SCION FR-S

2013 Scion FR-S

*The TOYOTA 86 is sold as the SCION FR-S in North America

Inspired from the 2009 FT-86 Concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and this is Toyota's first sports coupe in collaboration with Subaru, welcome to the dawn of the new Toyota as we know it today. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the new SCION FR-S. A sportscar unlike any other.

The FR-S name is somewhat more like the deceased Toyota MR-S but the M letter has been replaced by the letter F. True to its name, this is an FR sports coupe. The exterior design of the FR-S is heavily inspired from the two FT-86 Concept cars, one by Tokyo and one from last year's Geneva. This provides a menacing appearance up close and personal and a prolific rear view, making this a very unique sportscar that was started as a concept and turned into a reality. On the side view, you can expect seeing the "86" logo with some pistons on it, which makes it also unique to the eyes of car enthusiasts.

Inside the FR-S, it's all business for the driver. The interior is just focused solely to be more race-inspired rather than being too comfy. If you look closely at the instrumental panel, you should notice that the tachometer looks somewhat similar to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG but who cares? That instrument panel is a genuine "FR-S" trademark on it. Because this car's interior is not focused on being luxurious, the driver doesn't bother at all because he was surely focused for some thriller at Laguna Seca, Indianapolis, Road America, Road Atlanta, or Infineon Raceway.

Now, we're into the performance zone. Under the hood, the FR-S is equipped with a new 2.0L D-4S BOXER engine, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, and they called it FA20. The new FA20 engine develops 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque. It promises about combined MPG from 25 to 28. There are two transmission types available such as a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Paddle Shit transmission. Those who are looking for some hardcore fun should prefer the 6-speed manual transmission because it completes the 86's characteristics. While the FR-S may not be the fastest, it excels in handling because of the sport-tuned suspension system. If the driver switches to Sport Mode, that sharpens the throttle response and handling, making this 86 a hoodlum you won't escape.

Is the FR-S safe? Well, yes because Toyota added some safety features to the 86, which makes it hard to explain what are those, such as the Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Limited Slip Differential, and six airbags. Uh, why I am explaining about the 86's safety? I don't need it because I always want to turn the traction control off and get this car to drive more dangerously if you're on Mt. Haruna.

Colors available on the FR-S are Raven, Asphalt, Ultramarine, Firestorm, Hot Lava, Argento, and Whiteout.

My comment:
Even with the Stateside name, the Scion FR-S brings the sport back to the car. This car was priced competitively to its rival, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This would be the most interesting must-have for a Scion fan.

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales USA