The Scion FR-S Concept was recently revealed for the first time and there’s a lot to be excited about!
The Scion FR-S concept was recently revealed at the New York Auto Show to the delight of many anxious “Toyobaru” fans around the world. The FR-S signifies a giant leap forward in the collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, bringing them one step closer to releasing their joint-venture sports car. With that said, the FR-S is still in concept form so what we see before us today will slightly differ from the production version that will show up on car lots in 2012.
Still, our sneak peak is a firm indication of just how brilliant the final version will be. The FR-S looks absolutely stunning with its unique blend of futuristic design mixed with old school form. The old school aspect comes into play from design cues taken from the Toyota 2000GT. The low and long hood, short rear, and bulging wheel arches brings some 60’s styling into 2012.
The concept also features a menacing front-end and overall sleek design that’s almost reminiscent of the Lexus LFA. To think, not long ago there was a lot of speculation that if released under Scion the styling would be watered down in a sense, but the pictures below certainly tell a different story.
So, it looks great, but we’re talking about a performance car here so let’s get to the meaningful information.
Scion V.P. Jack Hollis made some great opening remarks during the unveiling that perfectly summarizes the passion and sporting spirit that embodies the FR-S concept. Here’s what he had to say:
“It’s no secret…Toyota President Akio Toyoda loves to express his passion for driving. Whether he’s behind the wheel of the LF-A at the 24-hours of Nurburgring… or just cruising around on the weekend in his IS-F… it’s obvious that he knows what it means to have fun in a car.
In countless interviews and presentations… Akio has made it clear that he wants to bring that Fun-to-Drive spirit… BACK to TOYOTA. And you know what… THIS is what he has in mind.
Ladies and gentlemen…passionate drivers… canyon carvers… auto-crossers and weekend track warriors…it is my pleasure to introduce YOU to the New Dimension of “Fun to Drive”…no scratch that…”Awesome to Drive”… also known as…the Scion FR-S Concept.”
In short, the FR-S is about “pure balance”. A big factor in achieving such balance is the compact Subaru boxer engine that the car will be fitted with. The 2.0 liter boxer will allow engineers to mount it lower and further back, thus improving the car’s center of gravity and front-to-rear weight ratio. It will also boast a short wheelbase of 101.2 inches to aide in maneuverability and nimbleness. Exactly the characteristics you want from a sports car designed for driving enthusiasts.
For comparison the wheelbase on the Mazda RX-8 is 106.4 inches.
The Subaru engine won’t be your average boxer either, as Toyota is upping the ante by adding their D4-S injection system. D4-S is direct injection technology that utilizes direct and indirect injection with two fuel injectors (high/low pressure) per cylinder. The end result, increased horsepower and torque over the entire curve.
An improved Subaru boxer engine, in a lightweight, rear-drive car, with excellent balance; is your mouth watering yet?
But, it’s still a Scion! True, most people were hoping that the FT-86 would be released under Toyota rather than their subsidiary Scion brand. However, the FR-S is definitely the car that’s going to transcend any negative stereotypes that currently surrounds Scion. After all, what’s in a name? Especially considering that all of the engineering technology is being derived from Toyota and Subaru, and it isn’t based off of any current Scion platforms.
Economically it was a necessary move for Toyota in order to save their fledgling brand. Scion sales dropped 49% in 2009 and continued to lose market share in 2010. Something drastic had to be done and the FR-S is the perfect offering to uplift their falling brand.
The car is sharp and all indications point to this becoming a pure driving machine. With that said, this is one Scion that you simply can’t ignore.
