When the FT-86 concept was unveiled last year at the New York International Auto Show, I was skeptical as to whether or not the production model would look anything like the concept. The concept car was edgy, sleek, and sexy – everything it should be. I was ecstatic when I saw the first shots of the production version of the Scion FR-S. It was everything I had hoped for and more.
Scion says that "FR-S" stands for Front-engine Rear-wheel-drive Sport. Even though the FR-S isn't the first car to be created with all three of these attributes, they decided it was a fitting name for the only sports car in their lineup. In the last 50 years, I would estimate that over 80% of other sports cars follow this drivetrain configuration. Scion improved upon this style of car by including just enough technology to help the driver without hindering the driving experience. They also made the FR-S affordable and practical enough that just about enthusiast wanting a sports car could justify it. Akio Toyoda (president of Toyota) dreamed of a car that could bring passion back to their lineup. By pooling resources with Subaru, they did just that.
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Here's an excellent video review of the new Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ in America) by Nino Karotta out of Europe (Hungary?). It's extremely well done with great footage and editing by OMG Visuals. The music ties into the video perfectly and Nino's commentary is spot on. This is by far the best video review I've seen describing the car and the quality reminds me of something from Top Gear.
Make sure to Like Nino's Facebook page as I'm sure he will continue to produce these great video reviews.
Now I really want to test drive an FR-S…
This is a follow-up article to our 2012 Scion iQ Initial Impressions article from a couple weeks ago. Megan, the owner of the Scion iQ I photographed, ended up finding the article and commenting on it. Since I wasn't able to test drive the iQ, I thought the next best thing would be to get her thoughts on the car with an interview.
ImportMeet.com:
What make/model of car did you previously drive? How does the iQ compare?
Megan:
The last two cars I had were Toyota/Scion. I had a 2008 Toyota Prius, but I ended up not being able to afford the payments. I then had a 2009 Scion xB that I thought I would have until the wheels fell off, but I wasn’t pleased with the gas mileage. I did love how the car drove and how much stuff I could get in it, though. Since I primarily just drive myself to work I felt I could get a smaller car. I love the Scion brand and the iQ surely is distinct in its own way.
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Update: Check out our interview with the owner of this car here.
Love them or hate them, small fuel efficient cars continue to change the automotive landscape. Scion decided to target this market directly by bringing another model to their growing lineup. Enter the 2012 Scion iQ.
I happened to be fortunate enough to privately view one of the first iQ's sold in Washington State. Although the iQ didn't officially launch until today, Wilson Motors provided me the opportunity to take some photos before their first one was delivered to its owner. While some of these images may appear squished, I can assure you that they are actual size – the iQ is that small in person. The color of this particular iQ is called Hot Lava and it's stunning in person. I can only hope that the Scion FR-S wil be available in this color as well.
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I recently had the opportunity to drive a brand new Storm Silver Metallic 2011 Honda CR-Z. When this car was first announced, along with many other Honda fans, I was ecstatic. I was quickly let down when I found out that they only planned on offering the CR-Z as a hybrid in the US. While I understand Honda's logic behind marketing the car to a younger, more environmentally friendly demographic, I think the potential for this car is huge. Had they placed a K-series in the car – even a K20 from the base model RSX – this car would have gotten a lot more interest.
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