2013 Scion FR-S Unveiling

2013 Scion FR-S Unveiling

Photos courtesy of Scion / D.Huang / J.PagtalunanVideo courtesy of M.DangWhen Scion first went on sale in 2003, it was the gateway brand for Toyota and Lexus, targeting a younger demographic which the Toyota brand failed to capture. The Scion brand was pushed towards the first-time buyers with their fixed-no-haggle pricing and customizable platform. The long-term strategic plan was to plant the seed with the Scion, then with their loyalty graduate them to a Toyota, and unto a Lexus.Scion debuted 2 models at launch, the xB and xA, the prediction of the xA being a more desirable model caused Toyota to manufacture more of them. To their surprise, the xB outsold the xA 2-to-1. Many enthusiasts and tuners quickly flocked to the quirky style and the roominess of the xB. At the same time many clubs were formed, such as Scion Evolution, which started a following in itself.In 2004, Scion continued the success by adding a highly adaptable coupe, the tC. Even with a powerful engine and sleeker lines it was quickly categorized as a “chick” car. Scion then seemed to loose its fizz with the introduction of the xD, and the 2nd Generation xB in 2007.In 2011, Scion is creating a New Dimension, a New Cycle by introducing 2 new models to their line-up, the iQ and FR-S.We were lucky enough to have gotten an early invite  for the Global Reveal of the FR-S, a semi-private event held in Hollywood and hosted by Scion V.P. Jack Hollis. The FR-S was inspired by the AE86 of the mid-80’s. Its platform is popular for drifters and was the main car for the Japanese comic and anime, Initial D.Without trying to bored you will too many specs, the FR-S / 86 / GT-86 / Subaru BRZ are all similar.The FR-S features a 200HP boxer engine with 151 ft. lb. of tq., RWD, an aluminum hood, low center of gravity, 53:47 weight distribution for "Pure Balance", and a moon-less roof, the FR-S will be a nimble little fella.We asked a few staff members and affiliates of their first impression and here is what they said.

"The Scion FR-S is a very promising vehicle. It has all the ingredients of being a great sports car. Lightweight, rear wheel drive, low center of gravity and 100hp/liter are key features that stand out for me. The FR-S could well be the best bang for the buck sports car. The FR-S is like a plain canvas for an artist to work on. It has all the key features of a true sports car and is highly anticipated by the aftermarket manufacturers. This car will be a huge hit with all ages. I really like the overall styling of the FR-S but I do wish it had wider stock wheels and tires. It would also be nice to have the auto climate control, push button start and the front foglamps the 86 in Japan has."- Flipside909 of Kaizen Factor

“I was lucky enough to be invited to Scion corp a few years ago and shown a concept picture of this car, the image was pretty DaYUUM close to the real thing, I was impressed with it back then and even more impressed now. The styling both on the outside and inside of the FR-S are awesome. The details like instrumentation, aluminum hood for lighter weight, channeled roof and such were unexpected perks. The Subaru boxer engine is nice too, but I thought the 200hp needs a bit more pop, but I have no doubt that the big aftermarket companies already have plans to take care of that for more boost. Over all I think Toyota has a big hit on its hands and hope it will be the start of a new generation of Toyota's tradition in sports cars which has been lacking for years now. It really does not matter much to me if it is under the Scion name or Toyota (same company), though Toyota purist may disagree. Given a chance I would most definitely purchase one of these cars and think this is what Scion needs right now after a lack luster 2nd Gen line up.”- Nilo J.C. Miranda, Co-founder of DaYUUM & Scion Evolution

“Concept (check) Performance (check) Styling (check) now this is where my short list goes astray. Loyalty to Toyota or Scion; having been on both sides of ownership I am torn on the decision of it having gone with the Scion badge here in the USA. Granted, that would be my first mod as I am sure eBay sellers are gearing up for the badge conversion as you are reading this. Price point will be a crucial, a make or break in my opinion with so many performance vehicles schedule to drop Spring/Summer of next year dollar per horsepower will be a determining factor for me. With that said I would have to say being a proud Toyota and Scion owner if it would have been released under the 86 and Toyota logo it would of sealed the deal for me and some other die hard Toyota fans!”- Dave Moulton, Scion Evolution So Cal Liaison, operator of CFM.

“I was pleasantly impressed with the Scion FR-S, and at the rumored $25K pay-to-play level, it should appeal to a lot of people. In my opinion, it's main competition won't be coming from Honda or Nissan, but from the Hyundai Genesis coupe. The FR-S buyers are going to get a lot of affordable performance and that's a marketing demographic that Toyota is quite familiar with. The body lines are smooth and it looks like it graduated at the top of its class from wind tunnel design school. I found the interior to be pretty standard and it could have been interchangeable with most coupes on the market today. It is definitely the type of car that the aftermarket accessory people are probably cranking up and measuring wheel off-sets even as we speak! The carbon fiber makers will also be hailing it's arrival! Overall, I think that Scion has a winner on its hands. If they sick to the projected price guidelines, it should be another feather in their already successful cap!”- Chief, DaYUUM Contributor.

“First and foremost, credit must be given to Troy Sumitomo and Five Axis who single handedly teased the whole world with their concept version of the Scion FR-S, raising the expectations very high. This meant that come the night of the unveil, Toyota/Scion needed to make sure they were going to deliver a fantastic vehicle. And they did! From the aggressive yet sleek body lines to the sporty, detailed interior, the Scion FR-S is a very impressive ride. Looking at the stock production vehicle, there is a lot this car CAN be, but potential is true with just about every other car as well. What’s great about the Scion branding is that Scion cars are known for being completely customizable, and the FR-S is more than ready to fill any car modder’s dreams. While its competition will be steep this summer, going up against the Subraru BRZ and even the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, I think it will do well in the market because of the Toyota/Scion legacy it is being backed by. All in all, I am sure the release of Scion FR-S will help the overall enthusiasm of the Toyota/Scion legacy grow.”- Justin, Scion Evolution member.

“I'm very thankful for having been invited to this special reveal of the FR-S / 86 / GT86. This being my first Scion reveal attendance , it really did not disappoint. With so much buzz and rumors that came with this car in blogs and sites, I really believe that Toyota came through with this car. The body lines and several innovative /engineering designs such as moon roof- less car to establish rigidity, roof channel for aerodynamics, aluminum hood are great ideas that went with the car. Getting some cues from the AE86, MR2, 2000GT and LFA, the FR-S / 86 / GT86 will surely be a fun car to drive. Aside from the aesthetics, This car isn't the wimpy kid of the block too. Borrowing a power plant from Subaru will definitely back up its looks. Seeing the modified version that GReddy prepared, i can envision what kind of turbo kits and additional power this car will have. The front air-dam is just asking to be filled with an intercooler... Mr. Sumitomo and the Five Axis crew, MV Designz, I'm sure are very busy as well. I'm sure that they too have something up their sleeves. One thing that I'm sure of, it will be Tight!!! I'll end my FR-S / 86 / GT86 reveal review with what Mr. Jack Hollis said, that the "sport" is definitely back in the sport compact Toyota Family line of cars. Latz!”- JP, DaYUUM Contributor and Editor.

"The Scion FR-S is an amazing extremity that evolved from a little hatchback that I knew and loved in the anime series Initial D and that was when the drifting scene was in. When I first heard it was coming out, I was happy that Toyota was going to bring out the legend back from the grave. It's the best of both worlds of Form and Function where you can daily it and battle it out on the track. I can see that this is a pure driver's car that can be the normal every day traveler to the extremes of motorsport. This little car has potential and with the heart and soul of Toyota bringing back the essence of their racing heritage, this car will dominate in the automotive industry."- Mikey Dang, Director of Media Relations at PVR Motorsports

We have supplied a few images of the event for you, what do you think? Judge for yourself.The GReddy FR-S[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0ZMrR81gC8&w=540&h=330]Now for a really cool video done by our friends at PVR Motorsports.And some random pics.Paul Dabao with the HPI Racing FR-S, Hilman in the backgroundLisa Marie Chen and Jack HollisGene Tjin of Tjin EditionMatt Teske of Five AxisThank you for your hospitality Scion, the FR-S is going to be hot! We can't wait!@DaYUUMDen
 
Exclusive Toyota OctoberBeast - 2011

Exclusive Toyota OctoberBeast - 2011


Infinite Auto Design's 1953 F-100

Infinite Auto Design's 1953 F-100