Toyota at SEMA 2022
words/photos: Denis Podmarkov source: Toyota
Toyota took the center stage at Central Hall and shined a spotlight on some excellent builds. From NHRA drag racing Supras to over-landing trucks, Toyota had something for everybody.
Our relationship with Toyota goes years back. Star Shield Solutions is a paint protection film supplier, and kit designer for Toyota. We are proud to have Toyota as a partner and excited to see what the future brings for us! With new models coming out soon, our engineering team has been busy designing kits and working with the Toyota engineers to bring out the best fitment possible.
Jumping back into SEMA, to many the SEMA show is all about the show vehicles, and Toyota never fails to answer the call. This year Toyota brought 13 exciting special builds to the show floor.
The GR Corolla Rally Concept
From the Toyota Motorsports Garage team comes a GR Corolla like no other, a sports car oozing Toyota Gazoo Racing DNA and rocket fuel for those who love Toyota sports cars and rally performance.
The 10-Second Twins
The Toyota Motorsports Garage team wondered what they could do with the GR Supra, a drag strip, and a $10,000 build budget. Answer: 10-second performers dubbed the “10-Second Twins” because what’s better than a 10-second GR Supra? Two 10-second GR Supras, doubling the adrenaline.
The GR86 Daily Drifter
Photographer Larry Chen envisioned a drift car that resonates with pro drifting fans and enthusiasts, creating a GR86 that resembles the purpose-built machines pro drivers like Fredric Aasbo, Ken Gushi, and Ryan Tuerck drive in competition, yet focusing on what can be attainable with a manageable budget.
The 2023 ‘Simba’ Sequoia by X Overland and 2022 ‘Orion’ Tundra by X Overland
Clay and Rachelle Croft established Expedition Overland in 2010. Today it is an award-winning team of adventure travelers sharing their explorations of some of the world’s most remote places through its popular “Expedition Overland” TV series, inspiring others to go on their own adventures. On display are the Crofts’ latest special project vehicles – the Simba Sequoia and Orion Tundra, both overlanding rigs that will serve as show production workhorses, carrying the team to distant locales as they continue to explore and share their adventures with loyal “Expedition Overland” fans worldwide.
The Sequoia TRD Pro Adventurer by Westcott Designs
Jeff and Jessica Westcott, co-founders of Westcott Designs, bring this eye-catching and trail-capable rig to the display to represent their company’s interest in engineering and manufacturing as well as their team’s keen attention to detail.
The Ultimate Overlanding Sequoia TRD Off-Road
Starting with a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Limited TRD Off-Road, the enthusiasts at 4WD Toyota Owner Media, publisher of “4WD Toyota Owner Magazine” and highly experienced off-road explorers, built a Sequoia that has the goods to back up its bold name.
The GR86 Cup Car and the GR Corolla Official NASA Pace Car
Toyota never fails to bring something to SEMA that showcases its focus on sports cars, performance, and motorsports. Filling that role this year is the Toyota GR86 Cup Car, the dedicated steed for the all-new single make Toyota GR Cup racing series that debuts in 2023. And to add more spice, Toyota displays the GR Corolla Official NASA Pace Car, fresh from its duties pacing the 2022 National Auto Sport Association (NASA) National Championships at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca this past September.
The FJ49, Megatourer and Supertourer, aka the “Black Truck”
These three builds from Patriot Campers provide a look into Toyota overlanding and off-road adventure in the land down under. All the way from the Gold Coast, Queensland, area of Australia, Justin Montesalvo, director of Patriot Campers, brings the FJ49, a 1977 FJ45 with modern technologies and components: the Megatourer, a six-wheeled beast with aggressive looks and unparalleled capabilities; and the Supertourer that is both aggressively good looking and fully capable of off-the-grid journeys.
Toyota has us inspired to build a car for ourselves. What Toyota model should we build? Let us know in the comments.
If you missed the show this year, don’t worry, we have a full gallery below of the Toyota booth.
