Cartel Scion FR-S Roadster

Cartel Customs styled the car in a nod to Toyota’s rich racing heritage. The vehicle proudly bears the number 86 on its door panels and rear wing. It also features Toyota Racing’s iconic paint scheme. As we all know, Toyota has played up the significance of its previous sports cars and the AE86 Corolla as part of the lineage that brings us to the Scion FR-S.

Exterior modifications include Cartel Traditional Signature Series Chop Top, modified front fenders and hood, custom-molded rear deck with hand-made sheet metal speed blisters, custom metal fabrication interior and exterior panels, APR Performance Custom 61” carbon fiber wing, and custom formed and cut glass front windshield and side door glass.

Interior modifications include custom-shaped metal door panels with carbon fiber insets, carbon rear panel false wall, modified dash center drive gauge cluster and carbon switch panel, and red and white accented seats, dash and center console.

While it has no resemblance to what the Scion FR-S convertible will look like when it arrives in a year or so, it does give some juice to the idea. Sources have confirmed that an FR-S Roadster has been approved and will likely arrive as a 2014 model as a four-seater, unlike this custom build.

The list of points below outline the top five selling points for the Scion FR-S that the company will be impressing upon its dealerships, but will also roll out of the mouths of salesmen you might meet on the tarmac.

Moreover, Scion’s basic marketing message will incorporate these five points too. So for those in the know, the enthusiasts who really gel on this car, this outline may seem a bit been there done that. It’s an interesting read though.

1. “Built By Passion, Not By Committee “
a. A lightweight 2+2 sports car, FR-S was developed with a front-mid-engine and rear-wheel drive layout. It is light-weight, agile, has a low center of gravity, and nearly ideal front/rear weight distribution which is rarely seen in contemporary sports cars.

2. High-performance made efficient
a. At the heart of FR-S is a powertrain that is light, compact, responsive, and is comprised of a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 hp and151 lb-ft torque, Toyota’s D-4S injection system, a choice of six-speed transmissions, and a Torsen® limited-slip differential.

3. Intuitive handling
a. FR-S combines light weight and a low center of gravity with MacPherson strut front suspension, double-wishbone rear suspension, a brilliantly engineered steering system, and unique tuning of Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Control to create a sports car with incredible handling performance.

4. Sports car interior
a. Unlike sports cars that compromise roominess to achieve performance goals, FR-S combines classic sports car features with “driver-in-mind” comfort & convenience items such as a large analog tachometer, digital speedometer, seats with pronounced hip and shoulder bolsters, a small, simple and light steering wheel, a one-piece folding rear seatback, and generous room for the driver and front passenger.

5. Sports car-influenced aerodynamics
a. Key to FR-S’s handling and performance capabilities is an engineering philosophy of aerodynamic control, which trims and manages airflow on all sides of the car to create a balance of stability, slippery aerodynamics, and fuel efficiency.

This week Vivid Racing has taken delivery of their first of 86 Scion FR-S’s and we are told its already been on the lift and is in a state of dis-assembly, well on its way to becoming their next full blown project car.

When the car arrived to their garage, Vivid Racing did a baseline dyno run of their FR-S on their Mustang dynomometer. As they state, the Mustang dyno typically shows a drivetrain loss of about 20%. Given that their initial baseline run made 154 rwhp and 125 ft/lbs of torque.

Vivid Racing says they plan to do all the expected bolt-on mods with the help of their sister company Agency Power. They have already begun work on a new custom exhaust system and carbon fiber aero parts.

The new Scion FR-S is already proving to be a hot commodity in the tuner car business, offering the economies of scale with a shared Subaru and Scion model lineup. With the basic bones of rear-wheel drive, a six-speed transmission and Subaru’s proven engine architecture we expect the next few years are gonna be a wild ride.

We look forward to seeing the first draft of what Vivid Racing comes up with on their first of 86 FR-S. Stay tuned!

With so many people signing up, the First 86 program became a true lottery of sorts. After notifying all the lucky buyers, Scion flew the First 86 buyers out to Los Angeles in May to for an all-expenses paid sneak preview.

Not only did the buyers all get to see a scion FR-S up close and personal before the public and even many in the press, they were all taken out to see Ken Gushi make the FR-S’s debut at a drifting event. On a local level, some dealers have taken the reality show experience one step further.

One of only three people to be selected in Phoenix, Brien was treated to a special night for his delivery. Right Toyota-Scion of Scottsdale arranged for Brien and 15 of his friends to arrive in a Hummer stretch limo at Scottsdale’s chic El Santo Cantina at 6:00 pm sharp for the presentation of keys.

Brien then helped pull the cover off to see his Scion FR-S the first time. After doing a glowing walk around with his friends looking on he got behind the wheel and started the engine, revving it repeatedly with a smile across his face. He had been waiting since January for this day.

Scion also had two other FR-S’s and a new iQ on display. All three cars were covered at the beginning of the event to add to the excitement. In the case of Brien’s FR-S he got to take home the custom logo car cover as a parting gift.

We spoke with Scion’s regional representatives who told us that even special plaques will be made for the First 86 buyers to place on their cars to commemorate the experience. The First 86 are mostly taking delivery of their cars across America this week, so if you see one on the road it’s likely one of them.

The rest of us will have to wait until June 1st.

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As you know, we’ve driven it. We’ve ran our hands across its lines. We’ve sat in it and breathed its aura. Now its time to go beyond the senses and tell the story of how it came to be.

Where the Scion FR-S started:

1. Akio Toyoda: “Where is the passion in our lineup? I want to build a sports car.”
2. FR-S’s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada: “Sports cars have become boring. They are over-powered and expensive, only for the wealthy.”
3. The answer: Build a sports car – not by committee, but by passion – that is light, compact, agile, and intuitive, delivering true sports car performance at an affordable price
4. “Built by passion, not by committee” became the rallying cry during development of the FR-S
5. Toyota partnered with Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, to develop the car
a. Toyota developed a “proof of concept” prototype
b. Toyota designed the exterior and interior
c. Subaru and Toyota shared duties on engineering
d. Toyota’s D-4S direct injection head design incorporated into Subaru’s boxer engine
6. The end result:
a. A front-mid-engine, rear-wheel drive design
b. A naturally aspirated engine
c. Lightweight design
d. Purpose-built aerodynamic control
e. Nimble steering
f. Low center of gravity
1) Helps contribute to exceptional handling
2) Nearly matches Lexus LF-A and Porsche 911 GT3
3) Lower than Porsche Cayman, Nissan GT-R, Subaru Impreza STI, and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO
7. Akio Toyoda insisted: “This car is not about numbers! It’s about passion!”

Our opportunity came this week as Scion invited us to Las Vegas, NV to take the new 2013 FR-S out onto the streets and byways around town and most importantly, the road course and autocross at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park just outside Las Vegas.

In the short technical and marketing presentation, Scion’s Jack Hollis was clear about the fact that the FR-S is a turning point for Scion. It’s the new halo car for the brand of course, but it represents a number of firsts. It will be the first rear-wheel drive Scion as well as the first with a boxer engine.

That engine as we all know was derived from Subaru’s design that has made them famous around the world for decades. This engine however is unique to the FR-S and the Subaru BRZ which is a virtual twin. Notable differences include the first application of Toyota’s new D4-S fuel injection system that has both port and direct injection.

A high compression ratio of 12.5:1 is combined with this dual injector fuel management system to crank out 200 naturally aspirated horsepower from only 2.0 liters. The fuel injectors switch back and forth depending on rpm range and load, or can both operate at the same time under hard acceleration.

Horsepower comes on strong around 5,000 rpm and surges to its peak at 7,000 rpm. Torque maxes out at 151 lb-ft at around 6,500 rpm and the red-line is just past all that action at 7,400 rpm. A sound composer and tube from the intake tract pipes the high rpm booms and voice into the cabin, which actually sounds pretty good when you are into the revs.

Our test day started at the Red Rock Resort hotel which took us driving out to the Red Rock State Park just west of downtown for some mild curvy road driving and a few photos. In traffic from stop to stop we didn’t find the high revving engine all that excited about moving the car off the line with verve.

Because of that low torque rating that comes on at high revs, you to really don’t get that seat in the back feeling around town much unless you plan to wake up the neighborhood with a screaming engine living between 4000-7400 rpm.

On the freeway trip out to Spring Mountain Motorsports Park, the FR-S felt solid and tight at speed. In the mountain hills we did find that both the six-speed manual and automatic cars require a downshift to fourth or even third gear from sixth to pass or keep speed on steep grades.

That long drive did give us the chance to really appreciate the interior which is a home run. The seats are covered in a grippy suede-like cloth that holds you good. If that weren’t enough they have deep side bolsters that are rare in any production car. They are also set low enough in the car that you feel “in” the FR-S, rather than “on” it.

The seats are manually adjustable and we found quite comfortable. A manual tilt and telescoping wheel made it very easy to dial in your perfect driving position. And as we found out later there is plenty of head room to wear a helmet inside.

The interior is lavished with high quality soft touch materials on the dash, door panels and center stack. We liked the simple no-nonsense approach to design and an easy to read instrument cluster that gives highest priority to the tachometer. Controls are well laid out and there is a nook just below the sound system just the right size for a smart phone.

Despite our initial impressions in city and highway driving that power was lacking badly, on the track is where the FR-S really comes alive and won our hearts. There, we felt more comfortable pushing the engine to its 7,400 rpm red line which is were we found all the fun to reside.

The engine has a light flywheel for fast revs between shifts, making it easy to row this car through the gears like a pro right out of the box. We tested both the six-speed manual and the six-speed automatic transmissions. The clutch actuation with the manual is light but solid. The shifter is direct and precise, mounted right onto the transmission itself.

The automatic was impressive as well. It features a sport mode which you should just leave it in at all times. Its shifts feel as tight as a manual transmission and there is little of that sloppy lag you usually expect from one. There are paddle shifters on the steering wheel or you can manual shift with the lever too. We found ourselves plenty happy leaving it in fully automatic mode on the track as it did a pretty good job being where we wanted it at most times.

Handling and chassis precision is another huge area in which the FR-S really doesn’t get appreciated until you get this car onto a track. Suspension is simple with McPherson struts up front and a double wishbone independent rear. In the center is a standard Torsen limited slip differential. Combined with the car’s low center of gravity and light weight, the outcome is a car that is likely to become the next hero of the track-day crowd.

The traction control and stability controls can actually be turned completely off or can choose a half measure that lets you have some fun but still allows it to step in. With all the electronic nannies turned off the chassis is almost perfectly balanced.

With a 53/47 front rear balance there is little unwanted under steer and plenty of easily controlled over steer should you ask for it. Thus, going into and coming out of corners the FR-S is easily manipulated with throttle and braking inputs that even a relative novice can easily get in tune with. The rear of the car will come around quite easily but can be put right back in its place with the right inputs.

We took a few laps around an autocross course with varying levels of the traction control and stability controls on, half on and fully turned off. In the end, the car was fastest around the course with everything turned off to allow the driver to put the car on the fastest line, rotating it around some of the cones in a more free form manner.

The electronically assisted power steering is surprisingly well calibrated which contributes to exceptional communication and feel. The steering wheel itself is small and adds to the tighter feel. With the purity and precision of the chassis combined with the communication you get from the steering rack, the FR-S becomes remarkably fun to toss around at speed.

The standard 11.65” vented front and 11.46” rear disc brakes are even adequate for track use to a point. They are strong and predictable and only began to fade when we really made a point abuse them. Even after multiple laps we weren’t overcome with the smell of brakes coming into the pits like with many cars we test.

The FR-S is equipped with 17” wheels and relatively mild Michelin Primacy 215/45/R17 tires that we are told are the same exact model and compound found on the Toyota Prius top trim grade. While their grip was remarkable given that information, we wondered how a set of good soft performance tires would really make the car drive.

On the track we were able to get it up to speed with aggressive use of the higher rps. While we found that the engine does reward you for revving it high, we still wanted for about another mid-range 50-70 horsepower. This engine just wants some forced induction to fatten up its mid-range.

Asking, we were told by Scion’s CEO Jack Hollis himself that a turbocharged FR-S is not in the cards due to packaging in the tight engine compartment. We have a hard time believing however that the people at Subaru won’t be tempted to make it work, at which point such an option would be made available to both the BRZ and the FR-S. In the meantime, we expect the aftermarket will be on hand to offer up more than a couple options by this time next year however.

Our take away from the track day was that what’s really most sublime and rewarding from the FR-S is what it does at its limits. As we drove back to the hotel after all day at the race course we had a new appreciation for what Scion has done here. We would have never known or come to appreciate its talents on public roads.

Driving back to the hotel on the freeway we achieved 33 mpg with the six-speed automatic equipped model. The EPA rates it at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The manual gets a bit less at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. And while we almost always suggest a manual as your first choice, the automatic in the FR-S is very well done and would not be a bad choice if you live in thick traffic day to day. Scion expects it will sell and even 50/50 blend of the two transmissions.

The FR-S is indeed a car that lives by the race on weekend drive to work on Monday formula. Back to your daily life behind the wheel you have a solid and refined feeling car that rides comfortably and doesn’t take a whack at your pocketbook to buy or feed. Knowing that it can cut a line with the best sports cars in the world as you sit in traffic on the way home from work will likely be the best reward to most of the some 11,000 owners Scion expects to gain this year.

While the First 86 will be taking delivery of their cars in the next month, you can get on the list and start watching your dealer. The manual Scion FR-S starts at $24,930 and $26,060 for the 6-speed automatic (both prices including destination). That puts it at far less than other cars you could compare it to.

But if you think about it, there isn’t much competition right now. The Mazda MX-5 which is closest is not only a two-seater, but a convertible. The Nissan 370Z is thousands more and weighs more as does the Hyundai Genesis coupe. No, for now at least the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ are in a game all their own.

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In the conversation over bacon, eggs and coffee we gleaned some of what Scion has in mind with the new FR-S, as well as some of the other products in the showroom.

Sciclonic: Do you see the new FR-S bringing a whole new buying demographic into the showroom?

Jack Hollis: Yes. We are seeing already from the First 86 program that the average buyer is slightly older and more affluent than for some of our models. Our average buyer age for the FR-S so far is 34. And because the price is higher than our other cars, they make a little more money.

Sciclonic: Given that do you see the FR-S as a car that will take the Scion brand in a new direction, away from the “youth brand” that was started in 2004?

Jack Hollis: We just had a large meeting with dealers yesterday here. That same question came up. The Scion brand still operates on four of the five same brand missions. The most important one is that we always create products that will bring new people to the brand. Also, the average buyer age of 34 for the FR-S is right in the middle of our total brand average age for Scion. So our buyers are still the youngest in the business.

Sciclonic: Do you drive an FR-S?

Jack Hollis: Yes. I have a black one with a number of TRD accessories on it, suspension, exhaust. It’s got a slick Five Axis lower body kit and wing. It also has some special wheels on it. If you look you see there are different wheels on the left side than on the right. Take a look at it and let me know which are your favorites.

Sciclonic: How do you plan to grab buyers from the Subaru BRZ which is essentially the same car?

Jack Hollis: Well first of all we have about 1000 dealerships, almost twice the dealerships as Subaru. Secondly our car has the Scion monospec program with a la carte accessories, and no haggle pricing that has made us very popular. Subaru is doing two trim grades with different packages. I believe in the monospec system and think its a better way.

Sciclonic: Will there be a turbo FR-S coming soon?

Jack Hollis: No. Nothing like that is even being talked about for either the FR-S or the Subaru BRZ. The engine compartment is packed so tight that for us to do a factory turbo system would be nearly impossible. I’m not closing the door on it, but its just not being discussed right now.
Sciclonic: We heard that earlier this week you were asked if direct replacements were coming for the Scion xB and xD, and that you said no. Are these cars not going to continue in the Scion brand?

Jack Hollis: That’s right. I didn’t say they are dead tomorrow though. We just aren’t working on a new xB or a new xD. What may happen is that you will see a new product or products take their place in the future with a new name or a new purpose. I can’t say what that is just yet, but Scion will continue to bring new buyers to our brand.

Scion today announced pricing for its 2013 FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car. The FR-S starts with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $24,200 when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and $25,300 when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and rev-match technology. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family and will go on sale this spring.

“Scion’s goal was to create an affordable sports car that true driving enthusiasts could enjoy,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “We accomplished that goal with the FR-S starting under $25,000…a total home run! Add in Scion’s complimentary Scion Service Boost, our no-haggle no-hassle Pure Price, and Scion’s network of about 1,000 dealers, and the FR-S is a grand slam.”

The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising fuel efficiency.

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. During planning and development, it was most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The AE86 was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe that was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is designed around the core goal of achieving “Pure Balance.” The balance begins with the strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and flat shape allow it to be mounted mid-ship and extremely low, giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47 and a low center of gravity comparable to some exotic supercars.

The FR-S’s 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is the result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. The partnership begins by combining Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in an impressive 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

The flat-four mates with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts with a short-throw; while the automatic features aggressive up shifts and sporty rev-matched down shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to the pavement via a standard Torsen® limited-slip differential.

The idea of “Pure Balance” is further realized by the FR-S’s lightweight design and compact size. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling. The coupe’s weight is kept to a minimum by utilizing a lightweight aluminum hood, a solid roof, and by featuring a trunk design instead of a hatchback.

The FR-S’s low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four corners.

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a solid reflection of its inner power. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood and roof-line that is remarkably sleek and low, giving it an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. The low stance continues to exaggerate the coupe’s menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights that house the projector-beam halogen lamps.

The aggressive front fenders protrude upward and boast the iconic ‘86’ piston emblem, which highlights the car’s AE86 heritage as well as its unique new boxer engine. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. LEDs illuminate the edgy taillights, while center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design.

The FR-S will be available in seven colors including Raven, Asphalt, Hot Lava, Argento, Ultramarine, Firestorm and Whiteout.

The FR-S’s interior includes a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind. The front seats feature deep bolsters and are mounted extremely low and are comfortable yet assertive, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The car will come standard with FR-S badged floor mats. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster and features a programmable shift-indicator, informing the driver of the engine’s vitals. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges. The FR-S features a sporty leather-trimmed steering wheel that has both tilt and telescopic adjustment.

The FR-S will come standard with an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/USB 300-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system. Standard features also include HD Radio technology and Bluetooth connectivity that allows both hands-free phone connection as well as streaming audio capability.

FR-S comes standard with six airbags, including dual-stage advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted airbags and side-curtain airbags.

Like all Scions, FR-S features the Star Safety System that includes Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $730 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Like all Scion models, the FR-S is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The FR-S will come standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance. 

Scion FR-S Preliminary Specifications

Source: Scion

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Eibach’s new Sportline set for the Scion tC is a spring set created for the extreme enthusiast. Eibach says their new Sportline springs give you the the lowest possible drop for the tC, but still offer an exceptional ride quality.

With a 1.3” drop in front and a 1.7” drop in the rear, the Sportline springs loer the center of gravity significantly and with a good alignment and plus wheel & tire package can increase handling potential huge.

The progressive rate provides increasing stiffness as the springs compress. This allows for an extreme drop while keeping a supple ride quality. Eibach says the Sportline springs dramatically reduce squat during acceleration, body roll in corners and nosedive under braking.

Part: Sportline #4.12536
More information: www.Eibach.com

“The GT 86 was designed from the outset that we can build it as a convertible,” Tada told Germany’s Autobild. His statement brings life to new speculation that the FR-S may be available as a drop-top in the 2014 or 2015 model year.

The Scion FR-S should arrive this summer with a price tag starting around $25,000. Our guess is that a convertible version would likely use a soft top in keeping with the car’s low price model. A convertible FR-S could likely be priced just under $30,000.

This would put the car in direct competition with cars like the Mazda MX-5 and even more expensive roadsters like the BMW Z4, Porsche Cayman and Audi TT. There is no word yet whether a Scion FR-S convertible would be a two-seater or retain its back seat.