SEMA 2021: Ken Block’s custom Audi, twin-turbo DeLorean

The Smokey & The Bandit inspired Chevrolet Silverado

The annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the ultimate custom car show. And with the 2021 edition around the corner some of the biggest names in the business are preparing to show off their one-of-a-kind creations.

While the big manufacturers are more involved these days, SEMA is all about specialty equipment and aftermarket parts, and few brands throw a bigger bash at the show than Toyo Tires. The tyre company has confirmed it will host 35 world debuts on its ‘Treadpass’ exhibit, including the first product of Ken Block’s new relationship with Audi.

“Toyo Tires is excited to rejoin SEMA 2021 in person and bring back our celebration of creativity and vehicle execution at Treadpass,” explained John Thomas, president and chief executive officer, Toyo Tire USA. “SEMA allows us to highlight and partner with some of the best builders in the industry. They choose Toyo Tires knowing the right tires elevate the look, feel and performance of their vehicle.”

This twin-turbo DeLorean may be cooler than a time machine

Rally star Block will show off a custom Audi Sport Quattro built by German tuning house, LCE Performance. It will be finished in a paint job by artist Ricardo Gonzalez – known professionally as ‘Itsaliving’ – who created the livery for his 2021 Subaru WRX rally car.

GALLERY: Highlights from the 2019 SEMA Show

But even something as high-profile as Block’s first Audi project may struggle for attention on the Toyo display. That’s because other vehicles hitting Treadpass include a 1982 DeLorean DMC 12 with a custom wide-body kit and twin-turbo engine.

There will also be a modern take on the famous ‘Smokey & The Bandit’ Pontiac Trans Am, in the form of a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado with wide-body kit and a supercharged 5.3-litre V8 making 520kW.

This triple-rotor Mazda RX-7 makes 1000hp

Another vehicle previewed ahead of the show is a ‘72 Chevrolet K5 Blazer that’s anything by stock. It sits on a specially-built raised suspension set-up and features a restyled, open-air body.
For Japanese car fans there will be a custom ‘94 Mazda RX-7 with 745kW (1000hp) triple-rotor engine, a ground-up rebuild of an ‘86 Nissan 300ZX and a modern Lexus LC500 Convertible with a prototype carbon fibre roof.

This is just some of the cars from the Toyo Tires display, which is only a small part of what will be on display at the SEMA Show, which is due to run November 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. Torquecafe will bring you all the highlights from the event so stay tuned.