Assessment: Scion FR-S | WIRED

The FR-S’ sporting intent is signaled by a refreshingly mild curb weight (between 2,700 and a pair of,800 kilos, relying on choices) with a 53/47 % entrance/rear weight distribution, a inflexible chassis, and an impartial suspension with MacPherson struts up entrance and double wishbones within the rear. Add an affordable 200 horsepower, put energy down on the rear wheels, and you have got a zippy handler.

Scion’s emphasis right here is on driving character, not huge efficiency numbers. The direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer retains the FR-S’ heart of gravity decrease than a Porsche Cayman’s, and energy supply is linear as much as the 7,400-rpm redline. The FA20 engine can also be tuned for sound: A “Sound Creator” channels audio from the engine’s air consumption into the cabin. Sadly, the observe is not that interesting, and my guess is that aftermarket exhaust makers will step in profitably.

The engine mates with both a six-speed guide or six-speed automated transmission with paddle-shift mode. Guide shift throws are direct and definitive. I by no means mis-shifted throughout a day on the monitor, and clutch take-up is just not too heavy or mild. The automated pops off fast, rev-matched downshifts with surprisingly intelligent anticipation. The steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters earn a minor demerit, since they’re too small for simple use when the wheel is turned past 90 levels.

Given the FR-S’ power-to-weight ratio, I might guess the zero-to-60 time to fall someplace within the mid-six-second vary. Not blazing, however stoplight drags aren’t its mission. Backroad twisties, hot-lapping and drifting are.

These strengths are abetted by some fast steering. Working in live performance with the suspension, it permits you to simply regulate yaw. Steering really feel is not nice, however you overlook about it. Soar off the throttle mid-corner and the FR-S oversteers like a front-drive automobile. Catching the tail is simple and enjoyable. Drifting merely requires just a little observe. The three selectable driving modes (“regular,” “sport,” and a 3rd setting that disables the traction and stability controls) enable for progressively much less intervention in that regard.

Stoplight drags aren’t its mission. Backroad twisties, hot-lapping and drifting are.The two.0-liter Boxer is mild on torque (151 pound-feet) which you do discover on the road. Conversely, the shortage of twist offers you a sure freedom on the monitor. Reasonably than wait anxiously to choose up the throttle as you’ll in a giant energy sports activities/muscle-car, you’ll be able to merely slap the fuel pedal previous a nook apex. It makes you smile.

The engine does not elicit the identical response. I anticipated the two.0-liter to rev extra freely than it does. The Boxer winds comparatively slowly, feeling a bit truck-like. Its character does not match the playful nature of the remainder of the FR-S.

However there’s loads of good things, together with ventilated entrance and rear brake rotors that stopped the automobile with out fade throughout my 4 successive lap stints. The sunshine general weight aids braking efficiency and agility, even on the FR-S’ exhausting compound tires. Fans will seemingly go for grippier rubber as soon as the primary set wears down. Scion embraces customization, and the corporate will supply a variety of look and efficiency equipment after launching the automobile.

Toyota has rediscovered accessible rear-drive efficiency in a market the place, till just lately, solely Mazda’s MX-5 has performed. This distinctive high quality – and its prolonged potentialities – brings loads of driving enjoyable to the desk. But it surely additionally brings exactly the sort of street-cred missing in Scion’s “secretary-friendly” tC.

WIRED An inexpensive, light-weight, rear-drive sports activities automobile tuned for efficiency younger fanatics can extract – a boon for Scion. Affordability is bolstered by common gas economic system within the mid-20-mpg vary, two years of free scheduled upkeep, and Toyota reliability. It is bought some fairly curves.

TIRED The Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter Boxer feels a bit lazy when revved, and will use extra torque. Regardless of assist from the factitious “Sound Creator,” the engine sounds solely so-so. Patrons will not care, however the rear seats are ineffective to anybody past their toddler years.