Trial by Fire

Vehicle Features Adam Gordon

Trial by Fire

Nicholas Sargeant - 2016 Scion FR-S
Photography by Edward Lutz (@jxst_eddie)

Some cars are built for show, some for speed, and some tell a story far beyond their modifications. Nicholas Sargent’s 2016 Scion FR-S, known as T7YLOR, is one of those rare builds that blends tasteful upgrades with a deeply personal journey of perseverance and passion. What began as an eye-catching widebody concept inspired by Koenigsegg’s Agera ski box profile and the aggressive stance of Liberty Walk supercars has evolved into a battle-hardened machine.

Nick’s FR-S carries an unmistakable European influence. VFC Performance wheels with aero caps bring a bold, Porsche 935-inspired aesthetic—a rare sight on non-European builds. Paired with a Rocket Bunny V2 widebody kit, Verus Engineering hood louvers, and Thule crossbars with a ski box, the elements flow together seamlessly.

Before Nick acquired the car, the previous owner had secured an exhibition spot for SEMA 2020, showcasing its custom paintwork. However, when SEMA was canceled due to the pandemic, the opportunity disappeared, leaving the build without the stage it was destined for. Though it never made it to the showcase, Nick has since elevated it, making the car a head-turner wherever it goes.

In a cruel twist of fate, just a month before purchasing the FR-S, Nick suffered severe burns to his face and hands in an accident while on a family vacation. During recovery, he sought a project to reignite his passion, and this car became that outlet.

But the challenges didn’t stop there. Just a month after bringing the FR-S home, disaster struck again. Pulling into his driveway after a car show, Nick noticed white smoke rising from the engine bay—a significant oil leak. The situation escalated quickly. On his first drive after the incident, he pulled over to inspect the engine. As he lifted the hood, a fire ignited—just two months after his own burn accident. Thankfully, the car was equipped with a fire extinguisher. Despite the chaos, Nick managed to put out the flames, saving the FR-S from major damage.

Over the next year, he worked tirelessly to restore, upgrade, and—most importantly—regain trust in the car. This meant installing multiple gauges to monitor every critical system and ensure that no issue would ever catch him off guard again.

While retaining stock internals, the FR-S now produces 350 horsepower thanks to a 54mm SBD turbo paired with a GReddy G Force 3 electronic boost controller and an EcuTek street tune. To handle the added power and heat, Nick fitted a Mishimoto thermostatic oil cooler, a coolant-to-oil heat exchanger, and twin thermostatic oil radiator fans. A GReddy Evolution GT exhaust ensures optimal flow and a commanding note, while a Stage 3 Action Clutch with a lightweight flywheel sharpens throttle response. Braking is handled by R1 Concepts hardware for added control.

The cockpit blends luxury with motorsport influence. The entire interior is wrapped in Alcantara, highlighted by a starlight headliner for a premium touch. Braum ELITE-X Series reclining seats paired with Braum 5PT SFI 16.1-certified harnesses provide comfort and safety. An OMP GT/Formula 310 steering wheel sets the tone for the driver’s seat, while GlowShift Black 7 Color gauges give Nick precise feedback on vital signs.

From near-loss at SEMA to a literal trial by fire, this FR-S is more than just a show-stopping build. It’s a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and an undying passion for car culture. Every modification, every setback, and every upgrade tells a part of Nick’s journey—proving that sometimes, a car is far more than just metal and parts.

ESSENTIALS

Vehicle: 2016 Scion FR-S
Location: Aurora, CO
Horsepower: 350 whp

SOCIAL
IG: @t7ylor

ENGINE

54 mm SBD Turbo
Greddy G Force 3 EBC
Ecutek street tune
Mishimoto thermostatic oil cooler
Coolant to oil heat exchanger
Twin-thermostatic oil radiator fans
Twin catch cans
Short ram cold air intake

EXHAUST

GReddy Evolution GT exhaust

DRIVETRAIN

Action Clutch (Stage 3 clutch, lightweight flywheel)

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

VFC Performance wheels w/ aero rings

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

HKI (Move-e Bluetooth Air Suspension Management System, custom air bags, dual 444C air compressors, dual water traps)
5-gallon air tank

EXTERIOR

V-Land headlights
Intec carbon fiber tail lights
Rocket Bunny V2 widebody kit
Custom paint
Verus Engineering hood louvers
Thule (crossbars, ski box)
EcuTek ECU

INTERIOR

Wrapped Alcantara interior
Starlight headliner
GlowShift Black 7 Color (oil pressure gauge, oil temperature gauge)
DND Performance (quick-release steering wheel mount, cruise control kit)
OMP GT/Formula 310 steering wheel
Mishimoto carbon fiber shift knob
Braum (ELITE-X Series sport reclinable seats, 5-point SFI 16.1 Certified 3-inch racing harness, 48-51-inch universal harness bar)

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