Automatic or Automagic? Supercharged Scion FR-S
That the Scion FR-S is a capable street and track weapon is a known quantity. With it’s low curb weight, drive sent to the rear wheels and strong aftermarket it’s a no-brainer for a track day toy and daily driver smushed into one convenient package.
Less discussed is the almost certain fact that most FR-S and BRZ’s that are hitting the track feature the standard 6-speed manual transmission. However, roughly 1 of every 3 FRS/BRZ on the road feature the optional 6-speed automatic transmission, like today’s featured ride.
This isn’t any ordinary automatic-equipped FR-S, because this particular car features 17×9″ Enkei RPF1 with fat, sticky rubber; Tein StreetFlex coilovers; basic aero including canards and a wing, and an engine with breathing modifications that allow this particular FR-S to make nearly 280 wheel horsepower.
Hang on, you may be saying aloud, how is a naturally-aspirated FA20 engine making that much power? The answer is simple: by ditching the “natural” part of naturally-aspirated and forcing more air into the cylinders via a supercharger. Perfect. But how does the not-so oft-discussed 6-speed automatic handle a 50% increase in horsepower and torque?
