Toyota’s Anime Series Makes a Pit Stop at Complex’s Family Style

Anime has officially hit the mainstream. From critically acclaimed films to binge-worthy series, Japanese animation is no longer a niche market. However, in this crowded landscape, Toyota's GRIP, created by Intertrend, Executive Producer Frank Mele and Supervising Director Jae Woo Kim, stands out as a truly unique offering.

Why GRIP? It's More Than Just Cars

GRIP isn't your average anime. Sure, it features heart-stopping races and stunning visuals showcasing Toyota's powerhouse GR vehicle lineup – the GR Supra, GR Corolla and GR86 – but what truly sets it apart is the narrative. This isn't just about showcasing cool cars; it's a story about defying control, celebrating human passion and the joy of driving.

GRIP Season 1 Recap: A World Where Driving is a Rebellion

In the first season of GRIP, we were introduced to Jae Kang and his crew of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of Dr. Synth, who wants to turn the city into a joyless, driverless wasteland. With their souped-up GR vehicles, they embodied the human desire for freedom and the thrill of the open road. In a heart-pounding finale, Jae faced Dr. Synth in a “Man vs. Machine” race and emerged victorious, only to discover the villain had another trick up his sleeve – a cliffhanger ending setting up the forthcoming second season.

An Exclusive First-Look at GRIP Season 2 at the Family Style Food Festival!

Buckle up for GRIP Season 2, premiering exclusively at the Family Style Food Festival presented by Complex at the LA State Historic Park on September 28! This is your chance to be among the first to witness the next chapter in this epic saga in which the female character Linh Lam will take center stage as the crew continues the fight against their nemesis, Dr. Synth. Fresh from Jae’s thrilling win over the StandardSynth, Dr. Synth challenges the GRIP team to a rematch. Except, this time, it's against the advanced machine-driven race car, the SynthSupreme. Linh and Kumail battle it out to decide who will take the wheel in this epic showdown, but Master Rugu will need to push the GR vehicles and the team to the limit in order to prevail.

At the heart of Season 2 is the fierce and determined female lead, Linh Lam. She’s not just skilled behind the wheel – she’s breaking boundaries and leading the charge against Dr. Synth in a battle for driving supremacy.

“Intertrend is proud to continue our work with Toyota to build branded content and creative campaigns for the AAPI audience and beyond,” said Matthew Choy, Executive Director of Strategy/Creative, Intertrend. “The premiere season of GRIP resonated globally with fans, and we’re ready to deliver even more exhilarating storylines and best-in-class anime illustrations, including Season 2’s focus on our female character Linh ‘Nitro’ Lam. We’re revved up to showcase female empowerment at its best.”

GRIP is more than just an anime; it's a cultural phenomenon and a testament to Toyota's innovative spirit and connection with today’s youth. Through its fusion of high-speed racing, anime aesthetics and a storyline that celebrates human passion and rebellion, GRIP proves that driving is more than just getting from point A to point B – it's about freedom, excitement and the thrill of the open road!

Join us at the Family Style Food Festival presented by Complex September 28 at the LA State Historic Park (screenings at 2pm and 6pm) to witness the high-octane action and heart-wrenching story of GRIP Season 2 unfold on the big screen, surrounded by fellow anime and car enthusiasts. See you there.

All five episodes of the new season will premiere on October 2, 2024 on www.toyota.com/GRIP.