2013 Scion FR-S Track Test (Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ) by DSPORT

[@metallicsilver]

THIS IS THE BEST EVERYDAY SPORTS CAR DESIGN I HAVE EVER LAID EYES ON! AWESOME!!!

[@PhantomGett]

Man, you guys are lucky! I'm sure some of you would resent that as I'm sure it takes more work than I can imagine to be an automotive journalist, but seriously, you guys get to test some of the coolest cars and parts and help people like me make an informed decision! Go DSport!

[@BallBlister]

just drove one today and my god. its amazingg!!

[@DoctorBJ]

@alitap the FR-S is sold as a scion in the US, the GT86 is sold as a toyota in europe.

[@ravenstylea2]

I can see myself already adding an intake, race header, and a tune to it. I want this car now!

[@MrSocialist]

So the 2013 Mustang 305hp V6 curb weight is 3,470lbs. Power to weight ratio for that is 11.3hp per pound. The BRZ weighs 2,700lbs. With 200hp, that's a 13.5 hp per pound ratio. Add to that weight distribution, 54%-46%, while the BRZ is 53%-47%.

[@hiccup87]

The 0-60 time is due to an overactive rev limiter that forces a 3rd gear shift at 59.2 mph. It's really closer to 6-6.5 seconds.

[@GTGrabberblue]

If you take a look at the dyno you can see there is plenty of room for improvement with just a tune. you could possibly get up to 220-230HP with just an intake and tune. there are also a couple supercharger kits in development.

[@GTGrabberblue]

NO, the weight distribution of the BRZ is 53:47 with two passengers in the car. The weight distribution of the car itself is 55:45. Read the actual press release where they specify this, not a summarized version. Motortrend put the car on their own scale and measured a 55:45 weight distribution. Inside line measured the car at 55.7:44.3 as well.

[@arameh]

There is a reason why the GTR paddle shifting is stationary rather than mobile with the steering wheel. You aren't supposed to shift on any corners, you only shift on straights, unless your intention is to drift. Just thought i should mention that it's not a design flaw, but a solution.

[@mpalm887]

Yep, torsen for standard. Mechanical rumored to be coming.

[@Inokea]

@dsportmag The power increases for the upcoming Genesis models should help move the weight around a bit better.

[@114avataraang]

What are the cosmetic differences between the fr-s and the br-z? I think the headlights are a little different and obviously the badge. Any options that one provides but not the other?

[@djbrissette]

@fastblasterxxx it isn't. but MAYBE subaru will release a turbocharged STI version as they've teased. But they never confirmed it would be turbo nor if it will go to production

[@DoctorBJ]

@colenbrak imo you can't really compare the two. the gen coupe is like a foot and a half longer (166in vs 182in), and weighs about 600lbs more (2700lbs vs 3300lbs). the scion is a small compact car while the genesis is a large coupe. the FR-S will be faster in a straight line (~6.5s vs 6.9s) and generally offer better handling, but entry price will be more than the 2.0T genesis. if you're going to compare it to anything, the mazda MX-5 is the most similar to the FR-S

[@katanamast279]

Will the US version have the same interior as the GT86, with the push button start and the toggle switches?

[@DoctorBJ]

@alitap well yeah small aesthetic details that dont really matter. more importantly they are mechanically the same, but marketed under different brands.

[@TheSupercat2468]

....also does this come mechanical throttle and will the american version be able to completely disable the traction control.

[@MrSocialist]

You proved me right on the power to weight ratio of the BRZ. The weight distribution is 53-47. "We can also confirm that the BRZ will tip the scales at just 2,689 pounds, leading to an almost ideal 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution." Admit you were wrong.

[@SoloPr0ductions]

do you think the scion frs will have an option where you can get the original toyota 86 headlights?

[@Xilent_Nexus]

nice, looking foward to this car. this thing must be in 14 sec thanks to it weight. With a proper tune, intake, exhasut, reflah is going to be a hell of fun in the street.

[@lilkevine]

why were the rear lights changed? i really enjoyed its futuristic aggressive look from the rear!

[@titusdrakemovies]

Hey Dsport, how is the interior space on the FR-S? I am 6'5 and i fit in the Ford Mustang just fine, but i don't know about the FR-s

[@RooT2K20]

The question is.. how does the auto gearbox shift ? Does it feel like a 10y old BMW auto gearbox or does it have more like almost a DSG feel to it ? I sure will testdrive both, but I haven't found a clear answer to my question yet. I want to hear the upshift speed, hear the rev match when downshifting!!

[@raihanysr]

What a video! I’m so excited for this car. There’s a ton of news about the car on fast86.net. pretty cool

[@Trades46]

@andbudzi If there is one thing that modern drivers need to know, is that hp doesn't dictate how fun a car is. Rewind 20-30 years ago when Toyota released the Corolla coupe in 1986 with state-of-the-art DOHC 16 valve 1.6l engine, the car only made 140hp. Still weak by any standards. The charm about it was the car's simplicity, lightweight design, low price and above all, the way it responds to the driver. Toyota is trying hard to achieve such goal with the FR-S/GT86, and it looks good.

[@slay7anicprophet]

hey guys im going to be in the market for a new car here in about a month and have researched this vehicle for a while now. i was curious... did they give you a release date?

[@DoctorBJ]

@senorcrazyeyes i agree with what youre saying to that guy but i thought the 3.8 is 3400lbs. the FR-S is only 2700, so 700lb diff?

[@richie2nice]

exactly, but i found out that the chassis was designed for low hp, so upping the hp with aftermarket upgrades will be pointless. look up gtchannel gt86 video. I really wish, tho that this car was designed with 250hp instead of 200, then it would perfect.

[@ChickinSammichMan]

@armedwithturtles In Japan, and parts of Europe I believe, it is marketed as a Toyota and Subaru, while the Subaru is also marketed here in the USA, along with Scion, which is just a sub-brand of Toyota, targeting young people. It was a co-development project between Toyota and Subaru, so hence the double branding. Subaru handled mechanics, Toyota did styling.

[@vash241987]

is this magazine still out? I need to pick one up

[@mrdiaz0108]

Cant wait to see the 2013 FR-S and Gen. coupe 2.0t Battle it out in the streets soon!

[@metaljar02]

@Suesky but the integra is fwd??

[@junkie0423]

it looks to be an interesting platform, in it's stock trim and it's current specs that you guys managed to pull out, it could be a serious contender. maybe sooner or later when prior or during release we can see some serious modifications to see its potential... will it do the same if not better than the hyundai genesis coupe?! though idk much about some of these current platforms and i have yet to build my own car up we will just see... like always i'll keep reading dsport

[@426Fitz]

the one with the switchs is the special edition

[@thegoodguysteve]

how would the acceleration and drivability compare to a Volkswagen GTI?

[@memphis407]

so it true that the subaru will be on a limited run of only 6000 cars and is that also true for the scion

[@memphis407]

base price for the scion is 24 grand and for the subaru is 25 grand both look almost the same except for badges and the front bumper is different.

[@Bristecom]

@Lyrical00Messiah He was comparing the center of gravity to more expensive performance cars. Although with that said, it was still a bad comparison because those are much larger cars with turbochargers and intercoolers (higher engines).

[@Reapers261]

Why was this guy driveing with on hand on the wheel and one on the shifter? I thought your suppose to have both hands on the wheel unless your shifting.

[@shikori7]

@ilovemyGenesisCoupe It does stick to the road like glue as many reviewers have been saying.

[@rustyATV]

So it's got the 86 name, when's the matchup with the AE86?

[@gigas81]

Fair enough. I'll wait until the spec'd versions of these come out of the factory before I consider one. One with lighter wheels, still naturally aspirated and still will be under $29,000 after taxes.

[@Dance1617]

Why would you need left and right hand drive versions?

[@satinderjit4]

for different countries.

[@ORbZ909]

i cant wait till i get my brz also, but ima have to wait a year till the sti comes out

[@TheVengefulCo]

@Hayabusa107 Turn your volume up bro, i can definitely hear it. It has a non turbo boxer engine so it should have a similar tone.

[@Sagr1987]

@dahgutone Ok. What's wrong with V6 Mustangs?

[@skew613]

how easy will it be to boost power?

[@sebastienh78]

I don't see how this car can give me a good experience behind the wheel with time as tested by Edmunds Inside Line like this : 0-60 : 7.3 sec, 60-0 : 114ft and a skid pad of .92g and a slalom of 69.1 MPH. This car is a couple of years off and it's not for sale yet! I know it's not a number car but to be fun it has to have something.

[@fleetingdays]

Excellent video.

[@GTGrabberblue]

the BRZ has a weight distribution of 55%-45%.... and last i checked 3,470 < 4000, and 11.3 < 13.5. you just can't get anything right can you?

[@garnettbobo]

so they have one car but there under 3 different car manufactures?

[@pex3]

thoughts vs. gen coupe?

[@ImportRace]

Great video. I like it.

[@Sagr1987]

@dahgutone What's wrong with a V6?...or you mean "a V6 Mustang"

[@Bristecom]

@Suesky Why? That's a front wheel drive car that isn't even made anymore. Not really worth comparing IMO. The S2000, RX-8, MX-5, 370Z, or Genesis Coupe would make better comparisons.

[@Hangule4]

@kyle7300 Can you quote that from COBB?? I was talking to one of their engineers and I was under the impression they only focus on turbo cars :( but that's not a problem if they come out w/ a turbo version ;)

[@shikori7]

@ilovemyGenesisCoupe This is the base version, subaru and toyota are releasing faster versions with over 300hp. You can't just drop a turbocharger in the car without redisigning the chasis, or you will ruin the low cog and compromise the handling which makes the car fun to drive. That will only increase this cars chances of winning a drag race.

[@titusdrakemovies]

@as072091 we don't know yet. its all about the FEEL of the car. but yes if I'm not satisfied with FR-S i will be buying a Mustang..

[@s5pitfire]

edit: would say 300+ hp but its a fairly light car, and you can always turn up the boost :)

[@RhakarkX]

i dunno why but that black-and-white-spiraled FRS freaked me out for some reason

[@ghostlyrich]

such a cool car.

[@Sagr1987]

@as072091 It definitely seems so. But don't forget this car won't be competing with the Mustang AT ALL. If anything it is competing with the MX-5. It's a bit larger and a but more powerful, but also that tiny bit more convenient. I have a V6 (not performance pack) and it is fun to drive and feels great but it won't feel as good as an MX-5 or even one of these.

[@Javierm0n0]

@Lyrical00Messiah most likely because those cars are, by opinion of the enthusiasts who love them, amazing in the handling department. And the FR-S, BRZ FT-86, is supposed to kick some major ass in that department. Granted they have more power but power means nothing at a 20 mph turn when you've just come from 80 on a back straight. I wouldn't agree with civic class but Genisis definitely. I can see where your coming from. What about the miata?

[@admiraljimmy]

How did all this talk about mustangs get on this page lol? These new cars(the FRS and the BRZ) look fantastic, sound fantastic, and most importantly we now know they handle great too. Looking at how he went around that track it doesn't look like it's too tail happy, looks like it's got great steering feel, and it'd probably make a great AutoCrosser. I can't wait to test drive both to see if either can change my mind about the next car I buy.

[@armedwithturtles]

i dont understand why this car is called three different things. can someone explain?

[@sebastienh78]

Let's look at the numbers as tested by MT and Inside line Mustang V6 : 3421 lbs 11 lbs/hp( not over 4000) 0-60mph : 5.1 sec 1/4 mile : [e-mail] 60-0 : 104 ft Skidpad : 0.96G Subaru BRZ 2800 lbs 14lbs/HP 0-60 : 7.3 sec , 1/4 mile : 15.30@92.1 MPH , 60-0 114 ft Skidpad : 0.92G. So the V6 Mustang win everywere. Sometimes it's better not talking and look ignorant than to talk and prove it

[@Osa1501]

I am diffinetly considering purchasing this car. However I hate the interior. But who cars, it can be customized.

[@Teraraza]

Haha i guess you do have a point there on the prius tires.. I guess we'll just have to wait and see for first hand info..

[@geistcarlo]

TOYOTA 86/SUBARU BRZ How much? Less than $40,000 On sale: June 2012 (Subaru still to decide) Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl Power: 147kW at 7000rpm Torque: 205Nm at 6600rpm Fuel use and emissions: About 7.0L/100km, emissions not available Weight: 1230kg, 1250kg (auto) Length: 4240mm Width: 1775mm Height: 1300mm Track: 1520mm front, 1540mm rear Wheelbase: 2570mm Wheels/Tyres: Toyota: 18-inch, 215/40 (front), 225/40 (rear), Subaru: 16-inch, 215/45 (front and rear), optional 17-inch

[@e32amgfinatic]

@TheDylan222222 Yes I have, I've had2 foxbody's, My father had 3 and a friend of mine had one. Don't assume.

[@AlrightyAaron]

I think I am gonna get one!

[@Carsporttt]

did he say 54/47 weight balance?

[@DRiFTKiTTy27]

@Umaxen totaly agree

[@e32amgfinatic]

@TheDylan222222 cool, your 87 GT makes about 25hp more than this 4 cylinder while having more than twice the displacement.

[@nexorabolis]

I hate to say it cause i love the car, but that exhaust not has got to go. Really hoping theres a big aftermarket for this on release day.

[@richie2nice]

thanks

[@McFly2015AD]

@Bristecom I imagine you like the sound of your own vacuum cleaner then

[@pex3]

@DRFTmonkeh i dunno about more expensive... and i'm going to compare the 2 because they are both asian sport coupes with 2.0 t's

[@SansooIan]

As expected, the martyr becomes what he had been convicting another to be by resorting to internet flaming, to hide the fact that he had learned something new. What I had just told you was taught in business 101 back when I was a freshman in college. Way to prove your "Oh so extensive" knowledge. Derpp

[@Hangule4]

@TheSupercat2468 Most likely not a mechanical throttle...very few cars coming out have that (none as far as I know but I'm probably wrong somewhere) but ya from what test drives have shown, all your electronic nannys can be turned off!! :)

[@bliglum]

@QcWordUp 2jz in a little car like that would be overkill.. Overpriced, overpowered and overweight.. They just need a turbocharger option on this cars flat 4. That would deliver plenty of power.

[@docjekyll2002]

I drove this car today. Too bad the salesman didnt let me test the handling much. The manual transmission is excellent. Very short throw shifting. The engine noise is cool but i wish it was louder like in civic si. The roof is way too low for tall people though. I think im going to get a wrx for 4 doors, awd and turbo still. Unless they come out with factory supercharged/turbo fr-s

[@richie2nice]

I so agree with you. 200hp is ok in a lighter, 2300lb civic. but in a heavier, 2800lb rwd car...its just not enough.

[@TehWatchman]

remember this car is all about aftermarket support, and a super low center of gravity

[@DimV95]

future drift cars!

[@cbeck611]

the mustang and camaro both have a better power to weight ratio i dont know where you got that from the balance of the car is what makes it so much better than a camaro and mustang the honda s2000 has a better power to weight ratio too, the fr-s isnt fast in a straight line but as soon as they are available people are going to be putting turbo kits on them

[@hydroboy35th]

STI version please!

[@jkbowens100]

@TheMiles302 yeap and im sure the looks will grow on me they always do. know that i think about it the concept may have been to much and wouldve went againt what scion stands for and are known for which is to deliever a fun sports car or just a car for people like us to build upon and turn into something truely amazing from all aspects of performance and looks.so by scion keeping the final build simple yet with enough looks and performance for its class to appeal to the mass they achived

[@shikori7]

Also what people don't get is that faster =/= more fun. Grippier wider tires for example mean it takes that much more speed/work to get it to break traction. If you think brute speed is what makes a car fun, go buy a used Pontiac (Holden) GTO, or a V6 Mustang.

[@dsubversion]

The FT-86 is classic, light weight sports car design. I am glad Toyota released this in the US market, but it's a shame that it's a badged as a Scion... the brand is not impressive to say the least.

[@gigas81]

Okay a Lotus, Noble and Caterham have handling too. But even those cars have a balance where theres enough power to complement the car. "Some" FF cars have good acceleration, not all (SVT Focus stock would lose to a Scion FR S). But Toyota's not getting off the hook this time :P. The honda civic gets 201HP and its a economy car! The FRS and BRZ are supposed to be sports cars with emphasis on the sport. When more road tests are done, the real deal will be known.

[@zbabar3000]

does it have LSD?

[@richie2nice]

no disrespect but its was not built to be any faster than it is. they market it as a tunable for profit reasons. the chassis was design for low hp. the front was design heacier for this reason. adding weight upfront will upset the balance. look up gt channel gt86 if you dont believe me

[@MrSocialist]

The 2012 Camaro has a curb weight of 3,780lbs with a 323hp V6, 11.7hp per pound. The FR-S and BRZ have better balance, better power to weight ratios, and better gas mileage.

[@MichaelApodaca]

I love this car!!!

[@yoyohi51]

for a sport car under 40k, that's pretty badass.

[@sebastienh78]

Totally right my friend, if they sell this car for 15,000 cool car, at 25,000 there is much better on the market

[@Bristecom]

@McFly2015AD The 2.5L turbo boxer sounds obnoxious to me. This sounds smoother and more like a Mitsubishi. Not great but I still prefer it over the grumbly Subarus.

[@dendrov]

3:55 wanna put some more cameras on that thing???