It has gotten a bit hard to refer to the Scion FR-S, because it has different names all over the world. Here in the U.S at least, it will be sold as the Scion FR-S and Subaru BR-Z. They are both nearly identical. In this instance though, we think we’re content to let Toyota get a pass for rebadging. If this all turns out well in terms of sales, we think the development of this car will be a significant event in the history of Toyota.
As has been reported (to death over the course of the past few years), Toyota and Subaru co-developed the car. A lot of it was Subaru’s doing, and they are the ones who will actually be manufacturing the cars. Yasayuki Yoshinaga, president of Fuji Heavy Industries (which owns Subaru) said via FT86club.com that the company will produce 100,000 units per year of the car. That includes the Scion FR-S, Subaru BR-Z and Toyota FT-86/86 in all its variations. Globally that 100,000 units doesn’t seem like that much, but it is probably just about right if you have a long-term outlook. There will be more pent up demand at the beginning. Hello price gouging.
We’ll see. New today is pricing information for the FR-S. Varying amounts have been bandied about up until now, but nothing official. The car’s MSRP checks in at $24,930, coming in at the higher end of cost estimates for the FR-S. That is the base price, before options and it includes the six-speed manual as standard. Mileage is quoted at 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway for the FR-S equipped with a manual transmission.
A good many of FR-S examples sold will probably be equipped with the manual – pricing for the automatic is TBA. With a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder in the FR-S making 200 horsepower, there are definitely other cars you can get that have more power for the money.
We don’t think this car’s buyers will care too much about that though – the FR-S has a different allure. Besides, the aftermarket will be happy to oblige with extra power. That is, until Toyota/Subaru decide to strap a turbo or supercharger on there…..
