2011 Scion FR-S Concept

Now, we know we have already seen two concepts- FT-86 and FT-86 II - for this vehicle, but will have to endure one more as Toyota has brought us yet another FT-86 concept. This time it has been revealed at the New York Auto Show under the Scion badge and it won’t go into production until Toyota finally brings their production version later this year at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Scion FR-S Concept is a preview version of a new model coming to the Scion brand next year.

"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."

Like with the other Toyota model, the Scion model is being inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning "8-6" in Japanese. The concept is being built on a rear-wheel-drive platform and is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer front engine that can be mated with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

UPDATE 04/28/2011: Toyota has revealed a new video showing off the Scion FR-S concept’s revving engine. The sound should be the same or very similar for all three Scion FR-S / Toyota-Subaru FT-86 cars since they will all feature the same Boxer engine and exhaust setup. Hit the jump for the video.

UPDATE 05/20/2011: Testing is still underway for the Scion FR-S, and while it was circling the track, spy photographers were able to get a shot of the newly fitted and massive wing attached to the back. Seems a little exaggerated to us, but hey, we’ve waited so long to see this car in action that we will take just about anything they throw at us at this point.

Spy Video of the FR-S’ New Rear Wing by FT86Club

The Scion FR-S Revving its Engine

Exterior and Interior

The concept on display at the New York Auto Show is shown in a bright Code Red exterior paint and displays the profile inspired by the Toyota 2000GT. The hoodline dips low and then opens up at the vehicle’s wide mouth and angular headlights featuring bright LED clusters. 

Overall, the sharp lines of the concept reveal a clean design and not at all what we expected when we heard Toyota was giving this prized piece over to Scion.

As low as the front dips, the back of the car perks up like it is being ready to be kissed. The extensive lower treatments add a certain amount of get-down-and-dirty as it frames the dual exhaust pipes. Further funk is illustrated by the sharp taillights with LED lights and that unmistakable "SCION" logo.

The final touch is made by a new set of massive monoblock Five Axis wheels, size 20x8.5-inch front and 20x10.5-inch at the rear. The wheels are combined with four-piston-caliper front brakes and 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors attached to the wheels à la motorcycle style.

Engine

Under the hood, Scion has placed the same 2.0-liter front boxer engine combined with a rear-wheel drive system. This engine is set up lower and further back to provide a lower center of gravity. This 2.0L Boxer engine is the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, an addition that results in both direct and port injection. All this means is that the FR-S will get increased horsepower and torque without having to deal with the loss of fuel efficiency, a big plus when dealing with these mounting gas prices.

The engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

When Can I Buy One?

As Scion announced at the New York Auto Show, a production version will follow next year. Expect to pay around $25K for Scion’s interpretation of the FT-86, which matches what Toyota’s version is rumored to cost.

Competition

The future Scion FR-S will surely have competitors on the market, namely Subaru’s interpretation of the Toyobaru project. While both models will share the same boxer engine, Subaru’s will also have an STI version powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine with an output of about 300 HP.

Models like the Nissan 370Z will also cater to some competition as the production version of the Scion figures to aim itself in that direction as well. The 370Z gets a 3.7 liter V6 engine with an output of 332 HP at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. It is on sale with a starting price of $30K. All that aside, if the FR-S production version looks anything like the concept, then faithful Nissan customers may have good reason to look elsewhere.