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Scion Tuner Challenge 2014

scion_tuner_challenge_08 One of my favorite competitions to follow at SEMA is Scion’s Tuner Challenge, where three different teams are given a specific Scion platform to build in just a few short weeks before the final judging at the big show. Having judged the 2013 competition, I can tell you that these builders do not have it easy and I give them major props for putting these projects together despite more than a handful of hardships. This year Scion selected three of the big tuner media outlets as their competitors, including Speedhunters, GT Channel and Super Street, and each received a Release Series 1.0 FR-S as their blank canvas.

Speedhunters

scion_tuner_challenge_06 scion_tuner_challenge_10 Built mostly at the hands of Technical Editor, Keith Charnovia, the Speedhunters FR-S took home the First place award along with a $10,000 bonus check. Built as an homage to the old school IMSA-styling, Keith grafted on the KM4SH Rocket Bunny aero, which is exclusive to Speedhunters but also added fender mirrors and louvers to the front hood alongside the retro graphics. The FA20 motor has a new Cosworth supercharger kit and inside there are nice details that must be seen in order to be appreciated.

Super Street

SEMA_Amodena_07 scion_tuner_challenge_03 The Super Street boys are no strangers to building a FR-S; a couple years back when the car debuted, I helped build a Rocket Bunny themed FR-S with several of my friends on staff as well as Import Tuner and Modified magazines. This year, Sam Du improved on the original formula, having the aero widened even more, adding more aggressive BBS LMs and wire-tucking the engine bay (with lots of other custom touches by Gearheinz) before a custom set of ITBs were bolted on. It was a close call but Super Street took Second and a $7,500 check.

GT Channel

scion_tuner_challenge_02 scion_tuner_challenge_04 Clearly aiming for performance over styling, Taro Koki connected with Mine’s Japan to help him with his FR-S build. They made sure that it would be the ultimate handling machine with tons of Whiteline suspension components and KW coilovers, and for more power, they bolted on a HKS supercharger kit. GT Channel added TRD LED headlights, side skirts and Tom’s taillights to give it a more JDM-look. Coming in Third, a generous $5,000 check was given to Taro. scion_tuner_challenge_05 You can see all three Scion Tuner Challenge 2014 competition cars at the Scion booth in the Central Hall during SEMA, and more than likely will go on tour for the upcoming auto show season.
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