Exciting New Toyota GR Supra Custom Builds at SEMA360

It’s intriguing that we’re in a year where the SEMA Show “crunch” feels like just another day at the office. However, we are grateful that the industry is maintaining old habits and making a marketing push in the last months of 2020. The latest updates come from Toyota, which remains dedicated to unveiling several custom builds that were originally planned for SEMA, albeit in a virtual format through SEMA360.

Among the initial wave of reveals, four customized Mk5 Supra vehicles have piqued our interest, with two already unveiled during the summer months. The other two are actually fresh debuts—one being a rolling piece of art from a designer at Race Service and the other, a topless continuation of the Mk4 Supra-inspired Heritage Edition build that debuted at SEMA ’19.

GR Supra Sport Top Concept Build

Previous generations of the Supra offered a detachable Targa top known as the “Sport Roof.” Therefore, it is no surprise that the marketing team behind the 500hp Heritage Edition A90 has been given the green light to develop another custom build, this time aiming to replicate the removable roof panel from the classic Supra design.

Tentatively named the GR Supra Sport Top Concept, Toyota is documenting this custom build on YouTube, sharing episodes that reveal the creative process. In the latest episode, viewers can see the car before modifications, with builders indicating that the roof will be removable via a key fob and will consist of two pieces. This design choice seems practical, allowing easier storage since a single piece would likely be too large for the trunk.

Formula DRIFT GR Supra

Furthermore, the Papadakis Racing Rockstar Energy Drink and Ken Gushi Motorsports A90 Supra have been competing since September. Although details about the Papadakis Mk5 development have been available since April, Toyota sought to provide formal recognition during SEMA360. Consequently, one notable aspect of both racing Supras is their reliance on the native engine, the BMW B58 turbo straight-6, producing around 1,000hp— a departure from the fan-favorite 2JZ-GTE from the previous Supra model.

Ornamental Conifer GR Supra

This project showcases artwork from Ornamental Conifer, the alias of British artist Nicolai Sclater, who serves as the art director at Race Service. Starting with a 2021 GR Supra 3.0 Premium in Turbulence Gray, Sclater has hand-painted expressions like “True to Form” and “Lightning Response,” referencing both historical and modern Supra attributes. Using enamel paint and brushes, Sclater’s approach pays homage to the fading craft of traditional sign painting.