By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; it Scion’s definition of an authentic rear wheel drive sports car with exceptionally balance performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising fuel efficiency.
During the 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. The FR-S is a true Scion born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports.
Under the hood, the FR-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 cutting edge D-4S injection system.
The D-4S system uses the direct injectors at all engine speeds. Both the direct and port injectors are used at certain engine speeds and under certain engine loads to help fill out mid-range torque. FR-S heads utilize dual variable valve timing, making adjustments to the intake and exhaust cam-timing to help optimize power, torque and fuel mileage. 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.
FR-S 2.0 liter engine 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 the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
In addition, the automatic transmission also features a Sport Mode that quickens shift timing as well as throttle response. In sport mode, it will also hold gears longer at higher revs before up-shifting, making it easier to exploit the torque and horsepower in the upper reaches of the rev range.
The idea of pure balance is further realized by the FR-S’s lightweight design and compact size, a combination that allows it to be quick and nimble into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling, the low weight is complimented by a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. Excellent steering feedback and inputs are provided by Electronic Power Steering with a sporty 13:1 steering ratio.
A powerful exterior design is the FR-S solid reflection of its inner power. The profile 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 lower intake and angular headlights that house the projector-beam halogen lights. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. LEDs illuminate the edgy taillights; while a center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design.
FR-S performance focused interior includes a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind, a comfortable yet assertive front seats feature deep bolsters and are mounted extremely low, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space.
A large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster and features a programmable shift-indicator, which has a small but intense indicator that lights up when redline is reached. The driver can set the warning to go off in 100-rpm increments, starting at 2,000 rpm. A chime can be programmed to sound when redline is approached. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges.
The FR-S will come 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.
Scion FR-S will be the first to offer a connected multimedia audio system called BeSpoke, powered by Pioneer’s Zypr. When connected to an iPhone, the BeSpoke system will offer a higher level of connectivity features and personalized content like Facebook, Twitter, and Internet radio, among others.
FR-S offers sport car performance with excellent safety features, it 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, the FR-S features the Star Safety System that includes Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology.
Overall this is a fun car that handles very well and looks great. It offers an attractive package with lots of standard features, manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $24,200.00, the one I drove included the 6-speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shifters it came in at $25,300.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 25 MPG City and 34 MPG highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
