TRD : Toyota Racing Deception?

[Guff]

No doubt we have all heard of new RS 1.0 Scion FRS that is coming soon to dealer showrooms near you, jam-packed with TRD goodies. But are these goodies the real deal, overnight parts from Japan? Or does TRD USA think that we're just a bunch of busters?

Lets take a look!


Here we see the TRD JP Front end:



And here we see the RS 1.0:



Similar, perhaps. But the same? Oh no.

We find that the RS 1.0 adds a black accent under the grill and does away with the black grill surround. It also does not feature the same aero-focused shape as the TRD JP version.


Moving on to the side skirt.

The TRD JP:



and the RS 1.0:



The differences are slight, but they are apparent.


Next, the rear end!

The TRD JP:



and the RS 1.0:



As we can see, they are totally different shapes. The TRD JP version is far more aggressive, whereas the RS 1.0 is very rounded.


Lastly, the spoiler!

The TRD JP:



The RS 1.0:



And once again, we see a similar shape but various striking differences. Both are duckbills, and both extend down into the trunk face. However, the shape of the TRD JP is thinner and longer, whereas the RS 1.0 is a bit fatter and doesn't go all the way across the trunk face. The RS 1.0 also features extensions to the spoiler that are mounted on the rear quarters.


So, what can we take from this?

Well, clearly the RS 1.0 is not the TRD JP kit that we have come to know and love (or hate), but it does bear a close resemblance. Why TRD USA did not just use TRD JP parts is beyond me, but I have my hunches that politics came into play here and that is why the US is getting a kit that can really only be described as a "knockoff".


What do you guys think? Does this spoil the RS 1.0 for you? Does it make it more unique?

[calmtigers]

you never had me, you never had your car


busta

[M-17]

I still need to see the RS 1.0 in person to make up my mind whether I like it or not. It it a bit disappointing Toyota/Scion made some changes like that and almost pull a fast one.

[bfsnail]

IMO it makes no difference. You could change a few words and pictures in your post and it would perfectly describe the miniscule differences between the BRZ, FRS and GT86. Different strokes for different folks.

So many people forget that just because it comes from Japan, doesn't make it the end all be all of car culture. There are plenty of people in Japan who by USDM parts in order to be unique there just the same as people in the states buy JDM stuff to differentiate themselves from the USDM plebes.

I think TRD was wicked smart to introduce a slightly different kit for the USDM market. The normal car enthusist will like the more agressive look to the kit and be happy at that. The purists in the USA will just buy the TRD JP kit and earn mad tyte JDM respect. And some dudes in Japan will import the TRD US kit in order to stand out over there. Overall win win win.

[1086]

The car looks good no doubt, cannot hate on it. HOWEVER, I think it is just another marketing strategy for Scion. Making money is #1, as with anything and there is nothing wrong with that but it seems a little misleading and 'exaggerated' to make another sub-series of the same car.

Why can't Scion/Toyota just offer a more extensive aftermarket product line-up from TRD? Or partner with other vendors to create a larger marketplace but still offers that back-end support.

i.e. get the body kit, pick and choose what you want, create a marketplace people can pick and choose from rather than offering it on a brand new car in it's entirety.

It is similar to the 10 series. They want you to buy your new 86 if you don't have one (making money) OR they want you to feel like you NEED to trade in your current 86 so you can get a more unique optimal version of practically the same car. It just seems a little misleading to me. Moreover, a lot of the aftermarket vendors (non-toyota/scion) seem to have better options anyways.

[jadewbj]

I think the black grill on the inside is an optional part even on the JDM kit.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by jadewbj

I think the black grill on the inside is an optional part even on the JDM kit.

You have color or black option, but it does come w that part

[Dezoris]

Looks fast still makes 155HP at the wheels Zzzzz.

[kbye]

I don't see it as deception because they never said it was the JP kit. They said it was a TRD Aero kit, and as far as I'm concerned, it is.

TRD USA most likely took the JP version, and updated it for the US market, simple as that. As far as "genuine", that's a debatable term. If you consider TRD Japan to be the most genuine, then no this kit is not genuine. But in the end it's still TRD (USA).

FWIW I think the japan kit is better looking.

[Eurasianman]

Originally Posted by kbye

FWIW I think the japan kit is better looking.

Agreed. Then again, I sometimes wonder... what if we saw the TRD US version first and then the JDM later? Would people still say the same thing?

[jadewbj]

I wonder if they will start selling the US version? If not and it is only used on 1,000 cars it is kinda cool because it would actually be unique.

[hattrickey]

I think the TRD U.S kit looks better than the TRD Japan kit personally.

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by hattrickey

I think the TRD U.S kit looks better than the TRD Japan kit personally.

Agreed.

The Grill
I never liked the interior grill surround on the TRD kit. Why make the opening smaller? This only seemed to serve to constrict airflow. That is unless it actually directs airflow in a meaningful way.

The Side Skirts
The US side skirt doesn't have the flaired shape at the leading edge (right behind the front wheel opening), which, to me, looks understated, streamlined, and less like a cheap aftermarket kt.

The Rear End
Can't say I care for either rear-end/diffuser garnish. Both look overstyled and I also can't say that I care for quad pipes on this car. Seems once again, overwrought. The pipes, they do nothing.

[Struckbylitenin]

someone on an "86" FB group called this Release Series, "TRD-Purist" as opposed to the monogram... what?