Toyota

Auto Show Article

TRD Celica
The main element of SEMA is, of course, the aftermarket. And while the OEMs are getting into the act at the show more and more each year, the aftermarket is the chief aspect of the SEMA showscape. Many carmakers have aftermarket outlets such as Toyota's TRD (Toyota Racing Development). TRD makes a whole bunch of parts for such cars as the Celica and this GT-S was packed with just about all of 'em.

First up on this car is a body kit. Available for the Celica are a front lip spoiler, a front bumper cover/grille, rocker panels, fog lamps, a rear valence, a rear wing, headlamp covers, fender flares, colored Toyota emblems and a clear fuel lid with a racing-style gas cap.

The Celica can also be equipped with a Sportivo suspension kit that includes front and rear sway bars and bushings, shocks, front struts, upper strut mount reinforcements and springs. Rounding out the goods on this red rocket are a rear strut brace, lowering springs and a stainless exhaust system that TRD claims is worth about 14 horsepower.

TRD MR2 Spyder
The recently introduced MR2 Spyder is giving the Miata a run for its money in the fun-to-drive department. Dress it up with lots of TRD bits and the jury will surely come back in favor of the hot-handling Toyota.

This example graced Toyota's SEMA booth and its not-yet-available (we say offer it) hardtop had the crowds gathering. Everything else seen here you can get from TRD, though, including several body kit components. Available in two configurations, Stage 1 includes a front spoiler, rocker panels and a rear valence. Stage 2 replaces the front spoiler with a full front bumper cover. All components are made from chip-resistant polyurethane and finished in all factory colors. A rear wing and fog lights are also available. The Stage 1 front spoiler attaches to the existing front bumper and the rocker panels visually tie the front fascia to the rear valence. The rear valence also provides a more squared-off appearance.

TRD's enhancements aren't just visual; a complete suspension kit turns the Spyder into an even more nimble corner carver. The set includes front and rear sway bars, struts, springs and bushings. Available front and rear strut braces further stiffen the structure of the car and reduce chassis flex during hard cornering. There's also a lower brace kit that reinforces the chassis from underneath the car. Finally, a stainless exhaust system adds a few extra ponies, while interior items include a dash panel cover, a shift boot cover, gauge bezels and a billet shift knob. It's tough to imagine the Spyder being a more nimble handler, but if the TRD bolt-ons do actually improve the MR's capability, we wouldn't complain one bit.

bB Concept
This wild machine is available in Japan and we're already wondering when we'll get to see them stateside. Called the bB, it went on sale in Japan in February 2000. Powered by a 1.5-liter inline four and a four-speed automatic trans, the bB is available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Dressed up for SEMA show duty, this box-on-wheels has an updated grille, bumper and front air dam. There's also a rear spoiler, a ground-effects kit and custom "chameleon" paint. This bB showstopper rolls on 19-inch wheels with Pirelli P7000, 215/35R19 tires. To help a little when the road gets curvy, TRD lowering springs and shocks have also been added. The bB is yet another car that we think is unusual and cool. Of course, we don't get the chance to buy it in this country. Maybe someday....

Camry Solara
TRD has bits and pieces for just about any Toyota. The Camry Solara is no exception. This smooth-looking coupe has the requisite body kit, 18-inch wheels and tires and a flawless paint finish. This example also has a supercharger that's available from TRD for the Solara's V6 engine. As with several supercharger kits available in the aftermarket, the TRD package uses an Eaton Roots-type blower, the same make and type (although it's notably bigger) that Ford SVT uses on the F-150 Lightning.

TRD Tundra
While TRD makes several items for 4x4 Tundras, this example had the cool sport-truck look going for it. It has the goodies to back up the look, too. First there's an exhaust system that's worth about 5 horsepower and transmission oil cooler that's similar to those used on trucks for off-road racing. The big-ticket trick on this truck though, is the supercharger setup that, like the Solara, uses an Eaton blower. TRD claims about 75 additional horsepower on a V6 and we'd expect a similar power gain on a V8, which was the combo shown in this truck.