April 20, 2011 - New York
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.
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 fuel efficiency.
“As a brand, Scion is about delivering a new kind of vehicle experience that excites, inspires and encourages individuality,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. “The FR-S concept demonstrates Scion’s commitment to continuing to push the envelope of vehicle design, performance and function, as we have done so over the years with the introduction of the iconic xB and xD, the aggressive tC and the micro-subcompact iQ.”
“Bringing passionate spirit and excitement back to Toyota is a commitment that Akio Toyoda has made to our customers,” Hutchinson continued. “The Scion FR-S Concept captures that direction and spirit.”
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-litre 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 favourable 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 fuel efficiency.
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 manoeuvrability and confident stability.
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 20x8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20x10.5-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 that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.
Concept Dimensions (inches / millimetres)
Length – 168.2 / 4,272.2
Width – 71.5 / 1,816.1
Height – 47.4 / 1,203.9
Front Track – 61.8 / 1,569.7
Rear Track – 59.9 / 1,521.4
Wheelbase – 101.2 / 2,570.4
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