Think Las Vegas and you probably think of Casinos, bright lights and all round flamboyance. Toyota has created some equally over the top versions of its iQ for the annual SEMA Show, a trade event for the tuning and modifying industry.
Three iQs have been created for the show's 'Tuner Challenge' while a fourth car sports a 'chop top' look. There is also a racing version of the Toyota Yaris on display.
The Tuner Challenge cars were created by Michael Chang, Jon Sibal and Tatsu. Chang's iQ-RS (pictured above) has a racing feel with large spoilers at both ends and a stripped-out interior with Sparco racing seats. It also features Air Runner suspension and Advan racing wheels.
Sibal created the iQ RX with a Veilside body kit and a matt metallic grey and bronze pearl paint finish. Extra power comes from a Nitrous Express injection kit and this iQ rides on 18-inch, three piece alloys.
Tatsu moved the engine to create the mid-engined iQ-MR. There are new panels by Speciality Cars and 16-inch Sakura wheels from Axis.
The fourth iQ is designed as a race support vehicle. The Pit Boss Cartel cut the roof off an iQ and reduced the size of the doors while the interior features tough metal panels and carbon fibre seats. It is also said that this car can be controlled by an iPad and acts as a mobile Wi-Fi hot spot.
A race car developed from the third generation Yaris will also make its debut at SEMA. The Yaris B-Spec club racer will compete in SCCA races in America next year with American BMX star Jamie Bestwick at the wheel.
The SEMA show opened today(November 1).
John Lambert - 1 Nov 2011