Scion News: Scion FR-S Starts At $24,930

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

March 21, 2012

Earlier tonight, Scion put the starting price tag on the new FR-S. As shown, the base price tag for a six-speed manual FR-S starts at $24,930 (Includes a $730 destination charge).

This confirms a leaked document that got into the hands of FT86 Club which revealed the starting pricetag of $24,200 (excluding the destination charge)

Source: Scion, FT86 Club

Press Release is on Page 2

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Scion Announces Pricing for Its 2013 FR-S Sports Car

TORRANCE, Calif., March 22, 2012 – Scion today announced pricing for its 2013 FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car. The FR-S starts with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $24,200 when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and $25,300 when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and rev-match technology. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family and will go on sale this spring.

“Scion’s goal was to create an affordable sports car that true driving enthusiasts could enjoy,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “We accomplished that goal with the FR-S starting under $25,000…a total home run! Add in Scion’s complimentary Scion Service Boost, our no-haggle no-hassle Pure Price, and Scion’s network of about 1,000 dealers, and the FR-S is a grand slam.”

Pure Balance

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 fuel efficiency.

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. During planning and development, it was most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The AE86 was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe that 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.

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 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 standard Torsen® 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 a lightweight 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 standard on all four corners.

Powerful Exterior Design

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 that house the projector-beam halogen lamps. 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 will be available in seven colors including Raven, Asphalt, Hot Lava, Argento, Ultramarine, Firestorm and Whiteout.

Performance-Focused Interior

The FR-S’s interior includes a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind. The front seats feature deep bolsters and are mounted extremely low and are comfortable yet assertive, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The car will come standard with FR-S badged floor mats. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster and features a programmable shift-indicator, informing the driver of the engine’s vitals. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges. The FR-S features a sporty leather-trimmed steering wheel that has both tilt and telescopic adjustment.

The FR-S will come standard with an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/USB 300-watt maximum output Pioneer™ audio system. Standard features also include HD Radio™ technology and Bluetooth® connectivity that allows both hands-free phone connection as well as streaming audio capability.

Sports Car Performance with Excellent Safety Features

FR-S comes standard with six airbags, including dual-stage advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted airbags and side-curtain airbags.

Like all Scions, FR-S features the Star Safety System that includes Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $730 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Warranty and Complimentary Scion Service Boost

Like all Scion models, the FR-S is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The FR-S will come standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance.

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

View full article

[bobo]

Tempting, very tempting.

[David]

Ug, Pass on an under powered POS. Yet someone will still buy it and ricer it for the next fast and furious movie over american models as it is a toyota and must be better than anything american.

[Robert Hall]

I'd hardly call 200hp 'underpowered' for such a small and light car. The US automakers have nothing like this.

[David]

I'd hardly call 200hp 'underpowered' for such a small and light car. The US automakers have nothing like this.

I agree with you that the US has nothing like this and that on paper it seems like alot of power, but so far my experiance with scion is that their cars are slugs, cheap interiors, cheap cars.

I do not have much expectations for this, as it will just be another way to try and get people into the toyota fold.

GM and Ford could so do a better job if they really wanted. Just look at what Fiest and Focus have done around the world.

[Robert Hall]

I'd hardly call 200hp 'underpowered' for such a small and light car. The US automakers have nothing like this.

I agree with you that the US has nothing like this and that on paper it seems like alot of power, but so far my experiance with scion is that their cars are slugs, cheap interiors, cheap cars.

Remember, though, this is a Subaru...from what I've read in the magazines, it's a fun little car. It's a light RWD sports car, sounds like the ingredients are good. This is not a typical FWD Toyota appliance.

Edited March 22, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[David]

I'd hardly call 200hp 'underpowered' for such a small and light car. The US automakers have nothing like this.

I agree with you that the US has nothing like this and that on paper it seems like alot of power, but so far my experiance with scion is that their cars are slugs, cheap interiors, cheap cars.

Remember, though, this is a Subaru...from what I've read in the magazines, it's a fun little car. It's a light RWD sports car, sounds like the ingredients are good. This is not a typical FWD Toyota appliance.

True, but it is Subaru's first RWD, so I am being my normal hesitent self till I see the proof in the Pudding. Lunch Time

[Drew Dowdell]

Ug, Pass on an under powered POS. Yet someone will still buy it and ricer it for the next fast and furious movie over american models as it is a toyota and must be better than anything american.

It's a Subaru boxer-4 torquemaster in one of the lightest car on the common market. I think it will do great! I can't wait to try one out.

[Robert Hall]

Ug, Pass on an under powered POS. Yet someone will still buy it and ricer it for the next fast and furious movie over american models as it is a toyota and must be better than anything american.

It's a Subaru boxer-4 torquemaster in one of the lightest car on the common market. I think it will do great! I can't wait to try one out.

I'd love to drive one...this car reminds me conceptually of neat '70s sports cars like the original RX-7 and 240Z...

[David]

If this car does inspire people like the original 240Z did, then they will have a hit on their hands. Yet it might just be me, but I see a dramatic shift by people to expecting certian level of refinement in an auto and I have to wonder if a bare bones driving machine will be a hit like it was in past years.

Plus with all the government ninny devices, it makes the over all excitement level of driving to be very boring. One reason to hold onto and keep your older auto's.

[Robert Hall]

It doesn't sound like it's 'bare bones' reading the press release...

[balthazar]

I'd rather have 3000 lbs / 290 HP in a Solstice GXP.

[SAmadei]

I'd rather have 3000 lbs / 290 HP in a Solstice GXP.

So would I... but it needs a 4 inch stretch, so I can get in one.

[David]

I'd rather have 3000 lbs / 290 HP in a Solstice GXP.

So would I... but it needs a 4 inch stretch, so I can get in one.

+1 I love the car but at 6'6" I cannot fit in!

[Robert Hall]

I'd rather have 3000 lbs / 290 HP in a Solstice GXP.

So would I... but it needs a 4 inch stretch, so I can get in one.

+1 I love the car but at 6'6" I cannot fit in!

Leave the top down all the time and use an umbrella..

[David]

[Drew Dowdell]

I'd rather have 3000 lbs / 290 HP in a Solstice GXP.

Turbo is coming (from Subaru)

[SAmadei]

I'd rather have 3000 lbs / 290 HP in a Solstice GXP.

So would I... but it needs a 4 inch stretch, so I can get in one.

+1 I love the car but at 6'6" I cannot fit in!

Leave the top down all the time and use an umbrella..

That won't for me. After my disaster at the NY auto show in 2009 (?) when I got pretty badly stuck in the Solstice coupe, I tried getting into a Sky with the top down. LOL, did not work. I could not fit DOWN into the passenger seat, between my thigh bones being too long and my torso/shoulders being too wide. Best way for me to ride in a Kappa is to sit on the back of the seat... upper decker style.

[David]

I'd rather have 3000 lbs / 290 HP in a Solstice GXP.

So would I... but it needs a 4 inch stretch, so I can get in one.

+1 I love the car but at 6'6" I cannot fit in!

Leave the top down all the time and use an umbrella..

That won't for me. After my disaster at the NY auto show in 2009 (?) when I got pretty badly stuck in the Solstice coupe, I tried getting into a Sky with the top down. LOL, did not work. I could not fit DOWN into the passenger seat, between my thigh bones being too long and my torso/shoulders being too wide. Best way for me to ride in a Kappa is to sit on the back of the seat... upper decker style.

I can so relate, while not fat, I was a big german born baby at almost 11lbs. Being a slim in my later years 58 for my coat at the shoulders, it is hard to fit in small sport cars.

Edited March 23, 2012 by dfelt

[Drew Dowdell]

Well guys, just because you can't fit in them doesn't make them bad cars. It sounds like you couldn't fit in most true sports cars anyway.

[smk4565]

The Scion and Subaru look alright on the outside, they have some sporty aggressiveness to them and if you like Asian styling I think you'd like either. The interiors of both are just miserable though. The Hyundai Accent has a better interior and it costs $10,000 less. This isn't a fast car either, it may handle well because it is light,but mid 7s 0-60 doesn't sound so fun.

[Robert Hall]

The Scion and Subaru look alright on the outside, they have some sporty aggressiveness to them and if you like Asian styling I think you'd like either. The interiors of both are just miserable though. The Hyundai Accent has a better interior and it costs $10,000 less. This isn't a fast car either, it may handle well because it is light,but mid 7s 0-60 doesn't sound so fun.

The Accent is just a FWD appliance...nothing fun about that...it's not a dragster, so 0-60 is irrelevant. The Miata's 0-60 is about 7.3, and it's fun quotient is quite high..

I know many of you can't see past the Toyota badge, but this does sound like a fun little car..certainly more interesting than GM's vanilla FWD appliances...

Edited March 27, 2012 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[A Horse With No Name]

I don't think the interior seems as dismal as smk paints it...still seems like a fun little car.

[daves87rs]

Ug, Pass on an under powered POS. Yet someone will still buy it and ricer it for the next fast and furious movie over american models as it is a toyota and must be better than anything american.

It's a Subaru boxer-4 torquemaster in one of the lightest car on the common market. I think it will do great! I can't wait to try one out.

+1