Merk Car World

Scion FR-S Concept

The "Toyobaru" is now a Scion. It's a decision that makes sense for the U.S. market, as Toyota needs to increase enthusiasm and interest in its youth-oriented brand, which has recently flattened out in both sales and product excitement. With the purest enthusiast credentials of any Scion -- production or concept -- to date, the Scion FR-S looks like the just the ticket to help re-ignite enthusiast passion for the brand.
The rear-drive AE86 Corolla, a model fondly regarded by sport compact enthusiasts, served as the inspiration during much of the FR-S's development. A key difference is the Subaru-sourced boxer engine, instead of the AE86's purely Toyota inline-four.
Speaking of the boxer, most of the underpinnings and the 2.0-liter boxer engine for the FR-S were codeveloped with Subaru, which is building its own version of the car. The engine has been updated with both port and direct fuel injection, which Toyota is calling DS-4. Official power figures have not been released, but Toyota claims increased power and torque throughout the operating range without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Reports have suggested the engine could produce as much as 200 horsepower in normally aspirated form.
The FR-S will be available with either a six-speed automatic or a short-throw manual transmission. The automatic is not specifically described as being a dual-clutch unit, so it's likely a conventional automatic, although it does feature paddle shifters on the steering wheel. A limited-slip differential ensures power gets to the rear wheels effectively.