2013 Scion FR-S revealed

The Scion FR-S is the third and final product to emerge from the joint Toyota / Subaru 2+2 coupé project.



As with the identical Toyota GT 86 and Subaru BRZ, the Scion version is a compact front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car - hence the FR-S name.

2013 Scion FR-S. Scroll down for more images.

Power comes from a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder boxer engine that features Toyota’s innovative D-4S direct and port injection system. Producing 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 205 Nm (151 lb/ft) of peak torque, it will be available with a choice of either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. However, just like its Toyota and Subaru partners, Scion is remaining silent on both performance and economy figures.



The all-new bodyshell (which, despite its profile, isn’t a hatchback) has been engineered to deliver enhanced driving dynamics and handling. Consequently, the FR-S is lightweight, boasts a low centre of gravity and has a nicely balanced 53:47 front-rear weight distribution.



Sales of the 2013 Scion FR-S are due to begin in North America during spring 2012. Prices have yet to be confirmed.

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Subaru BRZ unveiled

After Toyota revealed the GT 86 a couple of days ago, it was inevitable that Subaru would quickly follow with the production version of its near-identical BRZ.

Like the Toyota, power comes from a four-cylinder boxer engine that will be available with a choice of manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. Power output is a fairly modest 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) at 7,000 rpm, but the BRZ has light weight in its favour. Whether such a mix results in a truly quick car remains to be seen though, as Subaru has yet to release any performance figures.



Equally important is the combination of rear-wheel drive and a low centre of gravity, which should make for good handling. Indeed, Subaru intends to prove its new coupé’s mettle on the track by entering the BRZ in the GT300 class of the 2012 Japanese Super GT race series.

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Toyota GT 86 finally here

It has been a long wait, but the Toyota FT-86 sports car is finally here. The original name hasn’t survived though, and in Europe it’s now known as the GT 86. For North America it’ll be called the FR-S and marketed under the Scion brand.

Developed in partnership with Subaru, the GT 86 is a 2+2 coupé that’s built on an all-new rear-wheel drive platform.



Power comes from a typically Subaru 2.0 litre flat-four boxer engine, albeit fitted with Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection technology. Featuring twin injectors per cylinder and running a high compression ratio, it develops 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm (151 lb/ft) of peak torque at 6,600 rpm. Those outputs might not sound like an awful lot, but then the GT 86 weighs just 1,180 kg.



Buyers will have a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, both of which have six speeds. However, performance and efficiency figures have yet to be released.



At only 4,240 mm (13’ 10”) long, the GT 86 is slightly shorter than the Toyota Auris, but a width of 1,775 mm (5’ 9”) and height of 1,285 mm (4’ 2”) give it a suitably sporty stance. As expected, the styling is virtually identical to its Subaru BRZ cousin, with detail changes restricted to components such as the bumpers and wheels.



So, assuming a similar driving experience and no overriding brand loyalty, the decision to buy either the Toyota or Subaru version will come down to equipment levels and pricing - and both of those items are still to be confirmed.



The Toyota GT 86 makes its public debut at the Toyota Motor Show at the end of this month, and UK sales are due to begin in June 2012.

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2012 Scion iQ announced

The minuscule Toyota iQ finally arrives in the United States this October, where it’ll be marketed under the Scion brand.

Despite being only just over 120 inches (305 centimetres) long, it’s claimed that the iQ can accommodate four people with its ‘3+1’ seating. An offset layout means an adult can fit behind the front passenger, while the space behind the driver is suitable for a child.



Quite how long either would want to sit there is another matter though, as the rear seat is a cramped place to be. However, there’s no denying that it adds some extra practicality to the iQ which is missing from its natural rival, the Smart fortwo.



Power comes from a 1.3 litre, four cylinder engine connected to a continuously variable transmission. With 94 bhp (70 kW / 95 PS) and 120 Nm (89 lb/ft) of torque, the estimated combined EPA fuel economy rating is 37 miles per US gallon (44.4 mpg imperial / 6.4 l/100km).

Scion hasn’t scrimped on the safety features for the iQ. For example, it comes with driver- and front-passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side and cushion airbags, knee airbags and a rear window airbag. That’s eleven airbags in total, with the last one a world first - although given the tiny distance between the rear passengers’ heads and the back of the car, it’s certainly a worthwhile addition.



Also fitted is Scion’s Star Safety System, which comprises anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, smart stop brake override, vehicle stability control, traction control and tyre pressure monitoring.



Standard equipment on the iQ includes Bluetooth and a 160 watt Pioneer AM/FM/CD/HD audio system with USB and aux-in connectivity. Satellite navigation is available via the options list.

Sales will initially be restricted to the west coast, with other parts of the United States due to get the iQ in early 2012. The MSRP has been set at $15,265, which excludes a delivery charge of $730, but includes complimentary servicing for two years or 25,000 miles.



By comparison, current prices for the Smart fortwo coupé range from $13,240 to $15,440, including destination charge.



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