Toyota has cooked up a lineup of six tuned cars for SEMA this year, in addition to what we’ve already seen.

First off, we have the Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package, the first package in a lineup of performance packages for hybrid cars developed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Unlike the rest of Toyota’s SEMA lineup, this car is destined for production, with sales in limited quantities beginning in April 2011. The focus of this kit is to enhance performance without a decrease in fuel economy, and Toyota claims they’ve achieved that. Performance enhancements include wheels with a higher strength-to-weight ratio, low profile tires, and sports-tuned suspension. There’s also a new bodykit for a sports appearance, and “PLUS” logo floormats.

Next, we have the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme. This is a stretched out Sienna with plenty of visual mods to add some “swagger”. While the exterior is pretty crazy, the interior feels like a very nice place to be. There are plenty of seats, a lot of open space, and even a mini-kitchen. Moreover, the flooring is done with Brazilian cherry hardwood, and there are plenty of entertainment amenities, such as an HP TouchSmart computer, Xbox 360, and JBL audio system.

Then we have the Toyota Tundra Sportsman. This was designed in cooperation with Bass Pro Shops, with the outdoorsman’s needs in mind. It gets a 3-inch lift kit and chunky tires to help cope with rougher terrain, but most importantly, the bed has been transformed into storage for everything a hunter might need, as well as a food preparation zone and a living/sleeping quarters on top of it all, which can also be used as a hunting blind.

Continuing the off-road theme, we’ve got a Toyota 4Runner tuned by Four Wheeler Magazine. They call it the 4Runner Backcountry. This receives heavy-duty suspension, off-road tires, a bull bar with a winch and projector lamps, and various other useful accessories for the off-road enthusiast. It’s also got things like water and gasoline storage so that you can survive long expeditions.

Then we have another Prius, the C&A Custom Concept. The car is making its North American debut here, and it’s essentially a Prius with a horrible carbon fibre body kit, as well as some new wheels. It’s also lowered with TIEN suspension, and the exterior mirrors are replaced with video cameras.

The last of the lot is the Toyota Yaris GT-S Club Racer. This car is a race-prepped Yaris designed by SportsCar magazine. It has competed in several SCCA races, and even managed a respectable 8th out of 26 at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs in September. Modifications are plentiful, including a stripped-out interior, tuned engine (145 hp vs. 106 on the stock car), new wheels and tires, and lightweight body panels and windows.

You can find out plenty more about these cars in their respective press releases after the gallery.

Press Release (Prius PLUS Performance Package)

2010 SEMA Show: Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package

The 2010 SEMA Show will mark the debut of the all-new Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package, a new hybrid performance line by Toyota Racing Development (TRD).  Developed to meet the evolving demands of the growing hybrid segment, PLUS enhances the driving experience for Toyota hybrid enthusiasts by offering cool and fun accessories that add sporty looks with performance handling.  The new PLUS package also features several Toyota accessories that complement the Prius’ core values of Eco and Advanced Technology.  The end result is a more fun-to-drive, performance-enhanced Prius that maintains its industry-leading fuel efficiency.

The Prius PLUS Performance Package starts with a seven-piece aerodynamic body kit including a uniquely styled rear diffuser, which enhances its already sleek appearance and maintains its 0.25 coefficient of drag.  The aero kit also includes front and rear bumper spoilers and side skirts, which are complemented by race-inspired 17-inch forged wheels.  Their higher strength-to weight ratio assists in keeping the corner weight down and performance up, while maintaining the Prius’ overall light vehicle weight and high fuel efficiency.  The wheels are fitted with low profile 215/45R17 tires and have a custom offset, which increases track width yet maintaining Prius’ rolling resistance.

The PLUS package delivers surprising traction and handling without sacrificing any fuel efficiency.  Improved performance handling is achieved with the installation of sport-tuned lowering springs that provide a lower center of gravity, enhancing the vehicles on-road performance through quicker turn-in, enhanced steering response and improved cornering ability.  A rear sway bar is added to reduce body roll for flatter, more stable cornering and maneuverability.

The package also includes exclusive floormats with a “PLUS” logo and a unique “PLUS” exterior badge.

The new Prius PLUS Performance Package represents the first installment of the new PLUS brand of accessories from Toyota and will be available in limited production beginning in April 2011.

Press Release (Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme)

2010 SEMA Show: Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme

Capitalizing on the success of the all-new 2011 Sienna SE and the popularity of the YouTube Swagger Wagon video that has attracted over seven million views, Toyota wanted to further re-examine the role of the minivan and push even harder against the traditional boundaries of the minivan identity. So, together with B.A.D. Company, Toyota has created the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme for the 2010 SEMA Show. Even Sienna’s online community of fans was engaged in providing suggestions and making decisions for this special build.

The creation of the Swagger Wagon Supreme began with a 2011 Toyota Sienna SE V6 with interior attributes from a Sienna XLE. This special van was stretched and modified to create a functional family vehicle that firmly dismisses the notion that to drive a minivan is to sacrifice personal style in favor of family functionality. The Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme dutifully demonstrates the meaning of the 2011 Sienna slogan, “always for kids, now for parents too.”

B.A.D. Company started the project by stretching the Sienna by nearly four feet (44 inches) and expanding the wheelbase to lengthen the interior cabin space and add more “swagger” on the outside. A custom acrylic roof replacement approximately eight feet long was installed to help bring in natural light and create a warm and stylish environment. An airbag suspension system was installed allowing ground clearance to range from 2.5 to 6.5 inches, maximizing curb appeal and providing appropriate ground clearance for day-to-day driving. The sporty SE theme was amplified with the installation of 20-inch chrome wheels designed by KMC around Nitto 255/40R20 tires in the rear and 245/45R20 tires in the front. Final exterior applications include a custom fabricated rear spoiler, shaved door handles on the automatic sliding doors, custom chrome exhaust tips, and a multiple-step exterior paint process employed by using a custom Blue Swagger Opal color applied over a pearlescent base.

The interior of the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme was designed to provide functional versatility with two distinct environments: the quintessential experience for parents out for a fun evening or event without the kids; and all the utility of a traditional van with functional and aesthetic features for the entire family.

Among the modifications are functioning power windows on the stretched section of the vehicle allowing easy access to accessories in the passenger area. The custom seats feature reversible cushions for multiple tastes. On one side the cushions feature single-color leather for an upscale, adult look. Flip the cushion and you will find bright upholstered colors that appeal to the kids. The passenger area includes two swiveling captain’s chairs. One captain’s chair is also a “Spa Seat” equipped with a multi-function, programmable massage unit. A hideaway table can be folded out in between the captain’s chairs sitting area.

Complementing the seating area is custom cabinetry for added storage finished in cherry veneer with an integrated glass-front refrigerator and DuPont Corian countertop that can have multiple uses such as food and drink prep, a kid’s activity area, a mobile office, etc. The floor was lowered, leveled and finished in Brazilian cherry hardwood to provide a cozy environment for the family as well as for mom and dad.

Entertainment is in abundance inside and out. In addition to the many technological features found in the stock Sienna, the Swagger Wagon adds a 23-inch HP TouchSmart computer featuring multi-touch support in Windows 7, mounted on a custom bracket to allow for multiple viewing positions both inside and outside the vehicle; an Xbox 360 gaming system with DVD player; and a custom JBL audio system specifically designed and tuned by JBL sound engineers to provide a home theater atmosphere. The JBL system consists of the Toyota Original Equipment head unit through a JBL MS8 signal processor. It has 10 JBL GTO 428 speakers (eight in the main cabin and two more in the rear hatch), two JBL GTO 804 sub-woofers, and four amplifiers with 1700 watts of power.

In addition to the many aftermarket suppliers that contributed to the creation of the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme, Toyota also recruited Sienna fans via Facebook to help with the project. Since the start of the build, the Facebook community has been asked to provide input, allowing them to vote on various items for the project. For example, the name “Swagger Wagon Supreme” was chosen by the Facebook community as well as the wheel design for the vehicle, and is currently voting on a name for the custom Blue color. Toyota will continue to provide frequent Facebook updates about the Swagger Wagon Supreme throughout the SEMA Show.

After SEMA, the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme can also be seen at upcoming major auto shows including Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago.

Press Release (Toyota Tundra Sportsman)

2010 SEMA Show: Toyota Tundra Sportsman

Making its public debut at the 2010 SEMA Show is the “Tundra Sportsman” concept pickup truck. For this project, Toyota teamed with long-time business partner Bass Pro Shops and their RedHead Pro Hunting Team members to create this unique show truck, inspired by the outdoor tradition of hunting. The “Tundra Sportsman” serves two roles: It provides an opportunity to push the creative boundaries of truck utility, and through use of the hunting theme, it reminds consumers of how Tundra and Bass Pro Shops complete the outdoor sports experience. This vehicle also boasts numerous vehicle performance upgrades that complement the utility and visual enhancements to maximize vehicle capability.

Toyota used a 2011 Tundra Double Cab 4×4 equipped with the TRD Rock Warrior Package and 5.7-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic transmission as the canvas for the concept truck. Performance modifications began with a three-inch suspension lift to increase ground clearance over uneven terrain. A custom exhaust was created with pipes routed up through the center of the bed and exiting the roof top deck for improved water crossing capability. Additional off-road enhancements included the installation of a custom air intake and snorkel. Finally, to help handle the roughest off-road conditions the Tundra Sportsman rides on ATX 18-inch Teflon-coated wheels fitted onto 33 x 12.5-inch Nitto Mud Grapplers.

The exterior design strategy was to create a truck that looked good on the street while still staying true to the build theme of an authentic off-road vehicle designed to be used by a sportsman. This was accomplished by using a muted color palette of Grays and Blacks to blend in with the wooded environment without the cliché of camouflage to sustain curb appeal. To further differentiate the Tundra Ultimate Sportsman from most contemporary “street” applications, semi-gloss paint was used for the body and shell while a flat finish was applied to the trim. The exterior was topped off with a custom front “Bull Bar” to protect the front end of the truck during off-roading.

Inside, the truck was designed to be a command center for extended hunting trips as essential field electronics such as a weather station and GPS have been installed. To minimize wear, the TRD Rock Warrior bucket seats were upholstered in waterproof Black and Gray material. The black Rock Warrior carpeting is weather protected by all-weather Browning branded camouflage floor mats. The stock 10 speaker JBL sound system is supplemented by JBL all-weather outdoor speakers that are wired into the bed area to create a simple but comfortable recreation space.

The truck bed received the most attention as it was modified to serve double-duty as the ultimate sportsman fantasy transport and base camp. Everything required for conventional firearm and bow hunting is included as well as an area for meal preparation. A bed cap or shell was fabricated to conceal and protect gear for extended hunting trips.

The extensive bed modifications create three unique zones. The driver side of the bed is dedicated to firearms. Close access to secured rifle storage and accessories was accomplished with a unique layout that allows the shell side to open vertically while the entire bed side swings out to a 90 degree angle from the truck. Two steel, locking rifle cases are integrated into cabinetry for safe and secure storage and transport. A work bench also folds down from the opened bed wall to provide a clean, secure work space for the cleaning and maintenance of rifles, pistols and other essential gear while in the field. Since many hunters also carry side arms while hunting and camping, a pistol safe is integrated into the cabinetry and structure of the truck.

The passenger side of the bed is designated for bow hunting and camping accessories that can be accessed through a unique bed side that slides out then folds flat. The folded down bed side is large and serves as a sizeable work surface ideal for the loading and unloading of packs. Plenty of room for two bows and archery accessories is built into the upper cabinet areas. A closet to accommodate camouflage hunting clothing as well as foul weather gear is also included.

The tailgate section of the bed was designed as a food preparation zone. Both the shell and the tailgate open in a conventional fashion to reveal a mobile kitchen complete with a small stove, sink and work surface. The space also includes storage for cooking utensils and a built-in seven-gallon water tank.

On top of the camper shell and cab, an 86 square foot platform was constructed to contain the living/sleeping quarters or hunting blind. The platform is surrounded by collapsible handrails for easy storage when driving as well as a ladder for easy access. The platform will accommodate a 7’ x 7’ two-man tent as well as a two-man camouflage blind. The platform can also be used to safely transport game bagged during the hunt.

After the SEMA Show Toyota and Bass Pro Shops will use this unique truck for a variety of local hunting and fishing events and may also be seen at a Bass Pro Shops near you.

Press Release (Four Wheeler Magazine Toyota 4Runner Backcountry)

2010 SEMA Show: Four Wheeler Magazine Toyota 4Runner Backcountry

Four Wheeler Magazine’s Project Toyota 4Runner Backcountry makes its world debut at the 2010 SEMA Sow. This special 4Runner was built as a self-contained exploration rig to take the avid weekend adventurer far in to the backcountry to allow discovery of the roads less traveled and forgotten places in history. The modifications were carefully chosen to enhance the 4Runners signature style and capability without taking away from what the 4Runner is – all while maintaining the 4Runner’s comfort for daily driver use, if desired.

Starting with an Old Manu Emu (OME) suspension system, consisting of heavy-duty springs and OME NitroCharger Sport shock absorbers, the 4Runner was lifted approximately 2.5-inches. This not only allowed for increased load carrying ability and higher ground clearance, but also made it possible to fit P285/70R17 Falken WildPeak A/T tires mounted to 17×8 Teflon-coated ATX Mojave wheels. Overall, the 4Runner Backcountry sits approximately 3-inches taller than a stock 4Runner.

To stay with the theme of lone backcountry travel and prevent being stranded, the 4Runner Backcountry compliments the factory rear locker with an ARB front Air Locker. However, if the going gets tough and the 4Runner manages to get stuck, a Warn XD9000 winch is at the ready to self-recover, if necessary. The winch is mounted to an ARB Deluxe Bull Bar front bumper. Also mounted to the front bumper are two 6×9 KC HiLiTES HID driving lights.

No backcountry expedition is complete without accommodations. Mounted to the roof is an ARB Steel Touring Style Roof Rack, which is used to mount the ARB Series III Simpson Rooftop Tent and ARB Awning 2000. The roof rack is also utilized as a platform for the four KC HiLiTES 5×7 front facing and two 2×6 rear facing lights. Together with the HID driving lights, the KC’s work together to pierce even the darkest of nights and provide additional lighting around the vehicle.

Out back, EVO Manufacturing has developed a rear tire and Expedition One Geri fuel can carrier that moves the spare tire from under the vehicle to the back. This frees up space for a custom 13-gallon water tank to be mounted where the factory spare used to reside. The custom water system uses a 12V inline electric pump to push the water out to a hose that can be used as a shower, as well as washing dishes or hands.

EVO Manufacturing also developed a set of rock sliders to protect the body of the 4Runner on the worst trails that an adventurer may come across away from civilization.

Inside the 4Runner Backcountry, the driver is greeted with a Cobra CB radio for trail communications and a dash-mounted Garmin GPS as a primary navigational aid. All of the accessory switches utilize the factory switch blanks for an uncluttered dash and all of the auxiliary electrical components are run through an S-Pod power distribution system to keep them separate from the factory electronics.

The 4Runner Backcountry also features a rear cargo area-mounted Power Tank on-board air system for airing up tires. Finally, the factory slide out rear tray carries an ARB Fridge Freeze to help keep perishable provisions from spoiling.

Press Release (Prius C&A Custom Concept)

2010 SEMA Show: Toyota Prius C&A Custom Concept

The Prius C&A Custom Concept vehicle was developed by the Conversions and Accessories group at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan to demonstrate the unlimited potential for sports car modification on the worlds best-selling hybrid vehicle. The Prius C&A Custom Concept is making its North American debut at the 2010 SEMA Show.

From front to rear, with the exception of the doors, the Mystic Lavender exterior of the Toyota Prius C&A is equipped with light-weight carbon fiber. Exterior areas equipped with carbon fiber include aero side skirts with vertical spoilers, front bumper and fender flares with radically large air intakes, the engine hood, roof, rear hatch, rear spoiler, rear bumper with vertical spoiler, and rear garnish. Other exterior features include an outside mirror CCD camera system, smoked rear combination lamp with a translucent rear side spoiler, styled exhaust tip and front and rear lighted Toyota badging.

The Toyota Prius C&A Custom Concept rides on 18-inch, forged wheels with aluminum aero rings, and are wrapped with Goodyear Eagle Revspec RS-02 215/40R18 eco sport tires. A sport suspension by TIEN lowers the Prius concept by four inches in the front and six inches in the rear.

Inside, the right-hand drive Prius C&A features black Alcantara® simulated suede fabric on the ceiling, “A” and “B” pillars, door trim, rear seat and console box. Alcantara suede is also found on the steering wheel and aluminum shift knob. The driver and front passenger ride in comfort on RECARO seats with embroidered “C&A” logos.

An additional gauge on the instrument panel features “G,” output, and mileage meters, along with a water thermometer and voltmeter. A navigation system by DENSO features an eco function that displays total electric motor and engine kilowatt output, steering angle (0 to +450 degrees), speed, accelerator open angle, and mileage.

In addition to its North American debut at SEMA, the Toyota Prius C&A Custom Concept is also part of Toyota’s 10 years of Prius celebration in America.

Press Release (Yaris GT-S Club Racer)

2010 SEMA Show: Yaris GT-S Club Racer

The Toyota Yaris is well-known as a value-driven sub-compact car with proven reliability and excellent fuel efficiency. It has also proven in past SEMA shows to be very versatile when it comes to customization. The little sub-compact returns to the 2010 SEMA Show, this time proving it can also be converted into a very capable race car.

To make the Yaris racecar a reality Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. asked SportsCar magazine to convert a 2006 Yaris five-door liftback. The Yaris selected for the project was a veteran of the 2007 SEMA Show, formerly known as the Yaris Club project. Toyota renamed the car the GT-S Club Racer as an homage to the popular GT-S grade Celica’s of the 1980’s and 90’s. SportsCar magazine accepted the challenge and began remaking the Yaris into a Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) sanctioned racecar.

SportsCar magazine began the project by shedding nearly 400 pounds off the vehicle’s curb weight by removing several creature comforts like the air conditioning and audio system to tip the scale at less than the 1,900 pound class minimum.

The exterior of the Yaris GT-S Club Racer features a Molly Designs inspired graphics that pays homage to Dan Gurney’s All American Racers-built IMSA GTP Toyota Eagle Racers of the 1990’s. Additional exterior features include a Seibon carbon fiber hood and hatchback, AeroCatch hood pins, Racing Lifestyle fender flares, I/O Port Racing Supplies tow hooks, and Lexan side and rear windows. The Yaris rides on three-piece JRW330 13 x 7 Jongbloed Racing wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle Sports Car Special 20.0 x 9.5-13 racing slicks.

Underneath the hood is a Toyota 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i. SportsCar magazine made several modifications to increase the horsepower from the stock 106 to 145 @ 7252 RPM. Modifications included several bolt-on performance parts including a K&N air intake, a DC Sports header, and Rebello Racing Engines camshafts and cylinder head work to name a few. A Mishimoto radiator and Coast Fabrication Ultra Lightweight racing muffler were also added. The engine is mated to a SPEC aluminum flywheel and three-puck clutch, a Kaaz limited slip differential and a 4.312 final drive gear set swapped in from a Scion xB.

To help slow the car Carbotech XP-8 brake pads and Goodridge stainless steel brake lines were added.

Modifications on the inside included an AiM Sports MXL race data acquisition dash system paired with an AEM Performance Electronics EMS Series 2 ECU, for complete control of the engine and data accumulation. Safety was addressed with a Sparco Evo 2 FIA race seat and race pedals while Autopower supplied a Pro-Cam six-point harness and window net. Additional safety features include an NRG Innovations steering wheel with a quick release hub, a Braille No-Weight battery, Longacre kill switch and mirrors, and an Emergency Suppressions Systems fire system.

Once completed, it was time to race. The Yaris GT-S Club Racer won its very first race, topping the competition at Willow Springs Raceway in Southern California. Driven by SportsCar magazine associate editor Jason Isley, the little racecar went on to win the Southern Pacific H Production Division Championship. Capturing its division qualified the Yaris for the 47th SCCA National Championship Runoffs at the historic Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin where it competed in late September. At the championships, it qualified 13th and finished a very respectable 8th out of a field of 26. Competing against older classics, it was the newest car in the field by 19 years!

After the SEMA Show, Toyota and Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, will host the producers of Gran Turismo® 5 at a race track where they will compare their “virtual” racing skills versus their “actual” racing skills by driving the GT-S Club Racer in a time trial format.

Source: Toyota