 Scion FR-S concept. Click image to enlarge |
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Article and photos by James Bergeron
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Scion FR-S concept
New York, New York — Toyota is on a mission: a mission to re-introduce fun and style into their Scion, Toyota and Lexus brands. This directive came straight from the head man himself, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda.
Scion is Toyota’s newest venture and deemed to be its “playground;” it’s a brand where risks can be taken and cars developed and launched in an attempt to define new markets and gauge market enthusiasm.
Introduced at the New York Auto show is Toyota’s attempt at an AE86 (a Corolla coupe/hatchback variant sold in the mid-1980s) for the 21st century. The AE86 had little in common with the Corollas most people know; it was a lightweight car powered by a fuel-injected four-cylinder twin-cam engine driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission (an automatic option was available as well). The AE86 was known for its exceptional balance and fun-to-drive nature, though it was not a powerhouse by any means, with models ranging from a mere 87 to 112 horsepower.
 Scion FR-S concept. Click image to enlarge |
However, for many years now the Corolla name has represented inexpensive, reliable transportation and fun was nowhere to be found in the equation. Enter the Scion FR-S concept, inspired by the original AE86 with a goal of offering balance, style, utility and excellent fuel economy, as well as that sought after fun-to-drive quotient Toyota has been missing.
Although the FR-S is a concept vehicle at the moment, Toyota has released some specifications hinting that a similar production model will be debuted soon enough.
With a stated goal of achieving “pure balance,” the FR-S concept is developed around a 2.0-litre boxer engine powering the rear wheels. This configuration allows for the powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower centre of gravity and favourable front-to-rear weight ratio.
The FR-S’ naturally-aspirated engine is the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, which utilizes both direct and port injection, resulting in increased horsepower and torque without sacrificing fuel economy.
 Scion FR-S concept. Click image to enlarge |
The boxer engine can mated with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission that will include steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for ultimate control. Power is distributed to the rear wheels effectively via a limited-slip differential.
The intimidating proportions of the concept give it a dominant stance that screams performance. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hoodline that is remarkably sleek and low, made possible by the boxer engine. Its low stance exaggerates the FR-S’ menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights that include bright LED clusters. The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top.
The front fenders protrude upward, making space for the massive monoblock Five Axis 20×8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house 20×10.5-inch wheels, emphasizing the FR-S’ staggered stance and rear-wheel drive set-up.
 Scion FR-S concept. Click image to enlarge |
The concept features four-piston-caliper front brakes that clamp down on monstrous 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors, which are fixed to the wheels motorcycle-fashion. Don’t expect to see this braking system on the production vehicle, though, as the cost would be very prohibitive.
Scion is not making any promises on dates, but mentioned prices should be set below $30,000 U.S. When probed about competitors, Scion vice president Jack Hollis was coy and mentioned that this model would be in a class of its own. He sees the vehicle placing itself in a category between lower priced competitors such as the Hyundai Genesis and Ford Mustang V6 and higher priced sports cars like the Nissan 370Z.
The FR-S is aimed at performance drivers and enthusiasts who know they want a vehicle that is capable, fun to drive and practical. We expect to see a new Scion model inspired by this FR-S concept to be on the market for the 2013 model year – stay tuned!
