bronco Wild Fund initiative. The company is set to use a percentage of the sales money it brings in from Bronco sales to fund an endowment that will benefit numerous outdoors-focused initiatives. Ford and the Bronco Wild Fund will donate two Broncos outfitted with firefighting equipment to help wildland fire personnel protect communities and vital natural resources.

Additionally, Filson and Ford will sell limited-edition Bronco + Filson outdoor gear at Filson.com to benefit the Bronco Wild Fund.

From Your Site Articles

Trending News

 
 

Concept Cars

New Acura MDX Prototype is nearly the real thing

The Acura MDX Prototype has debuted, showing off the future of the SUV.

Photo courtesy of Acura

The Acura MDX Prototype is here, which means that the next-generation MDX is right around the corner. The newest version of the three-row SUV will arrive at dealership lots in early 2021 with MDX Type S models coming in the summer of 2021. This is the exact same lath the 2021 Acura TLX took for its redesign.

The MDX Prototype features a dramatic exterior with sculpted features and a wide face that takes the design of the TLX and moves it to a SUV model. It looks fresh though perhaps more importantly, it looks premium.

Acura MDX Prototype The Acura MDX Prototype is the first step in the official direction of the fourth-generation MDX.Photo courtesy of Acura

Acura is showing off the concept car in Liquid Carbon and Performance Red exterior colors. The Diamond Pentagon grille is flanked by four-element JewelEye LED headlights that have Chicane LED daytime running lights underneath that are inspired by the Acura ARX-05 race car.

The new SUV serves as the debut of the company's next-generation truck platform. It's the most rigid model to date and comes complete with a double wishbone front suspension. It comes with all-wheel drive (available on the next-gen model) and features Brembo four-piston brake calipers, finished in Ivory paint, at all four corners.

Acura has put its strong and tested 3.5-liter V6 under the hood and paired it with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The forthcoming MDX Type S will have a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.

The SUV's 21-inch wheels highlights the MDX's 3-inch longer wheelbase that allows for a larger and more versatile cargo area and added spaciousness for passengers. The prototype shows off more legroom in all three rows than was in the previous-gen model.

Acura MDX Prototype

Acura MDX Prototype

Photo courtesy of Acura

Acura sport seats are featured in all three rows and offer 16-way power adjustment and integrated massage functionality with nine massage modes.

The interior of the MDX Prototype features a sophisticated cabin that is mostly duplicative of what you'll find in the TLX. There is open-pore wood that is infused with metallic flake, polished aluminum, and soft-touch Milanno leather. The instrument panel and steering wheel feature two-tone Ebony and Light Orchid leather.

There's an ultra-wide panoramic moonroof. The SUV's LED ambient lighting is available in 27 different schemes tied to driving modes and representative of various locations, such as iconic roads and race circuits around the world.

Like the TLX, the MDX Prototype features Acura's Precision Cockpit. It features a customizable 12.3-inch, high-definition display in front of the driver. The 12.3-innch infotainment display matches in size and is controlled with Acura's touchpad.

Acura's audio system partnership has resulted in the model featuring the ELS Studio 3D premium audio system. It delivers 1000 watts of power and utilizes 25 speakers.

Acura has promised that, as in the prototype, the company's suite of driver assistance and safety technology, AcuraWatch, will be standard.

Stay tuned to see the next-gen MDX soon.

From Your Site Articles

Trending News