Scion has just announced pricing for the 2013 Scion FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car, which start at $24 200 (MSRP). The vehicle is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it has a version that comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that features paddle shifters and rev-match technology and is priced at $25 300. The Scion will go on sale this spring. The FR-S acronym in the name of the car stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. It delivers an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with very well balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising fuel efficiency. Moreover, the vehcle is designed around the core goal of achieving "Pure Balance", which begins with the strategic use of the world's only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine has a compact size and flat shape, which allows to be mounted extremely low, giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47 and a low center of gravity. Furthermore, the Scion has a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which comes as a result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. In this work of collaboration Subaru's newly developed, horizontally opposed engine will be combined with 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 200 hp (147 kW) and 151 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to 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.

2013 Scion FR-S

In addition to this, the "Pure Balance" idea is further manifested by the FR-S's lightweight design and compact size. This unique combination allows the car to be quick and with h dynamic high maneuverability, and confident handling. The coupe's weight is minimized by using a lightweight aluminum hood, a solid roof, and by featuring a trunk design instead of a hatchback. This low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. In addition, lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are standard on all four corners. The exterior of the car is really powerful: it 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. In addition, the aggressive front fenders protrude upward and boast the iconic ‘86' piston emblem. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. Of course, a today model can't go without LEDs. Here they illuminate the edgy taillights, while center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design. The 2013 Scion FR-S will be available in seven colors including Raven, Asphalt, Hot Lava, Argento, Ultramarine, Firestorm and Whiteout.

What about the interior: the FR-S's interior includes a 2+2 seating configuration. The front seats include deep bolsters, they are mounted extremely low, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster and features a programmable shift-indicator. Here, the speed is being monitored by both digital and analog gauges. The 2013 FR-S features a sporty leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment. As a standard in the vehicle are included eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/USB 300-watt maximum output Pioneer™ audio system, HD Radio™ technology, Bluetooth® connectivity. Furthermore, regarding thee safety features, the FR-S comes with six airbags, including dual-stage advanced driver- and front-passenger airbags, front-seat-mounted airbags and side-curtain airbags. In addition, it also includes the Star Safety System with 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).

Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 1 of 13
Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 2 of 13
Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 3 of 13
Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 4 of 13
Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 5 of 13
Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 6 of 13
Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 7 of 13
Scion FR-S (2013) - picture 8 of 13

Scion FR-S Preliminary Specifications

Length 166.7 in.
Width 69.9 in.
Height 51.2 in. (not including antenna base)
Wheelbase 101.2 in.
Track Front 59.8 in.
Rear 60.6 in.
Seating capacity 4
Engine Total displacement 1,998 cc
Type Horizontally opposed four-cylinder, D-4S injection, DOHC
Bore × stroke 86 × 86 mm.
Maximum output 200hp @ 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque 151 lb.-ft. @ 6,600 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Driveline Rear-wheel drive
Suspension Front MacPherson struts
Rear Double wishbone
Brakes Front Ventilated Disc
Rear Ventilated Disc
Tires Front 215/45R17
Rear 215/45R17
Fuel tank 13.2 gallons
Fuel Premium Unleaded

Source: Scion