2012 Scion FR-S Concept New Car Show

The Scion FR-S, seen from the pictures this car is quite remarkable that shows more detailed features and look better than the Toyota FT-86, although they are actually the same car, probably warrants an appropriate red FR-S very much. Scion FR-S makes a big noise in New York Autoshow, and the evidence from Japan suggests that Toyota is sure to put the car into production with minimal changes.

While models like the Scion tC have been popular, very few people looking for a high performance car have sought them out. Scion has been the “youth brand”, selling hip cars to first time buyers who are on a shoestring budget. The FR-S will be a new halo car for the Scion showroom, an aspiration car who’s image will help sell other models next to them.

The design is said to be closer to the original FT-86 Concept, with a few details from the Scion FR-S Concept. It will look identical in all markets, apart from different badging – with the U.S. market model sold as the Scion FR-S.

Under the hood the boxer 4-cylinder has reportedly been almost entirely redesigned and shares nothing but its opposed cylinder layout with the Subaru version. Yahama engineers were involved in the development of the engine.

Hollis says the design of the FR-S ‘is inspired by the legendary Toyota 2000GT, and even can see a bit of Lexus LF-A in the angular shapes that blend with smooth curves. This is a hot concept, and tell us which provides a new addition to the Scion family coming in 2012.

When you consider the next closest thing to buyers is the now defunct the Honda S2000, the much more pricey Nissan 370Z or the decidedly girly Mazda MX-5 you have a magic weapon boy racer that will steal all the limelight. Thy Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a close contender, but more of a grand tourer than sports car.

Because the new FR-S will be shared between both a Subaru and Scion model, the aftermarket will be motivated and able to offer an infinite cavalcade of engine and suspension parts to really make it fly. Because the FR-S will use proven Subaru powertrains that already have huge aftermarket support, the selection of power adders will be there almost the day the car lands in showrooms.

In the garage: 2012 Scion xB

Many of you may remember how impressed we were with the 2009 Scion xB as one of our first test cars. So much so that another has been added to the fleet. We recently picked up our new tester and have enjoyed it just as much as our last Scion. Our new xB is painted in a very understated Army Rock metallic, and like our previous 2009 is void of options. That being said, you do get A/C, a 160 watt Pioneer stereo with CD player,  iPod and MP3 jacks, standard disc brakes w/ ABS, traction and stability control, power windows and locks, and just about everything else you'd expect to find standard.

Our car again has the 2.4 liter DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder that offers relatively good performance at 158 horse power. This time, we opted for the 5 speed manual transmission. Toyota rates the fuel economy at 22 City/28 Highway. So far we have averaged 23.3 MPG, though it's not like we're exactly light on the gas.

 Inside the xB is very roomy. the seats sit at chair height and are fairly comfortable. Since our 2009 xB, I have noticed that one major change Scion made was the addition of a traditional center arm rest for the front seat passengers.  The radio, heater and A/C controls, and the gear shift are all right at your finger tips. With the  5 speed manual, this makes for a very comfortable driving position. Otherwise, the car really has changed very little. But that's not really a bad thing. The only recommendation that still carries over from the 2009 xB is to have the addition of an arm rest for the 60/40 rear split seat. This would make for longer trips more comfortable for those riding in the rear seat. Look for more updates soon!

In the garage: 2009 Scion xB

We have a new test vehicle to report on for 2009. Introducing the 2009 Scion xB. We recently picked up our new tester and have been pleasantly surprised with it so far. Our xB is a black sand pearl model that is pretty much standard by way of options. Really, it is standard. No optional equipment what so ever. Not that it's a bad thing. What we did get is A/C a 160 watt Pioneer stereo with iPod and MP3 jacks, standard disc brakes w/ ABS, and just about everything else you'd expect to find standard.

Our car has the 2.4 liter DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder that offers relatively good performance at 158 horse power. This is backed by a 4 speed automatic transmission. Toyota rates the fuel economy at 22 City/28 Highway. So far we have averaged 23.3 MPG, though it's not like we're exactly light on the gas.

So far handling has been ok, at highway speeds the steering does feel on the light side, same in wet conditions. So I would say don't go out there and hot dog around in those conditions. Perhaps this will improve as we break the car in.

Inside the xB is very roomy. the seats sit at chair height and are fairly comfortable. Only the driver is spoiled by the presence of a flip down armrest for his or her right arm. The central dash display is easy to read and nicely positioned in the center of the dash. I found that the cluster looks similar to that in a Dodge Challenger, looks wise. The radio, heater and A/C controls, and the gear shift are all right at your finger tips. And there are controls for volume and station selection on the tilt steering wheel. We noticed the lack of power out lets in the car to run accessories from, but not a major problem that can't be solved with a trip to Walmart. Storage is ample. Though the trunk area is a bit short. Especially when you throw suitcases and camera equipment at it. So you will have to keep the 60/40 rear seat down for medium to large hauls.

Our xB comes with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $16,700. And totals out at $17,320. after the $620 Delivery and Processing Fee is added. So the xB is both light on gas and light on the wallet.

Otherwise we will continue to fill you in with our further adventures with the xB and look for an update on our other fleet car the 2008 Mini.