SEMA: Scion picks winner in FR-S Tuner Challenge

LAS VEGAS -- About three months ago, officials at Toyota’s Scion brand handed a 2013 Scion FR-S and a check for $15,000 to three custom-car builders and told them to come up with something special.

It was a pretty simple idea. The designs, though, are anything but simple.

Scion revealed the winner of the $10,000 Tuner Challenge this week at the Specialty Equipment Market Assn. trade show.

Photos: Highlights from the 2012 SEMA Show

The winner, built by Chris Basselgia of Lebanon, Pa., was named Minty FReSh because of its unique paint job. The FR-S has a customized sleek body with a molded duck bill spoiler, smoked headlights and race mirrors. The interior of the car was designed in a root beer-colored distressed leather and black ostrich.

One of the runners-up is Daniel Song of Orange County and his FR-S GT. The all-black Batmobile-esque car is covered in a carbon fiber wrap and fitted with a custom wide body kit and large rear spoiler. The interior is completely gutted to give the appearance of being an all-out race car.

Video: Bill Hennigan gives an inside look at SEMA

John Toca of Chicago was the other runner-up with his Carbon Stealth FR-S. Toca installed custom grille inserts, new fender vents and smoked lights to complement the FR-S’ Army tan matte paint. Inside, there’s a custom black faux suede headliner with blue stitching that’s also on the door panels.

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