About This Scion FR-S Base 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Scion FR-S Base 2013 sits on a set of 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch MST MT01 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose MST for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Scion FR-S Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the MST MT01 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: MST MT01 on the Scion FR-S Base 2013
I walked up to this FR-S at the meet and immediately spotted the 18x9.5 MST MT01 setup. Running this width on all four corners is an aggressive move for a platform that usually plays it safe. The 35 offset pushes the face of the wheel right out to the edge of the fenders.
You get a ton of poke with these specs on stock suspension. The wheels extend past the factory fender lines, which gives the car a wide, planted look. It catches the eye instantly because it breaks away from the sunken stock wheel aesthetic.
The MT01 design handles the hub bore well, so you avoid those annoying vibrations at highway speeds. I checked the caliper clearance and it sits clear of the stock brakes without needing any spacers. The spoke design gives you just enough room to see the rotor without making the wheel look hollow.
That 9.5-inch width creates a nice deep barrel look that you do not get with narrower wheels. You lose a bit of the traditional flat face, but you gain a more substantial profile. It makes the car look much heavier on the road.
Since this car sits on stock suspension, you will notice the wheel gap is still prominent. The wide setup highlights the space between the tire and the top of the wheel arch. You have to be careful with hard cornering or full steering lock as you might catch the plastic liners.
The biggest risk here is rubbing on the front inner liners during sharp turns. If you plan to drive hard, I suggest keeping an eye on your fender tabs. This setup pushes the limits of what a stock-height FR-S can handle without some minor tweaks.
Overall, this is a bold choice for a base model. It changes the geometry of the car and gives it a track-ready presence. You have to commit to the aggressive stance if you go with these numbers.
What We Recommend for Scion FR-S Base 2013 Owners
If you want this look, I suggest you pair these wheels with a set of lowering springs or coilovers. The 18x9.5 setup looks best when you bring the car down to close that wheel gap. It makes the poke look intentional rather than accidental.
The 35 offset is the absolute sweet spot for the FR-S platform. It provides a flush look without requiring massive fender modifications or over-fenders. You keep the factory lines while gaining that wider stance we all crave.
I always tell guys to run a square setup like this one. It makes tire rotation easy and keeps the handling predictable. Staggered setups on these cars usually just lead to more understeer that you do not need.
Watch your tire choice carefully when running a 9.5-inch wheel. A 245 or 255 tire will give you a slight stretch that helps with clearance. Anything wider might force you to roll your fenders, which is a headache I try to avoid.
Do not make the mistake of ignoring alignment settings after the install. You need a little bit of negative camber to tuck those wheels under the arches. It protects your paint and stops your tires from chewing up the fender lips.
Style and Build Analysis
The Black finish on these MST MT01s creates a stealthy, monochromatic vibe against the body. It hides the brake dust and keeps the focus entirely on the spokes and the stance. I love how it looks when the sun hits the wheel and reveals the sharp edges of the design.
The MT01 has a classic multi-spoke layout that fits the FR-S aesthetic perfectly. It does not look too flashy or out of place. It complements the angular headlights and the sharp front bumper of the 2013 model.
When I look at this car, the proportions feel balanced despite the aggressive width. The wheels fill the arches much better than the skinny factory rollers. It gives the car a sense of gravity that was missing from the factory design.
I have featured plenty of FR-S builds, but this one stands out for its simplicity. It does not need a massive wing or a wild wrap to grab attention. The clean black-on-black look proves that wheel choice is everything.
The road presence is undeniable when you see it in motion. The wheels look like they belong on a drift car that just rolled off the grid. It is functional, it is stylish, and it hits the mark for a daily-driven build.
Why We Love This Build
I cannot stop looking at this FR-S because it looks so purposeful. The Black MST MT01 wheels ground the car and make the entire package feel more aggressive. When the light hits the spokes, the whole silhouette of the car pops in a way stock wheels never could.
We love this build because it transforms a standard base model into something that demands attention at every stoplight. It captures the spirit of the tuner scene without breaking the bank. It is the kind of setup that makes you look back every time you walk away from your car.
This is exactly why we do what we do. Seeing a simple change like this breathe new life into a classic platform is pure automotive joy. Get this setup and own the road.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Scion FR-S Base 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: MST MT01
- Wheel Size: 18×9.5 / 18×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: Vercelli Strada II 225/40 25.1″x8.9″ / 225/40 25.1″x8.9″
- Suspension: Stock
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Scion FR-S Base owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels fit my Scion FR-S Base? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Scion FR-S Base owners run 18×9.5 / 18×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
