LAS VEGAS (Nov. 1, 2022) – Drift competitions are a fan-favorite activity thanks to race series like Formula Drift. Pro Toyota drivers at these events, such as Fredric Aasbo, Ken Gushi and Ryan Tuerck, compete and entertain fans with their mind-blowing car-control skills. Yet these machines – purpose-built race vehicles – are mostly out of reach to the average motorsports enthusiast.

Until now. Automotive and Formula Drift photographer Larry Chen envisioned a drift car that resonates with those enthusiasts, focusing on what could be attainable within a manageable budget. Chen began conceptualizing this project, then brought the GR86 Daily Drifter to life in his home workshop.

On display at Toyota’s new and expanded 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show exhibit (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the GR86 Daily Drifter and the new display space reinforce the company’s continued commitment to the automotive aftermarket and performance, fun and adventure, whether on or off pavement.

“Today we’re giving our loyal GR86 fans a lot of eye candy with this build, a real-life drift machine for closed-course fun,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “And Larry’s spectacular creation isn’t alone. We also brought a competition modified GR86, which is the dedicated race car for our all-new Toyota GR Cup racing series that debuts next year.”

Starting with a 2022 GR86, Chen added an HKS GT2 Supercharger Pro ZD8 kit with an intercooler and a MagnaFlow NEO Series cat-back performance exhaust system, increasing output to 300 horsepower. To keep things cool and minimize weight, there is a CSF aluminum radiator, and other additions include HPS silicone hoses and an HKS Dry Carbon Fiber engine and fuse box covers to complete the under-the-hood package.

The increased power required other enhancements to the GR86. Chen added a StopTech Big Brake kit up front and complementing brakes at the rear, ST Suspensions ST XTA Plus 3 coilovers, SPL Parts front and rear adjustable control arms, adjustable sway bar links, a GK Tech steering angle kit and an OS Giken Super Lock 1.5 way differential. To ensure structural rigidity, he added a Toyota GR strut tower brace, door jamb braces and front fender support structure braces.

The interior features safety additions such as a Sparco EVO QRT racing seat, a Sparco six-point harness and a Studio RSR four-point roll cage. Chen also added a Vivid Racing VR Bespoke steering wheel and a Toyota GR short shifter kit to enhance driver control when rowing the GR86’s six-speed manual gearbox.

Being a visual artist, creating a look that matched the performance was high on Chen’s priority list. To give the GR86 Daily Drifter an appearance resembling the popular racecars in Formula Drift, Chen added a Seibon carbon fiber hood, an HKS Type-S ZD8 F-Spoiler carbon fiber front splitter lip, an HKS Type-S GR86 carbon fiber rear wing, HKS carbon fiber side skirts and an HKS Type-S ZD8 R-Spoiler carbon fiber rear valance.

A set of white Motegi Racing MR154 Battle wheels shod with aggressive Yokohama ADVAN NEOVA AD09 tires, Type S LED underglow and interior lighting and a powerful livery designed by Gino at Vaderwerks, Agoura Hills, California, round out the exterior appearance.

Toyota is displaying additional featured vehicles along with a variety of production Toyota cars, SUVs and trucks at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 1-4, 2022.

Vehicle shown is a special project prototype vehicle, modified with parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota/Lexus that may void the vehicle’s warranty, may negatively impact vehicle performance and safety, and may not be street legal.