Scion shows off FR-S Concept in New York

Toyota’s youth-appeal division Scion has unveiled its take on the hotly anticipated Toyota FT-86 at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. Called the FR-S, the concept’s platform remains largely the same as the FT-86 with visual modifications being the main difference.
    
The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is said to be connected to the AE86 Corolla in the way it sets out to achieve ‘pure balance’ and is expected to inspire a new Scion model which will be released later in the year.

Its low stance contributes to a mean-looking front-end which features a wide mouth, sharp lines and angular headlights containing bright clusters of LED’s. 20x8.5-inch wheels are housed at the front while 20x10.5-inchers sit at the back. Also at the rear are twin exhaust pipes and LED’s which light up the prominent SCION logo   

Jack Hollis, Scion’s vice president, said of the concept: “Scion is always experimenting with new things. 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 the FT-86, powertrain details for the FR-S are limited, however it is said to feature the same flat 2.0-liter boxer. The engine will be slightly different though, as it will be the first boxer engine to contain Toyota’s D4-S injection system which uses both direct and port injection to increase overall horsepower and torque. Transmission will be available in the form of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.  

“Akio Toyoda has mentioned that he is going to bring the fun-to-drive spirit back to Toyota. I know that the Scion FR-S Concept is one of the ways that he plans to accomplish that,” said Mr Hollis.