2013 Scion FR-S is this year’s hottest sport compact

The 2013 Scion FR-S has been a hit with buyers and earns industry recognition as being the best “blank canvas” for customization.

The all-new 2013 Scion FR-S is getting a lot of attention with buyers and is also getting industry recognition at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The new two-door sports car has won this year’s “Hottest Sport Compact” award at the 2012 SEMA Show. The whole show revolves around specialty-equipment manufacturers and automakers gathering to showcase what they can do in the area of vehicle customization and showcasing new accessories for cars and trucks.

Every year, the Hottest Sport Compact award is given to the vehicle that is deemed to be the best “best blank canvas for specialty equipment add-ons and creativity.” The 2013 Scion FR-S gets the award this year and owners can personalize their new rear-drive sports car in a number of ways. Toyota offers a number of factory aftermarket kits for owners to customize their cars. Toyota announced a new aggressive aero package for the Toyota GT 86 that could be a preview of coming Scion FR-S upgrades. The aero package consists of a new front bumper skirt, side skirts, rear bumper skirt and large rear spoiler.

And aftermarket companies love the new FR-S for its potential. The new Scion FR-S was introduced earlier this year along with the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT 86 and has been a big hit with buyers around the globe. The joint venture between Subaru and Toyota has been a resounding success for the two automakers. Toyota benefitted from Subaru’s boxer engine technology that allows the engine to sit extremely low and gives the Scion FR-S a favorable front-to-rear weight ratio and a low center of gravity comparable to more expensive exotic supercars.

The 2013 Scion FR-S was launched earlier this year and was in U.S. showrooms starting in June. “As soon as it arrived, the FR-S has been a top pick among those in the specialty equipment industry for its power, authenticity and ability to inspire customization,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA's president and CEO. “The FR-S is this year’s hottest sport compact and looks likely to continue to excite owners and industry insiders for years to come.”

The FR-S engine developed in partnership with Subaru, is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 151 lb. ft. of torque. The Subaru boxer engine incorporates Toyota’s D-4S direct and port injection technology that comes from the Lexus IS F. Subaru is working on a new BRZ turbocharged version, but Toyota hasn’t revealed any plans for an FR-S turbo.

Underneath, the FR-S gets a sport tuned suspension which utilizes MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear for spirited driving through the corners. Lightweight 17x7-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four corners. The car weighs just 2,800 pounds and utilizes an aluminum hood to save weight.

The 2013 Scion FR-S has an MSRP of $24,200 when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or $25,300 with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology. For more information on how to customize their new FR-S, owners can go to Scion accessories.