2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept, Toyota FT-86 Concept makes U.S. debut as a Scion

2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept
2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept

Scion unveiled its new and first ever rear-wheel drive concept today at the 2011 New York Auto Show, which is basically a Scion-badged Toyota FT-86 Concept.

The FR-S Concept sports coupe is a car that the hip brand hopes will begin to reinvigorate their brand appeal in the realm of driving performance. And this because, well, Scions unfortunately never really drove as well as they sold.  Anyone who’s had seat time in a tC would know what I’m on about. The FR-S will hopefully change that perspective.

Based on the Toyota FT-86 Concept, the FR-S maintains very similar proportions to the FT-86 and shares just as much in the way of its equipment.

Click here for more news on the Toyota FT-86 Concept.

The FR-S is powered by the same 2.0L flat-four in a front-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration. Complete with a direct and port injection system and all of the latest variable valve timing equipment, the FR-S promises plenty of power while remaining flexible when consuming gas. The compact engine allows it sit further back towards the center of the car for a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution. Transmission options are either a six-speed manual or automatic with paddle shifters and a limited-slip differential at the rear.

The FR-S is currently the influence of a confirmed new model coming next year and if it maintains the same layout and turns out to be as good as it seems to be on paper, Toyota could once again reestablish itself with enthusiasts—something that has been absent and much needed since the death of the last MR2—especially those loyal to the original AE86.

Does that mean that the FT-86 will come to the United States as a Scion? We’ll have to wait and see.

Hit the jump for live high-res photos from the show floor and the press release.

2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept:

2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept 2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept 2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept 2011 New York: Scion FR-S Concept

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Nikolina Kostrevski – egmCarTech.

Scion FR-S Concept:

Press Release:

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

April 20, 2011 – New York – 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 MPG.

“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 expand the brand into yet another new dimension that I know it is truly destined for.”

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-liter 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 favorable 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 MPG.

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 maneuverability and confident stability.

“Akio Toyoda has mentioned that he is going to bring the fun-to-drive spirit back to Toyota,” Hollis said. “I know that the Scion FR-S Concept is one of the ways that he plans to accomplish that.”

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 20×8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20×10.5-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 consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.

– By: Chris Chin

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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