Toyota created the Scion brand in 2002 with purpose of attracting a younger motoring crowd overall than the other divisions in North America. This objective for Scion has been difficult for the brand to achieve. Introduced with two quirky subcompact hatchbacks, Scion has not created the same kind of buzz as the Ford Mustang did in attracting young drivers in the 1960s. The two-door Scion tC at least provided some grounds to consider the brand as hip.
In 2012, Scion received the vehicle they always needed to be trendy when a rear-wheel drive sports car joined the fleet. Almost the exact same vehicle as the Subaru BRZ with some minor changes, the exciting Scion FR-S provided some enthusiast the wayward child of the Toyota Motor Corporation needed in the United States.
Approaching its third year on the market in 2015, some are optimistic we will see something dramatic from the FR-S. At least for the moment, Scion may be leaving some of us wanting more.
So, What are the Changes for 2015?
For 2015, the biggest changes for the upcoming Scion FR-S will come with an overhauled handling. Retuning with a firmer, more stable ride, the front suspension unit of the 2015 Scion FR-S features additional rigidity over the 2014 model year counterpart. Coupled with reworked rear shock absorbers, the 2015 FR-S will exhibit deeper sport handling featuring better driver feedback and reduced body roll.
Aside from the new suspension setup, the 2015 Scion FR-S features some subtle upgrades. New paint colors on the Scion FR-S consists of Steel and Halo replacing outgoing shades Argento and Whiteout. Halo is a pearl white that’ll sett you back an extra $395.
The exhaust tip on the 2015 model will be enlarged and conform to the rear bumper surface. There’s no mention if the larger exhaust tips on the 2015 Scion FR-S will result in a different growl from the engine (the current FR-S has been criticized for sound too tame for a sports car).
Anything Else?
A new shark fin antenna and the inclusion of automatic on/off headlights are additions noted on the outside of the 2015 Scion FR-S. The cabin area of the 2015 FR-S will also feature a carbon fiber look on the car’s interior panel.
While Subaru teased us last year with an April Fool’s Product Announcement for an AWD Turbo Convertible two-seater Diesel Hybrid BRZ model on the same platform as the Scion sports car, we have been seriously expecting some serious improvements to jazz ourselves up about the FR-S. Will there be a production convertible? Will a more potent turbocharged powerplant option be made available on the upcoming Scion FR-S? With details provided for the 2015 Scion FR-S, changes will be made but it reasons to believe it will fall short on the hopes in sports car circles.
How Much will it Cost Me?
The 2015 Scion FR-S will set you back $24,900 (excluding delivery and fees) for the standard 6-speed manual transmission, and if you want the car to shift for you, it’ll cost you an extra $1,100. That’s a $400 increase over last year’s model