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Old 03-16-2012, 10:17 PM   #1
FRSDREAMER
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Tuners Delight: 2013 Scion FRS

Stolen from MotorTrend-

Scion has always been a friend to the automotive aftermarket, and with the new Scion FR-S, the tuner sect is about to get even more friendly with the brand. Evidence of this close relationship with aftermarket companies can be found in the measuring session Scion hosted at Toyota’s North American headquarters in Torrance, Calif., where numerous tuner brands were invited to take measurements for future parts and get an up-close look at the car. We spoke with many aftermarket companies at the event. Their overall response to Scion’s new front-engine, rear-drive coupe? Overwhelmingly positive.

Scion’s list of invited guests included such tuner industry stalwarts as AEM, DC Sports, Whiteline, and ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology). Also invited were wheel companies like Velox and König, and car audio specialists like Schosche. But those are just a few of the specialty equipment companies in attendance, with many more scheduled to take measurements after we left. Scion provided a number of pre-production cars for inspection, and companies were allowed to get under the car to measure various components, take apart the interior to check clearances for aftermarket audio systems, and poke around in the engine bay to see if there’s any room for improvement.

Airaid, a company known mostly for its truck performance intake systems, went the high-tech route by digitally mapping the engine bay with a 3D scanner. After making a full 3D rendering of the FR-S’ stock intake system, Airaid engineer Clayton Rietz said many parts appear similar to the intake of the Toyota Tacoma—a vehicle for which Airaid already produces an intake system. If that’s the case, a cold-air intake kit for the FR-S might not require much development, meaning go-fast parts could hit the market sooner.
Subaru, which took on the bulk of the development for the FR-S and BRZ, left its mark all over the car, as suspension, exhaust, and brake parts are all stamped with the Subaru logo. Going over the car’s undercarriage with the suspension experts at Whiteline, it appeared many parts might be shared with existing Subaru models. If those components are indeed similar, an aftermarket suspension system could be a test fit away.

Just a peek into the FR-S’ fender wells revealed the car was designed with aftermarket wheels in mind. The inner lips of the front fenders are already smooth, meaning fender rolling won’t be required for that ultra-flush fitment. Both front and rear brake calipers are compact and flush with the wheel hubs, practically eliminating any clearance issues. The rear wheel wells are particularly roomy, since the rear shocks are inboard of the inner fender lining. Several wheel experts mentioned the possibility of fitting 10-inch-wide wheels in the rear with little to no modification.

Based on what we’ve seen at this measuring session, the FR-S certainly fits with Scion’s tuner-friendly image, and has the potential to inject new life into the waning import aftermarket. The Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ recently began production, meaning we won’t have to wait long to see just what the aftermarket can do with this automotive blank canvas
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Last edited by FRSDREAMER; 03-16-2012 at 10:54 PM.
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