Compact rear-wheel drive sports car makes world debut
Low centre of gravity and lightweight design achieves a “Pure Balance”
World’s first boxer engine to utilize Toyota’s D4-S direct and port injection system
In preparation for its spring 2012 on sale timing, Scion unveiled its much anticipated fifth model, the 2013 high-performance coupe FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car.
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 fuel economy.
“Scion continues to push boundaries following its first year of sales in Canada,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. “With a lineup including the iconic xB, the adrenalized tC and the innovative iQ, the FR-S is a halo, taking Scion to a new level 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 centre of gravity comparable to some exotic supercars.
The FR-S’s 2.0-litre, 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.
“The FR-S will achieve impressive horsepower and torque, all while it delivers equally impressive fuel economy,” Hutchinson said.
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 centre-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 centre-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 | | 4240 mm (166.9 in.) |
Width | | 1775 mm (69.9 in.) |
Height | | 1285 mm (50.6 in.) (not including antenna base) |
Wheelbase | | 2570 mm (101.2 in.) |
Tread | Front | 1520 mm (59.8 in.) |
| Rear | 1540 mm (60.6 in.) |
Seating capacity | | 4 |
Engine | | 1,998 cc |
| Type | Horizontally opposed four-cylinder, D-4S injection, DOHC |
| Bore × stroke | 86 × 86 mm. |
| Maximum output | 200hp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 151 lb.-ft. @ 6,600 rpm |
Transmission | | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters |
Driveline | | Rear-wheel drive |
Suspension | Front | MacPherson struts |
| Rear | Double wishbone |
Brakes | Front | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear | Ventilated Disc |
Tires | Front | 215/45R17 |
| Rear | 215/45R17 |
Fuel tank | | 50 L (13.2 gallons) |
Fuel | | Premium Unleaded |
For images from the reveal, visit our gallery. To stay up to date on the latest information on the FR-S, follow Scion Canada on and .
