When American buyers finally get their hands on the new Scion FR-S in the next few months, there’s going to be a wave of aftermarket customization driven by passionate enthusiasts, and—if the recently-debuted FR-S Speedster is any indication—that’s going to be a very, very good thing.
This little slice of Japanese brilliance is a chop-top, white and red rolling racing homage that proves there will be plenty of ways to make your FR-S unique.
Where to start? Outfitted in classic Toyota Racing colors, and marked with the legendary No. 86 in reference to the AE86 generation Corolla that inspired the FR-S, the FR-S Speedster takes balance and agility to new heights. It sports KW Suspensions Clubsport Coilovers, drilled and slotted two-piece brake rotors from SRP and custom red calipers from Wilwood. The big wing keeping this RWD marvel glued to the track is a 61-inch carbon fiber wing from APR Performance. Basically, it’s the canyon carver of your dreams.
Carbon fiber also graces the door panels, rear false wall and switch panel. Speaking of the interior, a sultry red and white color scheme floods the custom seats, dash, center console, chop top and rear deck. Wheels and tires were boosted from 205/55R16 (215/45R17 on the top model) to 225/40/18 front and 245/40/18 rear TOYO Proxes R888 rubber with Forge Line center lock wheels.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter boxer engine is untouched from the production FR-S, producing 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft of torque at 6,600 rpm. Upgrades were made to the clutch and exhaust, but it’s still somewhat refreshing to see the powerplant left pure, almost like a calm before the storm. Once owners get ahold of the FR-S, it will be difficult to find one anywhere that hasn’t been bored or turbo’d for all its worth. Not that we’re complaining.
All credit for this marvel of machinery goes to Toyota Racing, who pegged two top automotive minds to bring the FR-S Speedster to reality. Penned by Iacono Design and built by Cartel Customs, the FR-S Speedster recently commemorated the 38th running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach by serving as the official Grand Marshal vehicle of the event. None other than Parnelli Jones served as Grand Marshal while recent Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame inductee Scott Pruett piloted it around the track.
If you didn’t catch it in Long Beach, fear not. Toyota will make the FR-S Speedster available at future public events, so keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse into the future of FR-S customization. If this is where custom culture is headed, then the future of automotive enthusiasm is in good hands.