As it turns out, we were right to assume that the open-top 2013 Scion FR-S spotted at this past weekend’s Formula Drift event in Long Beach, California, was a tuning concept.

The speedster version of the Scion FR-S was created by Cartel Customs, a California-based company headed by Jeremy Lookofsky, which specializes in the design and manufacturing of custom display vehicles and motorcycles.

While the name may not ring a bell, you’ve probably seen some of Cartel’s work at previous SEMA shows such as last year’s Scion iQ Pit Bull, the 2010 Scion xB Stretch Limousine and the 2009 Scion tC Low Rider concepts.

The company’s new Scion FR-S Speedster drops the coupe’s top and most of the interior appointments gaining a two-seat configuration with a mid-mounted instrument panel.

The car retains the FR-S’ stock 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-banger, but is upgraded with numerous performance parts such as the ACT clutch, GReddy sports exhaust system and a KW suspension.

Story References: Cartel via Seriouswheels

[From Cartel Customs]

Powertrain:• Flat 2.0L Boxer Engine (200HP @ 7,000 RPM & 151 LB-FT @ 6,100 RPM)• 6 Speed Transmission• TORCO Synthetic SR-5 Racing Oil• ACT CLUTCH• GReddy SP Elite Exhaust SystemChassis/Suspension• KW Suspensions Clubsport Coilovers equipped With Independent Rebound & Compression Adjustability.• Wilwood SUPERLITE 6 piston radial mount calipers in custom Red on 13” SRP drilled and slotted two piece rotors & BP -10 Wilwood Smart Pads• Wilwood Dynapro 4 piston calipers in custom Red on 12.19” SRP drilled and slotted two piece rotors & BP-10 Wilwood Smart Pads.

Wheels & Tires• Front 18 x 8.0 Forge Line Center Lock Wheels• Rear 18x 9.5 Forge Line Center Lock Wheels• Front 225 /40 /18 TOYO Proxes R888• Rear 245 /40 /18 TOYO Proxes R888

Exterior• Cartel Traditional Signature Series Chop Top• Modified Front Fenders & Hood• Custom Molded Rear Deck With Hand Made Sheet Metal Speed Blisters• Custom Metal Fabrication Interior & Exterior Panels• APR PERFORMANCE CUSTOM 61” CARBON FIBER WING• House Of Colors White Base Paint with Euro Red Two Tone Top & hand laid graphics threw out.• Custom Formed & Cut Glass Front Windshield & Side Door Glass

Interior:• Racing Red & Super White Accents Seats, Dash & Center Console (Elegance Auto Interiors)• Customs Shaped Metal Door Panels With Carbon Fiber Inserts• Carbon Rear Panel False Wall.• Modified Dash Center Drive Gage Cluster & Carbon Switch Panel

PHOTO GALLERY

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