We’re heading towards the end of 2012 and that means automotive publications are coming up with their Car of the Year comparisons and declaring the winners.

As the GT-86/FR-S/BRZ has been one of the highlights of the automotive world this year, it’s no surprise that it is among the small group of excellent cars being considered for the Car of the Year distinction by both Autoexpress and EVO magazine.

We won’t spoil the results for you, but be sure to read the full comparo and features INSIDE.

Is a high performance KERS Hybrid based FR-S in the works? That’s exactly what FR-S chief engineer Tetsuya Tada san stated to Motor Trend in a recent conversation.

When asked about a more powerful FR-S, Tada San dismisses a turbocharged version because a “300-HP with a turbo would be tasteless in this day and age. If we pursue power without regard to fuel consumption, the market won’t accept it. And a turbo would mean the loss of the GT86′s uniqueness.”

Instead, he lets on that they are “looking for a surprise. Something unique. For example a hybrid motor.” “So,” he continues, “We’re looking at a next-generation hybrid. More like the TS030 Le Mans Prototype. We’re looking into that possibility.”

The TS030 has a KERS system, with six-speed transmission and electric drive to the rear wheels in parallel with the gas engine. And yes, there’s actually already a prototype!

Read on and discuss INSIDE.

Check out this Rocket Bunny kitted, 2JZ powered 600whp Toyota 86 by the Toyota Emirates Drift Team. It will be piloted by Ahmed Al Ameri at events around the region.

Kei Miura has been been an underground hero within his native Osaka for many years. Outlaw kanjo racer by night and with a yancha bōsōzoku past that, even at 42 years old, he refuses to outgrow. Miura-san also happens to be the man behind TRA-Kyoto.

TRA-Kyoto are leaders in the design of body kits, embracing modern CAD design in an industry that still heavily relies on clay and foam sculpturing. Working with most major tuning shops and body kit brands within Japan, TRA-Kyoto also produce their own range of products such as the 6666 Customs range focusing mainly on the Nissan S chassis. When Miura-san turned his attention towards the car of the moment, the GT86/FR-S, few would have expected the explosion in interest that his Rocket Bunny creation would have.

Check out the video inside.

Here’s a slick little animation showing the Cusco parts available for the FR-S and BRZ.

The Scion FR-S will be joining the ranks of the GTS class in the Pirelli World Challenge series next year, with Robert Stout behind the wheel.

Stout saw much success racing a Scion tC during the 2010 season and will be able to show off just how great of a sports car the FR-S really is, going up against V8-powered Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros in the GTS class. Stout took home the Drivers’ Championship, Rookie of the Year, and Sunoco Hard Charger Awards in his 2010 campaign in Pirelli World Challenge in the Touring Car class. He had a total of five wins, nine podium finishes, and 11 top-five results in 12 starts and one pole. That season also gave Scion its first-ever Touring Car Manufacturers’ Championship.

More details and photos inside.

Via Autoblog: The Scion FR-S was just named the Hottest Sport Compact at the 2012 SEMA Show, and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is apparently looking to make this car a little hotter. According to Car and Driver, TRD is close to coming up with a supercharger to fit to the car’s 2.0-liter flat-four engine in order to squeeze out a little more performance. Currently, the FR-S produces 200 horsepower, but there’s no guessing how much a supercharger could improve this figure.

More details and discussions inside.

Part 2 of the photo journal covering the Scion tour event for FR-S owners, taking large group of SoCal FR-S owners and their cars from LA to the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Check out Part 2 of the photo journal inside