Toyobaru FT-86 Concept Pics

Press release: April 20, 2011 - New York - Scion unveiled the rear-wheel drive FR-S Concept sports coupe today at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to stimulate the souls of true driving enthusiasts, will be at the Scion display through May 1. The FR-S Concept will inspire a new model coming to the Scion brand next year.

The FR-S Concept, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

“Scion is always experimenting with new things,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “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.”

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports coupe is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is built around the core goal of achieving “pure balance,” which begins with the strategic placement of a flat 2.0-liter boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and shape allows the FR-S’ powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio.

The FR-S’ naturally-aspirated engine is innovative, being the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, which utilizes both direct and port injection, resulting in increased horsepower and torque throughout the entire powerband, without sacrificing MPG.

The flat-four can mate with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission features aggressive, sporty shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of “pure balance” is further realized by the FR-S’ lightweight design and short wheelbase. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of any corner, with dynamic maneuverability and confident stability.

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

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a good reflection of its inner power. The intimidating proportions of the concept give it a dominant stance that bleeds performance. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood-line that is remarkably sleek and low, made possible by the boxer’s architecture.

The low stance continues to exaggerate the FR-S’ menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights that include bright LED clusters.

The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top.

The front fenders protrude upward, making space for the massive monoblock Five Axis 20x8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20x10.5-inch wheels, emphasizing the FR-S’ staggered stance and rear-wheel-drive setup.

The rear fascia sits low and wide, with extensive lower treatments that surround the dual exhaust exits and contribute to excellent aerodynamics. LEDs illuminate both the edgy taillights and the bold “SCION” logo.

The concept features four-piston-caliper front brakes that clamp down on monstrous 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors that are fixed to the wheels in a motorcycle-fashion.

The FR-S Concept is layered in rich coats of Code Red, the appropriately named color that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.

Concept Dimensions Length – 168.2 Width – 71.5 Height – 47.4 Front Track – 61.8 Rear Track – 59.9 Wheelbase – 101.2

A ~225hp "lightweight" coupe........but 20x10.5 rear wheels?

Another concept?

I hope the real car is awesome and I'm eager to see it. In the meantime, I'll pretend I don't care anymore.

Yep, another weaksauce concept, now with weaksauce pictures:

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/new-york-2011-scion-fr-s-concept-is-friggin-really-sweet/

^It looks great in every pic you just posted.... Except the second. Do not want.

Now we know why Veilside disappeared, it was bought by Toyota

I still really like it. The looks at least.

Guess there's a bit rice left in me.

Did someone take this from the FF 'baru thread?

Can Toyota have botched the release of this vehicle any more? And now they've made it a lame-ass Scion? Jeez, I used to like this company before they became a washing machine manufacturer, what with the Corollas and Camrys that are uninspired and come in twelve shades of beige or silver.

I like the shape overall- the giant wheel arches and diffuser remind me of a JGTC race car, and the 3/4 rear view is attractive. Some of the details turn me off, though. I don't get what the "tab" on the rear of the roof is doing there. The giant "SCION" tramp-stamp might as well read "RICER." If it comes with 19s or dubs like the concept, then good luck buying tires for it, esp. if you want to race in a Stock or Street Tire autocross class.

This is still a concept but I am worried the FT-86/-S/-whatever will be Scion-ified with no real performance variants. Want dubs, ambient mood lighting, a "sporty-feeling" chassis that understeers anywhere over 20mph, an all-glass roof, and a bangin' 1000W 20-speaker infotainment system? It's yours! Want a hardtop with a simple audio system, more modest wheels, an actual sport suspension with a mechanical LSD and fully-defeatable traction control? Umm... LSD is like, bad, and stuff, mmkay?

P.S. I'm trying to be realistic about what a modern strippo Scion would include (stereo, A/C, power windows, etc.). If Toyota had the nerve to make a real strippo car with crank windows, no A/C or stereo, etc., I would E36 M3 a brick.

^Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

I like the red one too (actually better than the one on the first page.) Looks great to me. I don't care if they want to put a Toyota or Scion badge on it, it's the same car either way...

However it seems like every week they come out with a new styling concept. Is this thing ever going to get built?

If they make it look like that red one up there, and it's as compact as it looks, sign me up. They can replace the 20"s with 18"s, but I'll keep the 1000W sound system and A/C thanks.

Oh yeah, but the inside of that thing had better be BLACK. And leather. None of this "light and airy" E36 M3.

Looking at all the pictures in this thread, I like oldeskewltoy's car best too. Either I turned into an old man (likely) or no one can manage a new car that I find at all appealing. It's like they're trying too hard to make it look menacing. It's a car. If it's a rebirth of the AE86, it should feel like a Corolla. AE86 was cool because it was an over achiever. This thing won't likely deliver what it's trying to look like it can. It's like a loud mouthed kid.

I wish they would have a preproduction concept with, you know, specs...

Like weight, power figures, etc...

I love the styling, its loud just like my Supra. Just hope they don't turn it down too much. If I like the real thing they have a buyer.