It seems as if SEMA just kicked off with Scion announcing its $15,000 FR-S build-off challenge and we are already set to announce its winner. The three entrants in this contest were the FR-S GT by David Song, the FR-S “Carbon Stealth” by John Toca, and the FR-S “minty FReSh” by Chris Basselgia. All three competitors came to the table with stout rides and did a fair amount with the $10K that Scion gave each of them, but there could only be one winner.

Daniel Song’s FR-S->ke3820 GT was pretty sweet, but we think it ultimately failed due to the fact that it was a little to, shall we say, “Ricey” for the true enthusiast. We’re sure it performs admirably, but the massive wing on the back and matte black paint just screams “circa 1996 Civic DX ‘racecar.’” John Toca’s project was definitely up there, but he ultimately skimped out a little bit on the engine, resorting to an air-to-air intercooler and a cat-back exhaust system. On the inside and outside, however, Toca’s creation was gorgeous.

This leaves just one car left as the winner and that is good old “minty FReSh” by Chris Basselgia. Chris installed a smooth exterior package and covered it in an awesome paint color, then tinkered just a little bit with the audio system. Inside, Chris made some mild styling changes to set off the FR-S, like distressed leather, leather-trimmed floor mats, and a wood-grain steering wheel. Where we think Chris really made his victory a sure thing is under the skin of the FR-S.

As with all of the other competitors, Chris installed a supercharger, but he took great care in making sure that forced air remained cool, by installing a water-to-air intercooler and a heat exchanger. On top of that, he also fitted it with a CNC-milled intake manifold upgraded the cooling system, installed a full exhaust system, added in an air-ride system and upgraded the brakes. He really stretched that $10K a long way and came out with an extra $15K in prize money in his pocket.

Congrats, Chris. Hopefully Scion lets you keep the FR-S you built, but we doubt it.

Click past the jump to read Scion’s presser.

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