Scion reveals SEMA concepts, Tuner Challenge finalists

Thu, 31 Oct 2013

Scion has become something of a tuner favorite, so it's only fitting that Toyota's youth-oriented brand have an array of show cars ready for SEMA each year. And this year will be no exception.

Scion itself is bringing five cars to SEMA this year, and as you might expect, they're mostly based on the FR-S. There's a black one done in partnership with DJ Steve Aoki with an onboard mixing station, another (in white and black) done with Bulletproof Automotive with a 500-horsepower engine and fresh bodywork, a grey one done up with GReddy with a 750-horsepower turbocharged engine and, the slickest of the group, the Style J concept (pictured above) with matte grey bodywork, a Scirocco-style nose and a full leather interior. There's also a stretched xB done up by Cartel Customs and laden with tech.

Aside from Scion's own show cars, the automaker has also released the details on three entries for its Tuner Challenge: one each from the East Coast, Pacific Northwest and Southern California. Scion gave each builder a stock tC, 90 days and $15,000 to build their concepts that will be judged by an expert panel at the SEMA show, with the winner taking home a $10,000 prize.

Read all about the Scion and Tuner Challenge concepts in the twin press releases below, and check them out in the pair of galleries.

TAKE A TOUR OF SCION AT SEMA

TORRANCE, Calif., (Oct. 30, 2013) – Performance, technology and the young entrepreneur influenced the Scion vehicles on display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show Nov. 5-8. The collection of five builds will be located at Booth 20313, alongside three 2014 Scion tCs competing in the Scion Tuner Challenge.

The non-competition Scion builds reflect diverse partnerships and the sustained enthusiasm for the FR-S across diverse types of drivers around the country.

- Steve Aoki x Scion FR-S: Designed by renowned DJ and producer Steve Aoki, this FR-S includes a fully operational mixing station, a custom Pioneer® sound system with multiple component speaker packages, a deck lid-mounted LCD display, a fog machine and strobe lighting.
- Bulletproof FR-S Concept One: Through a partnership with Bulletproof Automotive, this supercar concept features a carbon fiber interior, a widened, handmade body, a rebuilt 500 horsepower engine, an advanced turbo system and track-tuned suspension.
- GReddy Performance x Scion Racing Drift FR-S: This drifting prototype is equipped with a Rocket Bunny Ver. 2 aero kit and a GReddy turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine capable of putting out 750 horsepower.
- FR-S "Style J": This futuristic urban design incorporates comfort and technology with concept camera mirrors, custom leather interior features with beige stitching and black accents throughout the car.
- Strictly Business Cartel Scion xB: Designed by Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs and Dominick Vitelli of Quality Coachworks, the custom mini-stretch brings in a business agenda with an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple® Mac mini, wireless keyboard with mouse and hands-free mobile calling.
For information about the three Scion Tuner Challenge builds, visit www.scion.com/scionracing/tag/2013-scion-tuner-challenge.

"The FR-S continues to be a SEMA favorite, and this year's builds take the sports car in every direction," said Steve Hatanaka Scion marketing and special events manager. "All the SEMA vehicles draw on the passions of our drivers. Urban dwellers, entrepreneurs and the high performance enthusiasts all will find a Scion to get excited about this year."

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SCION UNVEILS TRIO OF TUNER CHALLENGE TCS AHEAD OF SEMA

TORRANCE, Calif., (Oct. 30, 2013) – The curtains came up Tuesday on the three Scion Tuner Challenge cars ahead of their Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show debut in Las Vegas Nov. 5-8. The stars: three custom car builders representing tuner scenes in the East, the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. At the beginning of the competition, Scion gave each builder a stock 2014 tC plus $15,000 to design and modify the car within 90 days.

Josh Croll of Mertztown, Pa., converted his tC to a right-hand drive model, the first in the world. Diverse influences came together in the car with the flashy hot rod orange color, European clean lines and shape, and wide wheels for a proper stance. As the owner of Croll's Customs, Croll completed the work in-house.

"This tC is a modern day hot rod with clear Japanese roots," Croll said. "It has the uniqueness, style and power to win this competition."

Walter Franco of Seattle worked with DTM Autobody in El Monte, Calif., to create the sophisticated VIP look he envisioned. Franco, who owns a transportation lifestyle brand NAMSAYIN, brought in a luxury feel through a combination suede and leader interior with diamond stitching and pearl white exterior paint. He also put extra focus on the driver's experience through the audio system and performance enhancements, including a shot of nitrous for added power.

"We aimed to reach that next level within the VIP style with performance capabilities and a good sense of design cohesiveness," Franco said. "This build represents the new direction I want to bring to the industry and the skill represented here in the Pacific Northwest."

Many know Young Tea of Alhambra, Calif., as the co-founder of the Scion FR-S community FRS86. He and his team took on the work themselves to showcase that a garage-built car can earn respect at the track and be driven daily. The "Simpli-tC" concept aimed to keep the design cues of the tC while extending the fenders, adding a custom dual-outlet exhaust rear diffuser and including an air suspension system to lower the car for shows.

"The tC popularized the concept of a cost-effective and easy-to-modify coupe, and that principle inspired this SEMA build," Tea said. "We want to show people what you can build in the garage, and that you can be proud of your car."

All three competition cars will be judged by a panel that includes representation from Super Street, a magazine dedicated to covering high-performance customized cars and lifestyle. Scion will announce the winner at 11 a.m. on Nov. 6 during the SEMA show. The winner will take home a $10,000 grand prize.

"Showing off the three Tuner Challenge builds ahead of SEMA lets more Scion enthusiasts see the incredible creativity and craftsmanship that went into these tC vehicles," said Steve Hatanaka Scion marketing and special events manager. "We hope builders will be inspired by the versatility of the tC as displayed by our custom builders. Our panel will have a difficult job choosing the ultimate winner."

By Noah Joseph