A few months ago the U.S. Patent office gave us a hint that the production version of Toyota's FT-86 Concept would bear the name "FR-S," short-hand for "front-rear sport," the engine-drive layout of the coupe-to-be. Today, the word on the Web is that it won't be a Toyota at all, but a Scion.
Whether that fills your heart with joy or sadness, it may be a smart move on Toyota's part. The Scion brand, premised on a connection with urban themes and younger buyers, has hit a bit of a wall with its current vehicle lineup. Injecting something a bit more Fast & Furious might be just what it needs. Conversely, the ostensible adrenaline of the FR-S fits in with the rest of Toyota's lineup about as well as a speed-metal band at an old folk's home.
Those seeking real excitement from the FT-86 platform, however, are likely to buy the car branded as a Subaru. Scion's version is expected to get a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat four-cylinder rated around 200 horsepower. Subaru's, on the other hand, could see output as high as 260 horsepower thanks to the addition of a turbocharger.
Whatever flavor you favor, you won't get to taste it until late in 2011.
[Nikkei]
