Scion News: And Scion FR-S Makes Three

[William Maley]

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So far this week, we’ve seen Toyota and Subaru introduce their versions of a small RWD coupe and now it’s Scion’s turn.

At a event last night in Hollywood, CA, Scion showed off the production version FR-S. The FR-S carries the same design, direct-injection boxer 4-cylinder with a 12.5:1 compression ratio making 200 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque, six speed manual or optional automatic, and weight as it’s Subaru and Toyota brothers.

And as with all other Scions, the FR-S will come with a range of parts and accessories. The FR-S arrives onto dealers next spring.

Press Release is on Page 2

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2013 Scion FR-S Brings the SPORT Back to the CAR

Los Angeles – November 30, 2011 – Scion tonight unveiled its 2013 FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car to a crowd of eager car enthusiasts. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family and will go on sale in the spring of 2012.

The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

“Serving as a laboratory for Toyota, Scion is always experimenting with new things,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “The brand is iconic with the xB, adrenalized by the tC, and groundbreaking with the iQ. The FR-S will no doubt serve as the halo car, expanding Scion into a new dimension of driving performance.”

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports car is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is designed around the core goal of achieving, “Pure Balance.” The balance begins with the strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and flat shape allow it to be mounted mid-ship and extremely low, giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47 and a low center of gravity comparable to some exotic supercars.

The FR-S’s 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is the result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. The partnership begins by combining Subaru’s newly developed horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in an impressive 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

“We all know that it’s not hard to make horsepower and torque, but it is hard to do all that and still achieve impressive fuel economy,” Hollis said. “The FR-S accomplishes all three.”

The flat-four mates with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts with a short-throw; while the automatic transmission features aggressive up shifts and sporty rev-matched down shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to the pavement via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of “Pure Balance” is further realized by the FR-S’s lightweight design and compact size. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling. The coupe’s weight is kept to a minimum by utilizing an aluminum hood, a solid roof, and by featuring a trunk design instead of a hatchback.

The FR-S’s low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are on all four corners.

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a solid reflection of its inner power. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood and roof-line that is remarkably sleek and low, giving it an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. The low stance continues to exaggerate the coupe’s menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights. The aggressive front fenders protrude upward and boast the iconic ‘86’ piston emblem, which highlights the car’s AE86 heritage as well as its unique new boxer engine. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. LEDs illuminate the edgy taillights, while center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design.

The FR-S’s interior features a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind. The front seats are mounted extremely low and are comfortable yet assertive, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster, keeping the driver informed of the engine’s vitals. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges.

Scion FR-S Preliminary Specifications

Length

166.7 in.

Width

69.9 in.

Height

51.2 in. (not including antenna base)

Wheelbase

101.2 in.

Track

Front

59.8 in.

Rear

60.6 in.

Seating capacity

4

Engine

Total displacement

1,998 cc

Type

Horizontally opposed four-cylinder, D-4S injection, DOHC

Bore × stroke

86 × 86 mm.

Maximum output

200hp @ 7,000 rpm

Maximum torque

151 lb.-ft. @ 6,600 rpm

Transmission

6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

Suspension

Front

MacPherson struts

Rear

Double wishbone

Brakes

Front

Ventilated Disc

Rear

Ventilated Disc

Tires

Front

215/45R17

Rear

215/45R17

Fuel tank

13.2 gallons

Fuel

Premium Unleaded

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[67impss]

Send in the Clones...

And where are the Clones?

There ought to be Clones...

Well, maybe next year.

Forgive me Judy Collins I just had to

[Robert Hall]

Who knows, if GM had still had the NUMMI relationship and Pontiac, this car could have been a neat little Pontiac G-something coupe...

Edited December 10, 2011 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[PurdueGuy]

It's a hot car, but it does reduce it's appeal to me that they so blatantly cloned it.

[ocnblu]

This car is in its purest form as a Subaru.

[Robert Hall]

From what I've read, most of the work was done by Subaru. I'm looking forward to seeing the Subaru version in person...it sounds like it could be a really fun little car...

[Intrepidation]

Subaru did all of the engineering, chassis tuning, and most of the engine. Toyota supplied the fuel delivery system and styled the car. While I'm disappointed they look so similar, these cars appear to be so good its forgivable. Also at least they aren't ugly. Plus they don't share showroom space..unless there's some wacky Subaru- Scion dealer out there.