Toyota Scion FR-S Concept

While Toyota is finishing up the FT-86 for production, their Scion brand of cars has released the concept of the new FR-S. Looking pretty good, the car was initially displayed at the New York International Auto Show in April, and now Ken Gushi talks about the styling to bring more hype. He currently drifts a Scion TC in Japan, but as you can tell in the video he will be ditching that car if the Scion FR-S concept goes into production. The second video has the Vice President of Scion, Jack Hollis sounding extremely excited to launch the Scion FR-S. Hit the jump to see the videos and judge for yourself if the Scion FR-S is going to be a hit or miss.


Scion — Toyota’s pointless “youth brand” exclusively present in the U.S. market — has lifted covers off their latest FR-S Sports Coupe Concept at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The FR-S Coupe Concept is based on the Toyota FT-86 Concept and even looks somewhat the same.

Powered by Subaru’s naturally-aspirated front-mounted 2.0-litre boxer engine incorporating Toyota’s D4-S injection technology for more horsepower and torque throughout the powerband while maintaining optimum fuel efficiency, the FR-S is believed to have over 200 horses on tap.

Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, the FR-S, akin to FT-86, sports a short wheelbase, lower center of gravity, rear-wheel drive configuration and lightweight design, all pointing towards Toyota’s intentions of creating a worthy
successor to their legendary AE86.

Both exterior and interior of the FR-S Coupe Concept exhibit highly ambitious styling to be brought into mass production. Even the four-piston-caliper front brakes designed to halt the 18-inch carbon ceramic brake rotors which are attached to the monstrous 20-inch rims
in a motorcycle-fashion will not find its way into the production model. Nevertheless, expect an interesting addition to the Scion line-up sometime next year while hoping for its FT-86 sibling to land on our Toyota-biased shores.

The FR-S Concept sports coupe is a car that the hip brand hopes will begin to reinvigorate their brand appeal in the realm of driving performance. And this because, well, Scions unfortunately never really drove as well as they sold.  Anyone who’s had seat time in a tC would know what I’m on about. The FR-S will hopefully change that perspective.
Based on the Toyota FT-86 Concept, the FR-S maintains very similar proportions to the FT-86 and shares just as much in the way of its equipment.

The FR-S is powered by the same 2.0L flat-four in a front-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration. Complete with a direct and port injection system and all of the latest variable valve timing equipment, the FR-S promises plenty of power while remaining flexible when consuming gas. The compact engine allows it sit further back towards the center of the car for a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution. Transmission options are either a six-speed manual or automatic with paddle shifters and a limited-slip differential at the rear.
The FR-S is currently the influence of a confirmed new model coming next year and if it maintains the same layout and turns out to be as good as it seems to be on paper, Toyota could once again reestablish itself with enthusiasts—something that has been absent and much needed since the death of the last MR2—especially those loyal to the original AE86.