Targa Newfoundland Scion FR-S Gets A Facelift
The Targa Newfoundland Scion Racing FR-S build continues, in preparation for this world-renown five-day tarmac rally from September 15to 19.
Although AutoGuide’s track test driver Dave Pratte and his Speed Academy partner Peter Tarach are primarily focused on making the FR-S faster and more durable as you’ll see in Episode 4 of their YouTube series, they also wanted to give it a little extra attitude with some subtle exterior upgrades.
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Although there’s no night racing at Targa Newfoundland, the Spyder LED projector headlights and LED taillights do give their FR-S a distinctive look versus the OEM lighting. The carbon fiber front lip and side splitters from Downforce USA also help differentiate the Targa FR-S from a showroom stock version, plus these should actually improve aerodynamics a touch, too.
SEE ALSO: Targa Newfoundland Scion FR-S Gets Upgraded Suspension & Brakes
Speaking of which, a Zele carbon fiber rear wing was bolted to the trunk lid, a rare JDM item they sourced with the help of Bulletproof Automotive. Dave and Peter opted for the Zele wing rather than a giant race wing because they wanted to keep the car looking more street-oriented while still adding a touch of rear downforce.
Peter designed the graphics package, integrating Scion Racing silver and red logo without turning the FR-S into a giant rolling billboard. The red R also ties in perfectly with the baller-status Volk Racing CE28RT wheels, which are finished in the aptly named Burning Red tintcoat. 
The Volks aren’t just for show, though. These are some of the lightest and strongest rims money can buy, thanks to their proprietary forging techniques that not only create a remarkably stiff wheel capable of surviving the potholes and ditches Targa Newfoundland will throw at them, but also an extraordinarily light wheel (just 16.5 lbs in a 18×9.5’’ size) that will let the Scion’s 200-hp engine accelerate and brake more effectively (thanks to reduced rotational and unsprung mass).
They chose to wrap these wheels in Yokohama’s highest performing street tire, Advan AD08 R in a 255/35R18 size at all four corners. These are a 180 tread wear rated extreme performance summer tire that Peter and Dave tested against the stock tires and were blown away by the results. You can see their Advan AD08 R test results at the link below.
SEE ALSO:L Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 R Track Test
In Episodes 5 and 6 they bolt on some power adders and go to the dyno to get the ECU calibration dialed in for the weak 91-octane pump gas they’re stuck using in Newfoundland. We’ll have that story for you shortly!