2013 Scion FR-S Sports Coupe Unveiled
SEE ALSO: Toyota Unveils GT86 Sports Coupe
SEE ALSO: Subaru Unveils BRZ Sports Coupe
Los Angeles – November 30, 2011; Scion tonight unveiled its 2013 FR-S
compact rear-wheel drive sports car to a crowd of eager car enthusiasts.
The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family and
will go on sale in the spring of 2012.
The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel
drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic
rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and
handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising MPG.
“Serving as a laboratory for Toyota, Scion is always
experimenting with new things,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice
president. “The brand is iconic with the xB, adrenalized by the tC,
and groundbreaking with the iQ. The FR-S will no doubt serve as the halo
car, expanding Scion into a new dimension of driving
performance.”
The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history
of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports car is most inspired
by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the
Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The front-engine,
rear-wheel-drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid
choice for driving enthusiasts.
Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is designed around the core goal of
achieving, “Pure Balance.” The balance begins with the
strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a
front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact
size and flat shape allow it to be mounted mid-ship and extremely low,
giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47
and a low center of gravity comparable to some exotic supercars.
The FR-S’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’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that
incorporates both direct and port injection. 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.
“We all know that it’s not hard to make horsepower and torque,
but it is hard to do all that and still achieve impressive fuel
economy,” Hollis said. “The FR-S accomplishes all
three.”
The flat-four 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 transmission features aggressive up shifts
and sporty rev-matched down shifts that are initiated by
steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to the
pavement via a limited-slip differential.
The idea of “Pure Balance” is further realized by the FR-S’s lightweight design and compact size. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling. The coupe’s weight is kept to a minimum by utilizing an aluminum hood, a solid roof, and by featuring a trunk design instead of a hatchback.
The FR-S’s low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are on all four corners.
The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a solid reflection of its inner power. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, 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 mouth and angular headlights. The aggressive front fenders protrude upward and boast the iconic ‘86’ piston emblem, which highlights the car’s AE86 heritage as well as its unique new boxer engine. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. LEDs illuminate the edgy taillights, while center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design.
The FR-S’s interior features a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind. The front seats are mounted extremely low and are comfortable yet assertive, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster, keeping the driver informed of the engine’s vitals. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges.
Scion FR-S Preliminary Specifications
Length
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166.7 in.
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Width
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69.9 in.
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Height
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51.2 in. (not including antenna base)
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Wheelbase
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101.2 in.
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Track
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Front
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59.8 in.
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Rear
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60.6 in.
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Seating capacity
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4
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Engine
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Total displacement
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1,998 cc
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Type
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Horizontally opposed four-cylinder, D-4S injection,
DOHC
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Bore × stroke
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86 × 86 mm.
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Maximum output
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200hp @ 7,000 rpm
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Maximum torque
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151 lb.-ft. @ 6,600 rpm
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Transmission
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6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle
shifters
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Driveline
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Rear-wheel drive
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Suspension
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Front
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MacPherson struts
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Rear
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Double wishbone
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Brakes
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Front
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Ventilated Disc
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Rear
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Ventilated Disc
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Tires
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Front
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215/45R17
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Rear
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215/45R17
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Fuel tank
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13.2 gallons
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Fuel
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Premium Unleaded
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