Scion FR-S - First Drive 2013

It is no secret that the upcoming 2013 Scion FR-S (known as the Toyota 86 in Japan) is nearly identical to the 2013 Subaru BRZ. In fact, both automakers are forthcoming about this partnership. Toyota led the product planning and styling, whereas Subaru led the engineering development and manufacturing.

Powering the Scion is a Subaru-developed direct-injected 2.0-liter flat-4 with 200 bhp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. Two 6-speed transmissions are available: a manual or an automatic. The rear-drive FR-S has MacPherson struts in front, a double-wishbone rear, and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The Scion’s head engineer, Testuya Tada, says the FR-S will rekindle a love affair for the back-to-basics sports car a lightweight rear-drive with a low center of gravity. Initially there was some nervousness between the companies about whether the car ought to be all-wheel drive or rear-drive. In fact, development even stopped at one point because the two could not come to a declaration. Then a rear-drive trial product was built, which demonstrated the advantages of less overall weight and the ability to package the powertrain tighter and lower to the ground.