Scion at SEMA pre-show unveils

Scion concepts on display at the SEMA show next week run the gamut from performance to fun. Some are even just there to look cool. Many of those vehicles being showcased are part of the Scion Tuner Challenge, which challenged people with varied expertise in fields not necessarily related to automotive to create a car that fits their view of the perfect ride.

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These five include:

  • 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.

Adding to this, three custom car builders – one from the East, one from the Pacific Northwest, and one from Southern California – were challenged to design Scion vehicles that match the tuner scene in their respective territories.  These include:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Young Tea of Alhambra, Calif. is 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.

Check out the gallery of Scion concepts to be showcased at SEMA:

Aaron Turpen
An automotive enthusiast for most of his adult life, Aaron has worked in and around the industry in many ways. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), and freelances as a writer and journalist around the Web and in print. You can find his portfolio at AaronOnAutos.com.