2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

April 20, 2011 - New York - At the 2011 New York International Auto Show, Scion introduced the new rear-wheel drive 2011 Scion FR-S Concept sports car coupe. Another auto show, another version of Toyota and Subaru's joint partnership rear-wheel-drive sports car. Now here in New York, Scion has taken the wraps off of its FR-S, a sexy little number that rides on this same platform. The 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept, stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Sport; is the definition of a genuine and compelling style rear-wheel-drive sports car, with exceptional balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

“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.” Hollis says that the FR-S' design is inspired by the legendary Toyota 2000GT, and we can even see a bit of Lexus LF-A in the angular shapes that blend with sleek curves. This is one hot concept, and we're told that it previews a new addition to the Scion family coming in 2012.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is powered by 2.0-liter front boxer engine combined with a rear-wheel drive system. This 2.0-liter boxer engine is set up lower and further back to giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio. This engine is the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, an addition that results in both direct and port injection. All this means is that the 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept will get increased horsepower and torque without having to deal with the loss of fuel efficiency, a big plus when dealing with these mounting gas prices.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

Inspired by the AE86, the 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept 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.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is available in six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission controlled by sporty shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The manual transmission  offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission features aggressive. Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

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 Scion FR-S Concept' staggered stance and rear-wheel-drive setup.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

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 cars 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.

2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept

In addition, the 2011 Scion Sports Cars 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. The estimated price for 2011 Scion Sports Cars FR-S Concept is around $25K, which matches what Toyota’s version is rumored to cost.

Chicago 2010: Scion tC Release Series 6.0

Take a good look at the Scion tC Release Series 6.0... it's kind of a big deal. Last year, Scion offered up 2,000 tC Release Series 5.0 models. This year, the new Release Series 6.0 will be almost twice as rare, with just 1,100 such models planned for production. Better get yourself in line now.

To recap, this special tC comes painted up in Speedway Blue, which looks even more like Chrysler's classic B5 Blue in person than it does in pictures, along with some very Challenger-esque flat black stripes. So, what we have here is obviously a pint-sized muscle car, right? Well, not exactly. With the same exact 161-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as all the other tCs sharing roadways, muscle isn't really in this car's vocabulary.

It's not all bad news, though. The 200-watt Alpine audio system with iPod/USB jack and 4.3-inch GPS touch screen do come standard for the car's $18,620 (with a stick, or $19,420 with an automatic) asking price.

Scion tC Release Series 5.0

As we told you last week, Scion is taking advantage of this year's Chicago Auto Show to drop yet another tweaked Scion tC, just like they did last year. This year's example is the 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0, of which 2000 examples or fewer will be built.

One thing that makes this Release Series more interesting than some of its predecessors is the fact that Scion's modifications go beyond new paint and wheels. Besides the gloss black paint and red-lined, matte black, 18-inch wheels, parent company Toyota has added virtually everything in their TRD parts catalog. RS 5.0 gets lowering springs, a rear sway bar, a sport muffler and special badging, and there's also an optional rear lip spoiler.

The interior features the same blacked-out TRD theme, with a leather-covered steering wheel, black seats and TRD-badged floor mats. To keep it from being too dark and depressing, the seats feature red inserts and stitching. Best of all, this TRD-infused package will add just $2,300 to the base price of the standard tC. Expect to see the new tC arriving in dealers beginning in March.

SEMA 2008: Scion concepts aplenty

This is Scion's fifth year as a SEMA attendee, and it's arguably their best. Being the younger, hipper, tunier Toyota it makes sense they show up here with six concepts to spark customers' imaginations. To that end, they've brought several fun and outrageous customs from designers such as Mark Arcenal, Eddie Hahm (above), Drag Cartel, John Pangilinan, Rogue Status, MV Designz, Raging Bull, Blaine Fontana, Kenton Parker, Jeff Soto, and Christian Rado.

There are three xBs, an xD and a few tCs in the official booth alone. Scion distributed three tCs to customizers for the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge, with the winner to be announced during SEMA. Our absolute favorite is the one done up by Eddie Hahm of "Fast Eddie's Garage" fame. He took it retro and created an homage to a time when hot rodding meant more than mounting dubs and a bodykit. Fatlace founder Mark Arcenal dreamt up a DTM racer, while John Pangilinan made an even more butch looking tC with his widebody design. Personally, we really enjoyed the most elaborately detailed model, the Ruthless Cartell xD with its completely chopped roof, but it's strictly for show. The trucklet xDt was pretty novel too. Check out the gallery and pick out your favorite.

2008 Scion Hako Coupe Concept

Scion unveiled today at the New York Auto Show the Hako Coupe, a concept developed by Tokyo Design Division. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.

Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.

The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.

Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.

Press release

Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show.

Scion’s Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.

"Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today’s youth," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB’s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box."

Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.

The Hako’s silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept’s boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a "Scion" custom tread.

The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.

The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.

Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.

The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.

Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.

"As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup," said Hollis. "And of course we love a good box. We’ll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years."
SCION HAKO COUPE CONCEPT VEHICLE



* Overall Length: 145.7
* Overall Width: 68.1 without side mirrors
* 74.0 including side mirrors
* Overall Height: 57.5
* Wheelbase: 94.5
* Ground clearance: 4.0
* Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
* Tire Size: 225/45 R18
* Seating Capacity: 4