Scion FR-S Sports Coupe Concept Designed to Incite Passion

April 20, 2011 - New York

Scion Introduces FR-S Sports Coupe Concept at 2011 New York Auto Show

Rear-wheel drive concept makes world debut. Design focus of Pure Balance. Boxer engine utilizes Toyota’s D4-S direct and port injection system.

Scion unveiled the rear-wheel drive FR-S Concept sports coupe today at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to stimulate the souls of true driving enthusiasts, will be at the Scion display through May 1. The FR-S Concept will inspire a new model coming to the Scion brand next year.
The FR-S Concept, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising fuel efficiency.

“As a brand, Scion is about delivering a new kind of vehicle experience that excites, inspires and encourages individuality,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. “The FR-S concept demonstrates Scion’s commitment to continuing to push the envelope of vehicle design, performance and function, as we have done so over the years with the introduction of the iconic xB and xD, the aggressive tC and the micro-subcompact iQ.”

“Bringing passionate spirit and excitement back to Toyota is a commitment that Akio Toyoda has made to our customers,” Hutchinson continued. “The Scion FR-S Concept captures that direction and spirit.”

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports coupe 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 built around the core goal of achieving “pure balance,” which begins with the strategic placement of a flat 2.0-litre boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and shape allows the FR-S’ powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favourable front-to-rear weight ratio.

The FR-S’ naturally-aspirated engine is innovative, being the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, which utilizes both direct and port injection, resulting in increased horsepower and torque throughout the entire powerband, without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The flat-four can mate with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission features aggressive, sporty shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of “pure balance” is further realized by the FR-S’ lightweight design and short wheelbase. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of any corner, with dynamic manoeuvrability and confident stability.

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a good reflection of its inner power. The intimidating proportions of the concept give it a dominant stance that bleeds performance. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood-line that is remarkably sleek and low, made possible by the boxer’s architecture.

The low stance continues to exaggerate the FR-S’ menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights that include bright LED clusters.
The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top.

The front fenders protrude upward, making space for the massive monoblock Five Axis 20x8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20x10.5-inch wheels, emphasizing the FR-S’ staggered stance and rear-wheel-drive setup.

The rear fascia sits low and wide, with extensive lower treatments that surround the dual exhaust exits and contribute to excellent aerodynamics. LEDs illuminate both the edgy taillights and the bold “SCION” logo.

The concept features four-piston-caliper front brakes that clamp down on monstrous 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors that are fixed to the wheels in a motorcycle-fashion.

The FR-S Concept is layered in rich coats of Code Red, the appropriately named color that that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.

Concept Dimensions (inches / millimetres)

• Length – 168.2 / 4,272.2

• Width – 71.5 / 1,816.1

• Height – 47.4 / 1,203.9

• Front Track – 61.8 / 1,569.7

• Rear Track – 59.9 / 1,521.4

• Wheelbase – 101.2 / 2,570.4

Join us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest Scion news.

Toyota adjusts May production in North America

April 19, 2011

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA) plans to adjust production in May due to parts availability following the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Previously, TEMA had announced production suspensions on Mondays and Fridays during the period April 15 through April 25. TEMA will continue the Monday and Friday production suspension pattern during the period April 26-June 3. During the same period, production will run at 50 per cent on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Additionally, Canadian production will be suspended the week of May 23 (in conjunction with the scheduled Victoria Day holiday) and U.S. production will be suspended the week of May 30 (in conjunction with the scheduled Memorial Day holiday).

No layoffs are planned during this period. Team members will utilize non-production time for training and plant improvement activities.

TEMA is trying to continue production as much as possible with its workforce intact in order to facilitate a smooth transition back to full production when all parts are available.

Production plans beyond June 3 will be determined at a later date.

Scion Set to Reveal Concept Vehicle

The countdown has begun. On April 20, 2011, at 1:40pm EST, Scion will reveal a new concept vehicle at the New York Auto Show.

Visit www.ScionDimension.com to get your sneak peek right now—and to watch the live news conference at the time of the reveal.

To get additional updates from Scion Canada from the New York International Auto Show, visit the Scion Canada Facebook Page. You can also register right here and get automatic updates on all the latest Scion news and reviews.

Scion tC Receives Five Star Overall Rating for Crash Tests

April 12, 2011

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the all-new 2011 Scion tC sports coupe, a top overall rating of five stars.

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a consumer information program created by NHTSA, rates vehicles to determine crash and rollover safety. The test ratings are gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests conducted at the NHTSA research facilities. The announcement was released on the NHTSA website www.safercar.gov.

All Scion models meet or exceed the safety requirements of the U.S. federal government, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and all Canadian safety standards.

The tC comes standard with a total of eight supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags including driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front-passenger knee airbag, and side curtain airbags.

All 2011 Scion vehicles, including the tC, come standard equipped in Canada with the Star Safety System. The Scion Star Safety System includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Additional safety features include active front headrests.

The all-new Scion tC, which went on sale in October 2010, has an impressive list of standard features including 180-horsepower, a 6-speed transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 300-watt 8-speaker audio system.

* Note: All NHTSA testing performed on U.S. specification models.

Toyota Statement Regarding Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

Following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Toyota’s number one priority is to support our team members, our partner companies, suppliers and dealers through this situation. On behalf of the company globally, TMC is moving to donate 300 million yen (approximately $3.75 million) for relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and is also considering the provision of goods and services as needed.

In Canada, anyone wishing to make a contribution to support the ongoing relief efforts in Japan is encouraged to visit the Canadian Red Cross for more information:

Canadian Red Cross

We will continue to provide updates here as new information becomes available

Current Update

April 15, 2011

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) offers its most-sincere sympathies to those affected by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake.

As TMC continues to address its production situation in Japan following the disaster, it has decided that vehicle production from May 10 to June 3 will proceed at approximately 50 per cent of normal. TMC will decide on production after this period after assessing the situation of its suppliers and other related companies.

Today’s decision follows TMC’s previously announced decision to produce vehicles at all its Japanese vehicle-production facilities from April 18 to April 27 at approximately 50 percent of normal and for all production facilities to enter their annual spring holiday through May 9.

TMC deeply apologizes to its customers for not being able to build every vehicle to meet their desired specifications due to limited parts.

Previous Updates:

April 8, 2011

Toyota is adjusting North American production due to parts availability following the March 11 Japan earthquake.

Over the next few weeks, Toyota’s North American vehicle plants will operate on a reduced schedule, with production suspended on April 15, 18, 21*, 22**, and 25. Most of the company’s North American engine and component plants will follow the same schedule. Future production plans will be determined at a later date.

On these non-production days, the company will continue to provide employment for its approximately 25,000 regular North American team members. Team members not required to work may report to work for training and plant improvement activities, use vacation, or take unpaid time off.

On average, around 85 per cent of the parts and materials for the 12 North American-built Toyota and Lexus models are sourced from 500 suppliers on this continent. While production of some parts and materials continues in Japan, Toyota is working closely with affected suppliers in order to minimize the impact.

The situation in Japan affects many automakers and many other industries. Extraordinary efforts are underway to help suppliers recover. Toyota is slowing down to conserve parts yet maintain production as much as possible and appreciates the flexibility of team members, suppliers and dealers as we work through these issues.

*The Georgetown, Ky. plant will build vehicles on April 21.

**Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada will be closed for Good Friday on April 22.

We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

March 30, 2011

Canadian Scion, Toyota and Lexus dealers have established a fund with the Canadian Red Cross to assist with relief efforts in Japan. Click here to find out more.

March 14, 2011

We continue to place priority on supporting the relief efforts in the regions affected and ensuring that our team members, the employees at subsidiary vehicle manufacturers and at our suppliers—and all their respective family members—are safe.

To that end, we are halting production at all plants in Japan (including subsidiary vehicle manufacturers) from March 14 through March 16.

We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

March 13, 2011

Toyota's associates and team members in North America extend our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to the people of Japan, our colleagues and their families.

Our utmost concern has been the safety of all Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) team members and team members at our partner companies in the Tohoku region.

TMC has established a company-wide emergency task force to continually assess the situation and take initial measures.

There have been no reported injuries at Toyota operations, including the Tokyo head office, the Higashifuji facility, Tochigi office, Yamanashi office, Toyota Motor Tohoku facilities and at TMC subsidiary vehicle manufacturers.

While TMC plants were able to restart production on 3/11, plants that stopped production are Toyota subsidiary plants that produce parts and vehicles, including:

• Toyota Motor Hokkaido Plant

• Toyota Motor Tohoku Plant

• Central Motor Corporation Miyagi Plant, which also produces the Yaris model.

• Kanto Auto Works Iwate Plant, which also produces the Scion xB and Scion xD

Employees at these facilities were evacuated to safe areas.

We are now conducting a detailed survey of each plant to determine the extent of any damage. We are also currently assessing the situation at our suppliers, dealers and the impact on North American import vehicles.

As we are committed to ensuring the safety of our team members and their families, Toyota has decided to suspend production at all TMC plants, as well as all subsidiary vehicle-manufacturing plants on Monday, March 14th.

Toyota’s number one priority is to support our team members at TMC, our partner companies, suppliers and dealers through this situation. On behalf of the company globally, TMC is moving to donate 300 million yen (approximately $3.75 million) for relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and is also considering the provision of goods and services as needed.

We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Voluntary Safety Campaign to Replace Tire Loading Labels on Nine Toyota and Scion Vehicles in Canada

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) will conduct a voluntary safety campaign to replace tire loading labels on a total of nine vehicles including certain 2010 FJ Cruiser, 2011 Tacoma and 2011 Scion xB models.

The affected vehicles may have been delivered with certain accessory alloy wheels and tires that were different in size and recommended tire inflation from the original equipment tires. Toyota and Scion dealerships will install a new tire loading label bearing the tire size and recommended inflation for the tires installed at the time of delivery. The new label will be provided at no charge to owners.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by first class mail and requested to bring their vehicle to a Toyota or Scion dealership to have the new label installed.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at the Toyota Customer Interaction Centre at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Additional vehicle safety information is available at www.toyota.ca

Enter the Canadian Scion Tuner Challenge and Win Big

What would you do with $10,000, access to the Toyota Racing Development and Scion Authorized accessory catalogues, and a Scion xB, xD or tC? That’s the question posed by the first Canadian Scion Tuner Challenge.

And whoever answers it with the best modified ride wins a trip to Las Vegas for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show and the chance to show off their winning entry at the world’s premier automotive products trade show, not to mention $5,000 in prize money and an iPad. Second and third place designs also score with cash prizes and Scion gear.

“Canadian Scion tuners, this is your chance to show off your unique vision and tuner talent on a world stage and to a professional audience,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. “Impress us, and we’ll send you and your winning Scion to SEMA for the duration of the show.”

To enter, custom tuners must submit an original idea for their customization to Scion Canada before March 31, 2011. Three regional finalists will be chosen based on a number of criteria, from creative design and in-car entertainment features, to horsepower and cosmetic improvements, to braking and suspension systems. Each finalist will be asked to customize a 2011 xB, xD, or tC, provided with $10,000, and access to a wealth of customization possibilities. The results will be shown at the 2011 Toronto and Montreal ImportFest shows, with the overall winner to be announced onsite in Montreal.

Anyone looking for inspiration will find a showcase vehicle at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto: a 2011 tC designed by Sciontario.com founder Andrew DaCosta. The Scion display - which will also feature the all-new 2012 Scion iQ - is located at the 300 level of the North Building at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Inspiration can also be found anytime at www.scionnation.ca/scion/accessories, where you can view a catalogue of Scion Authorized Accessories and Toyota Racing Development performance parts. Sixteen new parts are coming to Canada this spring, so stay tuned and get ready to take your own customization creativity to the next level.

Download the Official Entry Form here. We look forward to your submission.

View the Official Rules & Regulations here.

Build and Price your own Scion here