This week’s SEMA specialist auto equipment
show in Las Vegas sees Toyota focus on its past and future Supra models, unique
renditions of the new Corolla and a hydrogen fuel cell Tundra pick-up with its
own built-in robot pizza kitchen.
“The theme for SEMA 2018 is our call to action
– ‘Let’s Go Places,’” said Ed Laukes, Group Vice President – Toyota Division
Marketing. “This year we’re definitely going places with the introduction of
the all-new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback and the latest TRD Pro Trucks. We’re
also taking a look back at the history of the Toyota Supra with a display of
state-of-the-art race cars and no one will quickly forget the pizza-making
Tundra PIE Pro.”
Custom Corolla builds
To introduce the 2019 Corolla Hatchback to the
performance aftermarket, Toyota launched a Battle of the Shops to see who could
come up with the best and most individual custom version of the new car. Two
builders rose to the occasion: Julio Ixta of SoCal Kustomz and Alex Molina of
Muscle Tuner Auto. Their work is on show together with a time attack-inspired
entry from automotive media network Super Street and a ‘Russian arm’ camera car
from the rally racers at Hoonigan.
Toyota Supra in
motorsport
Toyota’s SEMA 2018 display celebrates the
return of Supra with race-prepared renditions of the upcoming fifth generation
of the legendary sportscar. Toyota will campaign a Supra-bodied car in next
year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series, presented alongside what may be the most extreme
new Supra to date – the Supra Racing Concept introduced earlier this year at
the Geneva Motor Show. There is also a display of classic Supra models,
representing all four generations and all finished in white. This pristine assembly
is accompanied by eight modified examples celebrating the die-hard enthusiast
following the cars still enjoy today.
Tundra PIE Pro
hydrogen fuel cell pick-up
The hydrogen fuel cell electric-powered Tundra
PIE pro takes the concept of pizza delivery to another level, taking the party
with it wherever it goes, with virtually no carbon footprint. All it leaves in
its wake are tasty Pizza Hut pizzas and water vapour. This one-off model
is powered by a Toyota Mirai powertrain and converted to front-wheel drive. Its
hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain powers both the vehicle and the pizza
kitchen mounted on the cargo bed. Pizzas are baked, cut, boxed and delivered by
two robotic arms.
Formula Drift Corolla
The TRD/Papadakis Racing Corolla Hatchback was
inspired by, and built for, Formula Drift competition. It has a full rear-wheel
drive conversions, custom-designed suspension and a fire-breathing turbo engine
developing more than 1,000hp. The car won on its debut outing at Long Beach,
California, and took second place in the 2018 Formula Drift Pro rankings.
Kevin Costner’s Custom
Tundra
International film star Kevin Costner has
brought his personal touch to a custom version of the Tundra Platinum, a large
pick-up designed for life in the great outdoors. The vehicle has been equipped
with custom items, tailored to suit the actor’s passion for nature and an
outdoors lifestyle.
The 2018 SEMA Show continues at the Las Vegas
Convention Centre until Friday (2 November).
*Please note the above content relates to the
United States Domestic Market and may not be applicable to the local market.
