I got to spend all day yesterday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway learning about and driving the 2013 Scion FR-S.
We had 4 separate drive courses (3 road/handling & 1 highway - the oval).
As has been stated in many of the reviews, the car is a ton of fun to drive. Well-balanced, quick handling, smooth, and so on.
VSC Sport Mode is a lot of fun as it actually will let the tail hang out a bit.
Of course, VSC can be completely disabled as Ken Gushi demonstrates here (and yes, this is a bone-stock FR-S):
FR-S (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95SqyiR5MJQ#)
[evil]
Is that the Toyobaru?
Quote from: Dannyboy on April 12, 2012, 07:22:05 PM
Is that the Toyobaru?
Yup.
Major collaboration between Toyota & Subaru. Toyota design, Subaru engine w/Toyota D4-S injection (direct & port injection), Toyota transmission, built by Subaru.
Fun, fun, fun car. [evil]
BRZ GT300........Is Toyota gonna go this route as well?
SUBARU BRZ GT300 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LjYl7VfFKE&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
Quote from: kraptaker on April 12, 2012, 08:08:28 PM
BRZ GT300........Is Toyota gonna go this route as well?
Here's what I know so far.
There will be a Gazoo Racing (Akio Toyoda's team) effort at the 24-hours of Nurburgring
http://jonsibal.com/blog/2012/04/gazoo-racing-ready-for-the-ring/ (http://jonsibal.com/blog/2012/04/gazoo-racing-ready-for-the-ring/)
Ken Gushi is racing a 600hp version of the FR-S under the Greddy banner in Formula Drift
http://www.scion.com/racingblog/2012/03/scion-racinggreddy-introduce-600hp-fr-s-formula-drift-car/ (http://www.scion.com/racingblog/2012/03/scion-racinggreddy-introduce-600hp-fr-s-formula-drift-car/)
I've heard that a Pike's Peak effort may be in the works as well.
That'll be sweet. I've seen the drift car. [thumbsup]
Here's some footage of the drift car.
Scion Drifting GReddy FR-S In-depth Preview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0bGuL3It5g&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
What's the expected price range?
Quote from: thejsnide on April 12, 2012, 10:55:06 PM
What's the expected price range?
I think it's 25-27 plus mods. :D
Solid... and lucky me that I'm in the market...
The car mags have been very impressed with these.....
I'd begrudgingly offer my services for real world durability testing ;D
I didn't realize they were selling it as a Scion. I wonder why.
Quote from: Dannyboy on April 13, 2012, 04:49:48 AM
I didn't realize they were selling it as a Scion. I wonder why.
they are selling it as a Scion, a Toyota, and a Subaru as I have read and understand....
Quote from: kraptaker on April 12, 2012, 10:57:16 PM
I think it's 25-27 plus mods. :D
$24,930 6MT / $26,030 6AT. AT is actually quicker. It has paddle shifters and downshift rev matching.
Quote from: Dannyboy on April 13, 2012, 04:49:48 AM
I didn't realize they were selling it as a Scion. I wonder why.
Mainly to inject more life into the Scion brand. It also helps to keep the price point lower. Before FR-S, all Scions were sub-$20K vehicles.
Five Axis has a really good looking body kit for the FR-S.
The TRD exhaust is a must.
Will Subaru have an AWD version? I had read previously that there would not be.
Quote from: RC Fan on April 13, 2012, 06:45:51 AM
Will Subaru have an AWD version? I had read previously that there would not be.
Nope. The car is not designed to accommodate an AWD powertrain.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 13, 2012, 06:52:43 AM
Nope. The car is not designed to accommodate an AWD powertrain.
Gotcha! I'll have to check one out in any case. It is a sharp car.
Quote from: Dannyboy on April 13, 2012, 04:49:48 AM
I didn't realize they were selling it as a Scion. I wonder why.
Because the rest of the Scion lineup sucks.
Quote from: Speedbag on April 13, 2012, 02:40:39 PM
Because the rest of the Scion lineup sucks.
Can't argue with that.
Quote from: Dannyboy on April 13, 2012, 04:49:48 AM
I didn't realize they were selling it as a Scion. I wonder why.
Because the current crop of Toyota owners wouldn't know what to do with a fun-to-drive car that wastes gasoline on purpose, causing it to be shunned by the Prius Owners Club of America, and in turn, would wind up being a sales flop for Toyota, who will then say, forever more, "American's don't want fun cars, they want crap."
So give it to bling bling Scion and Subaru drivers instead.
God, I hope Mazda comes out with something fun in the next couple of years so that I have something to look forward to owning that won't have the stigmata of owning either a Subaru or a Scion.
BC.
Quote from: Bladecutter on April 13, 2012, 03:45:56 PM
God, I hope Mazda comes out with something fun in the next couple of years so that I have something to look forward to owning that won't have the stigmata of owning either a Subaru or a Scion.
Yep. I sure would hate to start bleeding from mysterious wounds in my hands and feet just because I bought a Subaru...
[roll]
Really guys.
Toyota/Scion bashing.
[roll]
Scion FR S REVEALED driving frs Toyota GT 86 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W73wacIIbg0&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
Quote from: Bladecutter on April 13, 2012, 03:45:56 PM
God, I hope Mazda comes out with something fun in the next couple of years so that I have something to look forward to owning that won't have the stigmata of owning either a Subaru or a Scion.
BC.
What's wrong with the Miata? From what I hear it's extremely fun to drive. The Speed3 is a blast, I have driven one of those. It torque steers out the ass, but it keeps you entertained.
Makes me miss my old S2000.
Scion FR-S Testing at Laguna Seca (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGso9oKcYtM&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
Quote from: Bladecutter link=topic=56394.msg1047683#msg1047683 date
God, I hope Mazda comes out with something fun in the next couple of years so that I have something to look forward to owning that won't have the stigmata of owning either a Subaru or a Scion.
BC.
I guess it depends how concerned you are about the opinions of the motoring public, most of whom know nothing about cars. I love my WRX! I don't care what anyone else thinks of it.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 13, 2012, 05:50:43 AM
$24,930 6MT / $26,030 6AT. AT is actually quicker. It has paddle shifters and downshift rev matching.
Mainly to inject more life into the Scion brand. It also helps to keep the price point lower. Before FR-S, all Scions were sub-$20K vehicles.
Does this mean that the car will be downgraded to keep it the Scion price point? I was thinking the Toyota version was going to be somewhat nicer than the Scooby version.
Quote from: Le Pirate on April 14, 2012, 03:42:19 PM
Does this mean that the car will be downgraded to keep it the Scion price point? I was thinking the Toyota version was going to be somewhat nicer than the Scooby version.
Afaik all 3 cars are identical. (?)
Mechanically, all three cars (Toyota GT 86 in Japan & Europe, Scion FR-S US/Canada & Subaru BRZ) are identical.
There are minor trim/equipment differences between the three.
If you're not familiar with Scions, they come very well equipped, even at their lower price points (A/C, pwr windows, pwr locks, cruise, Pioneer audio - up to 300 watts standard, Bluetooth, etc.).
The Subie is about $1,300 more here in the states, but it also has a higher level of standard equipment, like HIDs, Navigation, etc.
I can't wait to test drive the FRS and the BRZ.
Scion FR S REVEALED driving frs Toyota GT 86 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W73wacIIbg0&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
Quote from: kraptaker on April 14, 2012, 05:31:13 PM
I can't wait to test drive the FRS and the BRZ.
I think you'll find them to be quite fun, particularly if you can find some twisties nearby. [evil]
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 14, 2012, 06:03:46 PM
I think you'll find them to be quite fun, particularly if you can find some twisties nearby. [evil]
Their everywhere around here. [thumbsup]
So Subaru has been hinting at an upcoming roadster version in a few years?
Quote from: DRKWNG on April 14, 2012, 07:54:32 PM
So Subaru has been hinting at an upcoming roadster version in a few years?
I think that has been confirmed by the Chief Engineer. Not sure if it will happen for all three brands, however.
(http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1wvyad1np1rrallbo2_500.jpg)
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 13, 2012, 06:52:43 AM
Nope. The car is not designed to accommodate an AWD powertrain.
Odd, I thought Subaru always touted that all of their cars could be had with AWD...?
Quote from: NAKID on April 15, 2012, 04:52:11 PM
Odd, I thought Subaru always touted that all of their cars could be had with AWD...?
They could bring this back [laugh]
http://www.subarusvx.com/ (http://www.subarusvx.com/)
Quote from: NAKID on April 15, 2012, 04:52:11 PM
Odd, I thought Subaru always touted that all of their cars could be had with AWD...?
Not just "could be had", but their current US lineup is only available with AWD.
You'd have to check with them on why they've agreed upon bringing the BRZ to market in RWD as the Toyota and Scion versions will be.
" We could not make the BRZ four-wheel drive even if we wanted to.â€
Atoshi Atake
Quote from: kraptaker on April 15, 2012, 09:11:56 PM
" We could not make the BRZ four-wheel drive even if we wanted to.â€
Atoshi Atake
Has to do with engine placement. The BRZ/FR-S engine is too far to back relative to the front axel to fit a Subaru AWD system. This is a good thing though for this car as it aids front to rear weight balance. A turbo charged version is still rumored though.
Quote from: howie on April 15, 2012, 08:28:36 PM
They could bring this back [laugh]
http://www.subarusvx.com/ (http://www.subarusvx.com/)
[Puts on biased opinion hat]
And the SVX was and is still cool. A bit odd looking but cool.
I think I'd be all over a turbo charged version of either of these cars
[evil]
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 14, 2012, 05:23:20 PM
The Subie is about $1,300 more here in the states, but it also has a higher level of standard equipment, like HIDs, Navigation, etc.
Interesting.
As much as I hate to admit it, I have a hard time looking at cars without niceties like navigation and heated seats anymore :-X
Just another yuppie American I guess [laugh]
Here's a video of me on the oval at the speedway.
While the handling courses were a lot more fun, it handled the turns pretty well at 100mph+ on Michelin Primacy all-season radials (ironically, the same tire that you find on a Prius).
Sccion FR-S Randy .MOV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sTUr1FHzbE&hd=1#)
I was able to take it out a second time and hit 121mph on the backstretch, carried 105+ through the turns. [evil]
[thumbsup]
Quote from: DucatiBastard on April 13, 2012, 05:41:52 PM
What's wrong with the Miata? From what I hear it's extremely fun to drive.
Aside from the fact that I'm tall, and the car isn't the best fit with the top in place, not too much.
I prefer the comfort in my 2011 RX-8, however.
All the nimbleness, more comfort, real rear seats that can have actual passengers sit in them while there are people occupying the front seats comfortably, and more power than the Miata makes it my current Mazda of choice.
Here in Colorado, the average Subaru driver has certain driving traits that infuriate the rest of the motorists on the road.
They are actually worse than Volvo and Prius drivers, most of the time.
Some of them, are proven to actually be afraid of driving, so must own a car that takes away all the pleasures of driving, but yet still get them through snow with greater ease than a Toyota can, so that they can crash their AWD ubercars on the snowy Interstate that leads them up to the ski resorts because they are driving on bald all season tires, because they just think their magical AWD Subaru will make up for their poor quality ownership.
I couldn't care what other people think about me when I'm driving my car, but it is important to me how I feel about driving the same car brand that the vast majority of morons who can't drive, drive.
BC.
(yes, I have issues, but I like them)
2013 Scion FR-S: GReddy Tuned - Autoweek Drives (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq5vHgJXZEw&feature=youtube_gdata_player#)
Quote from: Bladecutter on April 18, 2012, 07:37:52 PM
Here in Colorado, the average Subaru driver has certain driving traits that infuriate the rest of the motorists on the road.
They are actually worse than Volvo and Prius drivers, most of the time.
Some of them, are proven to actually be afraid of driving, so must own a car that takes away all the pleasures of driving, but yet still get them through snow with greater ease than a Toyota can, so that they can crash their AWD ubercars on the snowy Interstate that leads them up to the ski resorts because they are driving on bald all season tires, because they just think their magical AWD Subaru will make up for their poor quality ownership.
BC.
(yes, I have issues, but I like them)
I don't know if any of these traits apply to me but I mostly bought my Subi because I'm a lesbian. ;D
Didn't Subaru come out with a White Outback with gold bumpers/trim a few years back
I called it The Birkenstock Granola Edition
Any parking lot in Asheville has a dozen of them minimum...
fun to watch folks try to get into someone else's...
wondering why their keyless remote isn't working
Quote from: RAT900 on April 19, 2012, 08:01:36 AM
Didn't Subaru come out with a White Outback with gold bumpers/trim a few years back
I called it The Birkenstock Granola Edition
Any parking lot in Asheville has a dozen of them minimum...
fun to watch folks try to get into someone else's...
wondering why their keyless remote isn't working
I was amazed at the amt of hippies in them there hills.
Quote from: KnightofNi on April 19, 2012, 11:26:11 AM
I was amazed at the amt of hippies in them there hills.
Indeed!! I used to think they all wound up in Santa Cruz Cal. after the 1960's were over
I was wrong
Quote from: RAT900 on April 19, 2012, 08:01:36 AM
Didn't Subaru come out with a White Outback with gold bumpers/trim a few years back
I called it The Birkenstock Granola Edition
You mean the LL Bean Edition?
(http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/SubaruOutback/Images/RightFront.jpg)
The FR-S/BRZ/GT 86 has more genes from this side of the Subaru family:
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTdeGLVqNSP9erUODpH_pvfDTpiD02TXYs3hBfq_MBLbdITMcHNm34g98tz)
And from this side of the Toyota family:
(http://dayerses.com/data_images/posts/toyota-2000gt/toyota-2000gt-03.jpg)
With a dash of these two thrown in for good measure:
(http://withfriendship.com/images/g/32451/toyota-ae86.jpg)
(http://red.ap.teacup.com/yota8/img/1136786054.jpg)
I drove a 2011 WRX last weekend. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting one of those later this summer. As much as I'd love to have a BRZ or S2000, Boxster, etc, a four door hatchback with 265hp and awd sure is a lot more practical while still making the daily commute a game.
Can't wait to see the inevitable turbo version though. That'd be the one worth waiting for.
Quote from: pennyrobber on April 19, 2012, 07:20:39 AM
I don't know if any of these traits apply to me but I mostly bought my Subi because I'm a lesbian. ;D
I guess you are driving a Forester!
Quote from: mookieo2 on April 20, 2012, 07:09:10 AM
I guess you are driving a Forester!
No Fozzy for me. Although a GT would be pretty sweet. (And I'm only a pretend lesbian.)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e297/pennyrobber/wrx/IMAG0413.jpg)
Quote from: pennyrobber on April 20, 2012, 09:29:57 AM
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e297/pennyrobber/wrx/IMAG0413.jpg)
Sweet!
The BRZ is a nicer looking car, but I'd still prefer my WRX, or maybe an STI [evil]
I think I'll stick to ravaging my wife's maserati when she isn't in town.... [evil]
[roll]
Us mere mortals can afford to buy the FR-S or BRZ at $25-27K.
To each their own, I suppose.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 20, 2012, 01:40:25 PM
[roll]
Us mere mortals can afford to buy the FR-S or BRZ at $25-27K.
To each their own, I suppose.
Shouldn't you be shopping for a new washing machine? [laugh]
Quote from: RAT900 on April 20, 2012, 02:09:27 PM
Shouldn't you be shopping for a new washing machine? [laugh]
You would think but I have a feeling that poor Polly is down in his scary dungeon of a basement (not really...his basement is actually pretty kick ass) with a washboard and a small makeshift stream. [cheeky]
Quote from: RAT900 on April 20, 2012, 02:09:27 PM
Shouldn't you be shopping for a new washing machine? [laugh]
What fun would that be?
Quote from: ZLTFUL on April 20, 2012, 02:54:09 PM
You would think but I have a feeling that poor Polly is down in his scary dungeon of a basement (not really...his basement is actually pretty kick ass) with a washboard and a small makeshift stream. [cheeky]
Unfortunately, she's at the hospital, trying to get her respiratory issues sorted.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on April 20, 2012, 01:40:25 PM
[roll]
Us mere mortals can afford to buy the FR-S or BRZ at $25-27K.
To each their own, I suppose.
Different choices, line of work, school, etc. all play into one's "mere mortal" being.
There are lots of different people in this world. The most important is if you are happy and enjoy your life. The rest is useless.
Saw the Toyota FT-86 Saturday. I have to say that out of the three, I like the Yot the best...