Scion FR-S Named Official Race Vehicle for 2013 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race will take place April 20 and mark the 37th anniversary of the charity event held annually as part of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend. It also marks the first time in 27 years that a rear-wheel drive sports car will serve as the designated race car.
"The transformation of the FR-S into a race vehicle is a dream come true for many die-hard FR- S fans, and we wanted to share the journey with consumers at the Chicago Auto Show," said Doug Murtha, Scion vice president. "Scion vehicles have been driven in the Pro/Celebrity race vehicle since 2005, and we can't wait to see the rear-wheel drive FR-S race around the historic street course."
The race-ready, identically-prepared FR-S cars will produce 210 horsepower, equipped with performance enhancements that include a range of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) products such as: stainless-steel exhaust, coil-over shocks and springs, big brake kit featuring Hawk Performance brake pads, performance air intake and 18 inch wheels. Other custom equipment includes a Centerforce single disc racing clutch, front MacPherson struts and a rear double wishbone suspension.
A build video shows the transformation of the FR-S into a race vehicle and highlights the painstaking process and level of detail that goes into each of the 25 race vehicles created for the event.
"The newly designed Scion FR-S sports coupes are being prepared to debut in time for the 37th anniversary of one of America's most entertaining motorsports events," said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. "Our participants should find it easy to celebrate this year's race theme – Revved Up to Race – sitting behind the wheel of a race-ready Scion FR-S. The drivers will compete for a chance to earn yearlong bragging rights and acknowledge charitable donations made on their behalf. "
Launched in the summer of 2012 to rave reviews, the Scion FR-S has earned a cult following and significant accolades including being named Best of 2013 by Cars.com, earning a spot on Car and Driver's 10 Best List for 2013 and winning the first-ever Car of the Year Award from AutoGuide.com.