Only One Exists, And It Might Be The Smallest GR Supra Ever Built
Toyota’s GR Supra gets a tiny tribute as NATS students reveal a kei roadster with real parts and a wild bodykit
https://www.carscoops.com/author/thanos-pappas/
by Thanos Pappas
NATS students built Supra-style roadster from a Daihatsu kei car.
The one-off features a wide bodykit and lowered suspension.
It was joined by a Vellfire sedan and a classic Nissan lowrider.
Update: NATS has released a fresh set of photos showing off its Supra-inspired kei roadster, which made its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The bite-sized build was displayed alongside the full-sized, Lexus-based Supra roadster that helped spark its design.
NATS, or Nihon Automobile College, made a splash at the Tokyo Auto Salon with a new series of imaginative student-led projects.
Leading the charge is an eye-catching sedan version of the Toyota Vellfire cleverly reimagined using the underpinnings of a Lexus LS. But drawing nearly as much attention is a tiny and quirky reinterpretation of the Toyota GR Supra, a roofless, roadster-style concept built from the bones of a Daihatsu Copen.
More: Daihatsu Copen Transforms Into A Mini-Me Porsche 911 Racecar
The one-off build seen here is inspired by the NATS-designed Toyota Supra Roadster concept from 2020 that was based on the Lexus SC. This new version continues that theme, using a wide bodykit, and authentic GR Supra components.
C91 Spider (Daihatsu Copen)
A90 Spider (Lexus SC)
Tokyo Auto Salon, NATS_Customize_Arita
How Small Can a Supra Get?
To pull off the look, the students leaned heavily on original GR Supra parts. Fitting those to the diminutive Daihatsu Copen required trimming and reshaping, often dramatically, to accommodate the kei car’s slender frame. The rest of the exterior was brought together using custom fiberglass pieces made in-house.
The mini-me roadster is fitted with genuine headlights and taillights from the GR Supra. The bumpers are also made from Supra bits, although heavily modified. The bodykit includes a pronounced splitter, a vented hood, wider front and rear fenders, side skirts, and a rear diffuser.
More: Miata’s Little Daihatsu Brother Just Showed Up And It’s Adorably Rear Wheel Drive
The custom rear deck features a molded ducktail spoiler and a swan neck GT rear wing from Kuhl Racing. Visually, the only panels retained from the Copen are the doors, mirrors, windshield, and removable hardtop. Everything else has either been replaced or heavily altered.
As a final touch, the roadster got painted in Arancio Atlas with custom graphics mimicking the iconic Supra that Brian drove in the Fast & Furious movie franchise. Inside, we find a pair of Bride Zeta III bucket seats, a Sparco steering wheel, and a Diecock audio system.
NATS / YouTube
The build rides on Kuhl Verzwheels DDR01 measuring 16 inches in diameter, shod in Toyo tire Proxes (225/45ZR16). It also rocks a notably lower ride height courtesy of the Air Force Super Performance suspension.
Understandably, given the car’s diminutive size, the 2JZ-GTE engine didn’t make the cut. Instead, the model remains fitted with the original turbo 658 cc engine which is good for 63 hp (47 kW) and 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) of torque. This is not entirely bad, as the concept was designed to “keep taxes and fuel costs low”. Furthermore, a Fujitsubo A-RM muffler makes sure that the kei roadster sounds sportier than usual.
The mini Supra roadster by NATS was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon alongside the Lexus-based Toyota Vellfire sedan and a lowrider-style Nissan Gloria, rounding out NATS’ triple-entry for this year’s event. Below, you can check out the official videos highlighting the countless hours invested in the transformation of the kei car.
