DRIVERS is a series highlighting influential individuals in the HYPEBEAST sphere and their passion towards all things automotive. The approach is simple: what is car culture to you, and why do you have a passion for it? Each contributor is given a chance to shine light on their personal vehicle or vehicles, and asked to remark on how they are driving culture forward, both metaphorically and literally.
There are often many ways to get your career started in automotive – from humble beginnings working on cars at your local garage, to being the traditional freelance writer covering car meets, events, shows and more. For Samuel Du, his path was carved ever since he picked up a camera, and the rest is history.
Sam worked in the automotive journalism world for 14 years, which is enough time for anyone to ascend to the highest, most respected ranks within a publication. He began his career in the MotorTrend Network of publications, acting as both a photographer and editor for the heritage periodical. As he progressed, he ultimately landed the position of editor-in-chief at Super Street, perhaps one of the most respected publications for all things foreign and domestic car culture and tuning. His expertise and know-how eventually led him to Pit+Paddock, a new automotive lifestyle and media outlet catering to a younger demographic of car enthusiast. Sam holds the same prestigious editor-in-chief position at Pit+Paddock.
So what does someone with such a rich history of car coverage and competency drive? A Supra, of course. Sam’s weapon of choice is the Toyota GR Supra A90, with modifications and specs you’d expect from the former EIC of Super Street. The Launch Edition Supra’s white exterior with both the white Regamaster EVO and the white BBS LM wheels make a bold statement, complemented by active, functional aero stylings like its deep front lip carbon fiber dive planes and, of course, the swan-necked Voltex rear wing. Sam is not ashamed to admit his membership to the Supra fanboi community, but at least his modifications and approach to enhancing the Toyota Supra is done correctly.
Read more about Samuel Du and his Supra Launch Edition below and, in case you missed it, we last featured Steven Victor of Victor Victor Records and his Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach Package.
Make, model, year of your car?
2020 Toyota GR Supra Launch Edition.
When did you acquire it?
I remember the day exactly, August 4th, 2019. I don’t really buy or flip cars regularly, so picking up the Supra was a big deal to me. The date is significant because it gave me just under three months to build and finish the car before it had to debut at the SEMA Show, which is the largest convention in the world for the aftermarket automotive industry.
What made you choose this car specifically?
First, it was the return of one of the dopest cars to ever come out of Japan. Like many car nerds, I’ve been a fanboy of the Supra since the ‘90s. I really wanted to not just be one of the first new owners of the fifth gen Supra, but also be one of the first to explore its aftermarket potential and make it look like a legit track-inspired street car.
Second, I’m sure most people know by now, but the new GR Supra is a collaboration effort between Toyota and BMW and uses the same components as a Z4 convertible. I really wanted to put together a Supra build that would open people’s minds and maybe even silence a handful of. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a BMW fan, so I welcomed the partnership.
What is the main purpose for this car for you?
The Supra began as a marketing tool, but now I simply drive the hell out of it! After two years of owning it, I thought I would’ve sold the car by now, but it’s been the gift that keeps giving. Every time I get behind the wheel, I feel like a kid again, and quite frankly that’s how all good project cars should feel like.
What has been done with this car? Where has it gone?
The first few months of owning this car was stressful, as there was a time crunch to get it all nice ‘n pretty for the SEMA Show. After SEMA is when things got fun. I often preach about how project cars aren’t meant to be locked up in a garage, but meant to be driven and driven hard, which was the case for the Supra. It’s been on the racetrack a bunch of times and I’ve also cruised it to several local meets and shows around Southern California. The craziest things I’ve done are two 1,000-mile+ road trips. Earlier this year, I went on an adventure from LA to Moab to Pikes Peak, which made for some epic photo ops.
Any details? Modifications? Changes?
The Supra was built in conjunction with Evasive Motorsports and is currently maintained with the help of Auto Tuned. Its purpose was to serve as both a fun and reliable street car, but also be able to be competitive on a road course. I guess you could say, I wanted a race car on the street but without being too uncomfortable to daily drive.
The main exterior highlights include the carbon fiber aero kit and aggressive front fenders supplied by EVS Tuning, in addition to a Voltex wing. Other cool parts include the Akrapovic titanium exhaust, Eventuri carbon intake, KW coilovers, CSF competition-spec cooling package and Sparco seats. The latest change on the car are the wheels, which were previously BBS LMs, but I’ve since replaced them with Desmond Regamaster EVO II wheels. After having the BBS for two years, I felt like I needed to freshen up the car. The Regas are a simple five-spoke forged wheel that were made popular on Honda builds 20 years ago; however, they’ve been making a comeback in the scene recently with people rocking them on all types of cars.
What is a car to you: aspirational achievement, functional tool, stress-reliever, etc.?
I’m very grateful to be in a position where a car is more than an achievement, tool or stress-reliever, but a whole lifestyle. A car started out as a hobby but evolved into my career and my passion. There’s not one day I’m not happy or proud to be working in this automotive industry and be a part of the enthusiast community.
“Manufacturers aren’t bringing back vehicles like the Supra, the Z, the Bronco and the Integra for no reason. A huge part of this is because of the power and voice that the car community has.”
What was your dream car growing up?
I could go on all day about the list of cars I dreamed about owning when I was a kid, but I’ll just say, it’s been all over the place, from the Ferrari F40 to a less obvious 360 Modena, to the even less obvious VW Corrado, to the least obvious GMC Typhoon!
What have you owned before? What would you like to have?
My most noteworthy car is undoubtedly the Supra. I’ve helped out with a few magazine project car builds over the years but none I could call my own. Funnily enough, I still have stored my first-ever car that I’ve owned since high school, a 2003 VW GTI. I’ve been meaning to bring that back to life for years now. I’m also eyeing the new Toyota GR 86 and Lexus IS 500. Either or wouldn’t look too bad parked next to the Supra in the garage…
What is the future of the automotive industry? Car culture?
Electrification and autonomous driving. I know most traditional car guys and girls hate the idea of EV, but it’s where the industry is heading whether you like it or not. I wasn’t too in love with EV myself but was given the opportunity to join the team at Turn 14 Distribution, which helped campaign the Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 race car to Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year. It’s exciting to see that there is potential for electric vehicles in terms of high level performance, and it’s only a matter of time before there’s more interesting EVs for us to get excited about outside of Tesla and the Porsche Taycan.
In terms of car culture, it’s honestly as big as it’s ever been, and for the time being, I can only see it getting bigger and better. Manufacturers aren’t bringing back vehicles like the Supra, the Z, the Bronco and the Integra for no reason. A huge part of this is because of the power and voice that the car community has. Also, in the aftermarket world, we’re seeing many parts manufacturers and shops thriving during pandemic times. More people are getting into or getting back into cars while existing gearheads are spending more.
Can’t also ignore the increase in content creators and media channels in the automotive space, which has contributed to expanding the audience and spawning new and exciting collaborations that drive today’s car culture. Sure, the culture will likely evolve into different forms in the future, like EV for example, but cars will always be a part of style and life, which is why it’ll always be exciting to me.
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