GR MK5 Supra Originally Built for SEMA 2020 Debuts
COVID-19 cancelled this wicked Supra's planned SEMA debut, but now it's getting the attention it deserves.
Change of Plans
COVID-19 threw a monkey wrench into the automotive event world in 2020 and forced mega shows like SEMA to take drastic measures, which it did by switching to an online-only format. Unfortunately, that meant a few cool builds almost slipped through the cracks. That includes this wicked GR Supra owned by Tom Nguyen, which was supposed to debut inside of Mackin Industries' booth this year. And even though that obviously didn't happen, the car did score a much-deserved feature at Super Street.
Photos: Super Street
Second Time Around
Nguyen instead made the trip to Las Vegas from his home in Northern California to show the car off at the Supras in Vegas car show, where it obviously turned more than a few heads. This is actually the car's second transformation, as it originally appeared at SEMA 2019 wearing a much different look.
Photos: Super Street
Stunning Transformation
This second transformation is something truly special, however, with a much clear and more track-focused look. That starts with a Varis Arising body kit, which features a GT-style wing, vented hood, spoilers, and canards - all fashioned from carbon fiber. Throw on a set of bronze TE wheels and a dark green wrap, and the overall look is rather stunning.
Photos: Super Street
Multi-Purpose
In addition to being the first car wearing the aforementioned body kit, this Supra was also the first to be fitted with a set of Project Mu big brakes, at least in the U.S. And it's clear that Nguyen is a fan of his car's new look. "One of my favorite pieces of the exterior is the front spoiler as the lip has a resemblance to the front of a Formula 1 aero package," he explained. "The front middle is actually higher than the side section to develop higher downforce when at higher speeds. It also just looks gorgeous and ties the front together!"
Photos: Super Street
Fountain of Youth
Then there's the color, which gives the Supra a much different look than its prior white finish. "I selected the Inzotek Metallic Midnight Green shade because my favorite color is green," Nguyen said. "It is also my good luck color. Green has been said to bring growth, wealth, health, and youthfulness. Who wouldn't want to feel young again? Haha! I always wanted to try out the color as all of my other cars are white and I felt this was a good time as the car was all taken apart."
Photos: Super Street
Love at First Sight
And as Nguyen explained, the new Supra was love at first sight, at least for him. "What made me like the A90 was the factory body lines. I really like how it resembles the Toyota 2000GT. Since the 2000GT was out of production way before my time, I believe the Supra was the next best car for myself. I wanted a fun weekend car and got bored of the M3 so I picked up the Supra as the M3 replacement. I bought the car in August 2019 from Longo Toyota, sight unseen, and had a good friend take delivery of it. I didn't see it until the first day of SEMA 2019."
Photos: Super Street
Changes Coming
As amazing as Nguyen's Supra turned out this time around, he admits that he isn't done modding it just yet, which really comes as no surprise. "I'm going to install my Pure700 turbo upgrade and tune for more power and also install the first set of Advan Racing GT Beyonds in the States." Given his track record, we'll certainly be looking forward to what the future holds for this amazing machine.
Photos: Super Street
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