Scion?s fifth model promises to add a new dimension to Toyota?s youth-oriented brand, when the 2013 Scion FR-S goes on sale in the spring of 2012.? The rear-wheel drive sports car offers a new level of excitement, especially for enthusiasts, who want more performance and road handling capabilities.
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?s 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine was jointly developed with Subaru. The engine joins Subaru?s horizontally opposed engine architecture with Toyota?s D-4S injection system, which incorporates both direct and port injection. ?The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio creates 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 rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.
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 profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a low, sleek hood and roof-line to create a strong aerodynamic shape.? 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.
