Can The FR-S Be The Catalyst That It Needs To Transform Scion Into A Enthusiast Brand?

The Toyota/Subaru FT-86 creation has been buzzing about the internet since the two announced their partnership, but after months of concepts and hearsay, a Subaru source has provided a bit of official information about the new sports car.

The FT-86 will be arriving in the U.S. badged as a Scion FR-S and will feature one of the lowest centers of gravity of any vehicle out on the market. It will actually be right behind the Porsche GT3 and the Ferrari 458, thanks to the boxer engine provided to Toyota by Subaru. Subaru’s boxer engine has a flat, low profile that balances weight efficiently and provides quick handling response and flat, confident cornering.



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Larrybel2000 - 10/28/2011 2:56:50 PM

+1 Boost

Yes it is.

LexSucks - 10/28/2011 3:16:39 PM

-5 Boost

No it isn't. The car actually needs to perform. "Enthusiasts" brand means building cars that actually deliver. If it’s slower than a Hyundai Genesis Coupe or a Nissan 370z (which it will be), then it will not turn Scion into an enthusiast brand. The Genesis Coupe and the Nissan 370z doesn’t turn Hyundai and Nissan into "Enthusiasts" brands. So how the heck can a slower FR-S turn Scion into a "Enthusiasts" brand?

Scion needs something on the lines of an NSX to do that. Building a nice looking tepid performing car isn’t enough to turn an Economy brand into an enthusiast’s brand. Nice Try.

FromThePassengerSeat - 10/28/2011 7:29:49 PM

+3 Boost

Of course it won't be faster than a 370Z. The 370Z is both more expensive and a two-seater (i.e. lighter). And Scion building an NSX? Get real. Scion is marketed toward youth, who could never afford such a car.

F1_Driver - 10/28/2011 11:08:53 PM

-4 Boost

A 370Z weighs about 3400 lbs. A FR-S weighs more than 3400 lbs???

LexSucks - 10/31/2011 6:01:28 PM

+1 Boost

It isn't all about weight. The 370z has a 300+ hp engine. Does the FR-S have a 300hp+ engine?

Designer1 - 10/28/2011 4:58:31 PM

0 Boost

True power and sportiness is what Toyota needs. Bring back the Supra and enough with these stinking 4 cylinder Civics.

knowitall1985 - 10/28/2011 5:12:45 PM

+3 Boost

They have to keep the price down so more people can afford it. Would you want a better quality car that lasts longer than the note or just a piece of junk with a powerful engine???

LexSucks - 10/28/2011 5:16:47 PM

-7 Boost

If the piece of junk lasts for 5 years, then I'll take the peice of junk. I'll get tired of either car years before they get run down. I don't care how long they last because I'll be selling them several years before that becomes an issue. And by that time I'll be ready for a new car anyway.

FromThePassengerSeat - 10/28/2011 7:39:28 PM

+2 Boost

It depends on whether the next-gen xD and xB are at all exciting, unlike the current ones. The tC and FT-86 are definitely drivers' cars, while the xD, xB and iQ aren't. But I don't think that an enthusiast's brand is the image Toyota is looking for, so probably not.

F1_Driver - 10/28/2011 11:07:05 PM

-4 Boost

Drivers' cars are RWD. Therefore, the tC is not a driver's car.

LexSucks - 10/31/2011 6:15:36 PM

+1 Boost

Not true.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0902_2010_ford_focus_first_drive/viewall.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZL8uPemi3k

PUGPROUD - 10/28/2011 8:12:24 PM

+3 Boost

Yes if they capture lightning in a bottle...the proof is in the driving experience and the seat of the pants feeling a driver gets. If it can out perform an MX-5 in driver smiles per mile it will be a winner. As a sidebar I'm personally getting tired of overpriced supercars that are over computer assisted and cannot be enjoyed on public roads unless
you are doing triple digits and put your license at risk. Give me a light weight highly engaging back to basics simple car to thrash and
put away wet everytime I get in it. A wiseman once said "Its more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow !" He was so right.