There’s Only One, and It Could Be the Tiniest GR Supra Ever Made | Carscoops

      Toyota’s GR Supra receives a small tribute as NATS students unveil a kei roadster featuring real parts and an eye-catching body kit.

      NATS students have crafted a Supra-style roadster from a Daihatsu kei car, showcasing a wide body kit and lowered suspension. The unique creation was displayed alongside a Vellfire sedan and a classic Nissan lowrider.

      Update: NATS has shared a new set of photos of its Supra-inspired kei roadster, which debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This compact build was showcased next to the full-sized, Lexus-based Supra roadster that inspired its design.

      NATS, or Nihon Automobile College, made an impact at the Tokyo Auto Salon with an array of creative student-led projects. Among these, a striking sedan version of the Toyota Vellfire, ingeniously reimagined with the framework of a Lexus LS, garnered significant attention. Simultaneously, a small and quirky reinterpretation of the Toyota GR Supra, a roofless, roadster-style concept built from a Daihatsu Copen, attracted nearly as much interest.

      The one-of-a-kind creation is derived from the NATS-designed Toyota Supra Roadster concept from 2020, which was based on the Lexus SC. This latest model continues that theme with a wide body kit and genuine GR Supra parts.

      To achieve the desired look, the students extensively utilized original GR Supra components. Adapting those to the compact Daihatsu Copen required considerable modifications to fit the kei car’s narrow frame. The remaining exterior elements were assembled using custom fiberglass parts produced in-house.

      The mini roadster features authentic headlights and taillights from the GR Supra, while the bumpers, although significantly modified, also incorporate Supra components. The body kit boasts a prominent splitter, a vented hood, wider fenders, side skirts, and a rear diffuser.

      The custom rear deck is equipped with a molded ducktail spoiler and a swan neck GT rear wing from Kuhl Racing. Visually, the only parts retained from the Copen are the doors, mirrors, windshield, and removable hardtop; everything else has been either replaced or extensively modified.

      For a finishing touch, the roadster is painted in Arancio Atlas with custom graphics resembling the iconic Supra driven by Brian in the Fast & Furious movie series. Inside, it features a pair of Bride Zeta III bucket seats, a Sparco steering wheel, and a Diecock audio system.

      The build rides on Kuhl Verzwheels DDR01 wheels measuring 16 inches in diameter, wrapped in Toyo Proxes tires (225/45ZR16). It also enjoys a notably lower ride height thanks to the Air Force Super Performance suspension.

      Given its small size, the 2JZ-GTE engine wasn't included; instead, the model retains the original turbo 658 cc engine, which produces 63 hp (47 kW) and 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) of torque. This is not entirely disadvantageous, as the concept was designed to "keep taxes and fuel costs low." Additionally, a Fujitsubo A-RM muffler ensures that the kei roadster delivers a sportier sound.

      The mini Supra roadster by NATS was displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon alongside the Lexus-based Toyota Vellfire sedan and a lowrider-style Nissan Gloria, completing NATS’ triple-entry for this year’s event. Below, viewers can find official videos showcasing the considerable work dedicated to transforming the kei car.