Hunter Taylor, a student from Tempe, Arizona, was a car enthusiast before he even had a driver license. He explains: “This 2013 Scion FR-S is my first car. I started working at 14 to be able to buy it for my 16th birthday. Ever since, the car has been hand-crafted and designed by me.” Hunter’s car was a few years old when he acquired it, but it was a well-preserved blank canvas for his future build. His custom creation was on display during this year’s Future Collector Car Show at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale.
Above you’ll find a four-minute video from the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel that highlights Hunter’s car.
FR-S Model Backstory
The FR-S sports coupe is a machine that was born via a unique collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. It first debuted as the Toyota 86 at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011, and deliveries began in April of the following year. In the United States, the car was initially sold as both the Subaru BRZ and as the Scion FR-S.
Even without any modifications, the FR-S was known right out of the gate for its incredible balance. This was made possible via its low center of gravity and a rear-wheel drive arrangement. The stock “boxer” 2.0-liter flat-four was code-named the 4U-GSE in Toyota models and the FA20 in Subaru models. It was naturally aspirated and carried ratings of 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque in stock configuration. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Scion, which had started as a division of Toyota in 2003, was later phased out in 2016. Today, the spiritual successor to the FR-S is sold as the Toyota GR86 and is powered by a larger 2.4-liter motor.
Hunter’s Custom Creation
The perfect balance of form and function are evident in the combination of upgrades that Hunter chose to build to his FR-S over the last seven or so years. “The car is a jack-of-all-trades,” Hunter says. “It does everything from daily driving, road trips, drifting, time attack, and most importantly, grocery-getting.”
Right off the bat, the car is an attention-grabber thanks to some of the cosmetic upgrades. These include a Vertex body kit, sequential headlights, RAYS Gram Lights 18-inch wheels, a black 3M roof wrap, a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) paint-matched rear spoiler, a Valenti brake light, and 35% window tint. The aggressive stance is made possible from a set of BC Racing coilovers, and handling is augmented through Megan tie rods, a Kansei Service strut brace, a Cusco trailing arm, and much more.
One of the things that Hunter prides himself in is that the car is upgraded with aftermarket heated leather seats – definitely not something anyone would expect to find in a compact “tuner” type vehicle. The cockpit is also equipped with LED lighting, a Sony AX5000 head unit, a TRD shift knob, and Dynamat sound deadening throughout. Needless to say, the attention to detail is found everywhere.
Takeaways
It rewarding to see the automotive hobby being supported and embraced by a younger generation. At only 22 years old, Hunter is walking (and driving!) proof that the future of the car hobby is still strong. We are excited to see what kind of tricks Hunter has up his sleeve for future updates on this very sweet Scion. Stay tuned to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more highlights from automotive events.
Great to see the young guys still into cars, I’m 50 now and got my first car when I was 11 years old and still have it today. Nice job Hunter it looks great!