Driver Terry Fair takes the 2013 Scion FR-S, affectionately known as "Agent 86," for a track test at Motorsport Ranch-Cresson's 1.7-mile counter-clockwise configuration on November 10, 2016. The ambient temperature was 60°F.
This session followed initial modifications to the vehicle. Previously, the bone stock FR-S achieved a baseline lap time of 1:31.90 in August, using the same 215mm, 320 treadwear tires. Since then, the car has been upgraded with prototype Vorshlag camber plates, providing approximately -2.5 degrees of negative camber (an increase from the stock -1.0 degrees). A Powerbrake 4-piston front big brake kit (BBK) was also installed. The car retains its stock suspension components (springs, shocks, bars) and engine power.
The impact of these modifications was significant, with the FR-S running 2.3 seconds quicker per lap. The best lap recorded was an impressive 1:29.630. The driver noted that the increased negative camber dramatically improved front tire wear, preventing the severe shoulder damage experienced with the stock setup. The car was cornering much faster, sustaining 1.0g lateral acceleration with spikes over 1.10g. The Powerbrake BBK also performed exceptionally well, offering excellent modulation and pedal feel, allowing for deeper braking zones.
The driver observed that the front tires, which had previously been on the rear, showed only minor scrubbing after one session with the new camber, a vast improvement over the shredded outer shoulders seen with less camber. The overall performance gain was attributed primarily to the camber adjustment, enhancing the car's cornering capabilities.