Scion FR-S

SPECIFICATIONS

1. At 2,758 lbs the Scion FR-S weighs 604 lbs less than the lightest Hyundai Genesis Coupe. 2. Sold in a monospec form without any expensive option packages the FR-S costs $24,200 for the 6-speed manual and $25,300 for the automatic. 3. Scion will offer an aero kit for the car by Five:AD, making the FR-S look nearly identical to the concept version. 4. Other a la carte options include upgraded brakes, thicker sway bars, lowering springs and a TRD exhaust.

PREVIEW

Back behind the wheel after our first drive several months back in Japan and we’re learning more about the Scion FR-S.

On the tight and technical Spring MountainMotorsports Ranch 1.5 mile loop it’s the faster corners that really emphasize just how light the car is. Having recently driven the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe on the same course, the differences between these two comparable rear-drive sports cars becomes more obvious.

Weighing in at just 2,758 lbs the FR-S is a massive 604 lbs lighter than the Hyundai, something you really feel when sliding through the fast corner onto the front straight. With plenty of speed heading into the turn you expect the FR-S to track out to the limits of the wide front straight, but it doesn’t. With so little mass, it stays tucked in; an immediate sign that more corner entry speed is possible.

INTERIOR

One of the few places the FR-S is open to criticism is the dash, with HVAC dials that look borrowed directly from a car that’s already been on the road for a decade. The faux carbon fiber on the dash isn’t the car’s best feature either. Worst of all is the stereo face, which looks so low grade it’s insulting.

The unit does make 300 watts of power and uses eight speakers, though those who prefer can opt for the upgraded BeSpoke audio system with a 5.8-inch LCD screen and numerous apps that let you do everything from check your Facebook wall to view and send Tweets.

As for other standard equipment, the list includes keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB and iPod hookups. Even the FR-S branded floor mats are standard, which might not sound like much, but it’s much better than being asked to pay for them after. Sold in what Scion calls “monospec” there are no pricey option packs meaning that unlike other cars on the market, the base price is the price. And to make it even more attractive, Scion will throw in two years of free maintenance.

UNDER THE HOOD

As for the powerplant, it’s the key to much of the clever packaging of the FR-S, with the Subaru-sourced flat-four boxer engine capable of sitting much lower down in the car, as well as much further back. Fitted with a Toyota direct injection system it makes a modest 200 hp at a high-revving 7000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 6600 rpm. That last number is a bit of an understatement, however, as almost all of that torque is readily available from just 2500 rpm.

Some will complain that the FR-S is underpowered. They, however, have missed the whole point of the car and in this light package just 200 hp is enough to challenge you.

Adding more power would also add more price and at just $24,200 to start, the FR-S has lived up to its billing as an affordable sports car.