By now you’ve seen enough pictures and video of the 2013 Toyota FT 86 / GT 86 and Subaru BRZ to know that there aren’t a lot of differences in styling or specifications between the various brands. Get set to add one more (nearly) identical car to the list, in the form of the Scion FR-S. As we suspected, Scion will use the FR-S to grow sales (and brand awareness) in the United States, which means that you won’t be buying a Toyota FT-86 on these shores.

After many years of making due with current Toyota products, the folks here stateside will have some real excitement in the Toyota line to rejoice about only it will be wearing the Scion badge. The Scion line will now have a total of five vehicles to offer, the xB, xD, iQ, tC, and FR-S. For obvious reasons, the FR-S would be the so-called ‘flagship’ of the bunch.

As with the Toyota and Subaru versions, expect the Scion to be a blank canvas for enthusiasts. By the time the coupe hits the market, you can expect a variety of performance upgrades to be available from Toyota’s TRD and aftermarket suppliers alike. As with Mazda’s MX-5 Miata, those who buy the FR-S to use for track days or autocross won’t be keeping it stock for very long.

The Scion comes with the same 200 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque offered by the Subaru, and we suspect the curb weight will also be in the area of 2,700 pounds. The same six-speed manual and paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmissions will be offered, appealing to both the hardcore enthusiast and the real-world driver who faces a daily commute in rush hour traffic.

Pricing hasn’t been set, but in keeping with Scion’s bang-for-the-buck philosophy we’d expect the FR-S to start in the low $20k range. Expect it to hit Scion dealers in the spring of 2012. For now, you can configure your own Scion FR-S at FRS-Scion.com!

Hit up the press release directly from Toyota for more information and additional specifications on the new 2013 Scion FR-S.

2013 Scion FR-S Brings the SPORT Back to the CAR

– Low center of gravity and lightweight design achieves a “Pure Balance”
– Compact rear-wheel drive sports car makes world debut
– World’s first boxer engine to utilize Toyota’s D4-S direct and port injection system

Los Angeles – November 30, 2011 – Scion tonight unveiled its 2013 FR-S compact rear-wheel drive sports car to a crowd of eager car enthusiasts. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family and will go on sale in the spring of 2012.

The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

“Serving as a laboratory for Toyota, Scion is always experimenting with new things,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “The brand is iconic with the xB, adrenalized by the tC, and groundbreaking with the iQ. The FR-S will no doubt serve as the halo car, expanding Scion into a new dimension of driving performance.”

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports car is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6″ in Japanese. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is designed around the core goal of achieving, “Pure Balance.” The balance begins with the strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and flat shape allow it to be mounted mid-ship and extremely low, giving the car a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio of 53:47 and a low center of gravity comparable to some exotic supercars.

The FR-S’s 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is the result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. The partnership begins by combining Subaru’s newly developed horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in an impressive 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

“We all know that it’s not hard to make horsepower and torque, but it is hard to do all that and still achieve impressive fuel economy,” Hollis said. “The FR-S accomplishes all three.”

The flat-four mates with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts with a short-throw; while the automatic transmission features aggressive up shifts and sporty rev-matched down shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is transferred to the pavement via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of “Pure Balance” is further realized by the FR-S’s lightweight design and compact size. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of corners, with dynamic maneuverability and confident handling. The coupe’s weight is kept to a minimum by utilizing an aluminum hood, a solid roof, and by featuring a trunk design instead of a hatchback.

The FR-S’s low weight is matched with a dynamically tuned suspension setup consisting of MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone system in the rear. Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and ventilated disc brakes are on all four corners.

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a solid reflection of its inner power. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood and roof-line that is remarkably sleek and low, giving it an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. The low stance continues to exaggerate the coupe’s menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights. The aggressive front fenders protrude upward and boast the iconic ’86′ piston emblem, which highlights the car’s AE86 heritage as well as its unique new boxer engine. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system. LEDs illuminate the edgy taillights, while center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design.

The FR-S’s interior features a 2+2 seating configuration that is designed with both form and function in mind. The front seats are mounted extremely low and are comfortable yet assertive, while the rear seat folds down flat, creating flexible space. The large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster, keeping the driver informed of the engine’s vitals. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges.

Scion FR-S Preliminary Specifications
Length: 166.7 in.
Width: 69.9 in.
Height: 51.2 in. (not including antenna base)
Wheelbase: 101.2 in.
Track
– Front: 59.8 in.
– Rear: 60.6 in.
Seating capacity: 4
Engine
Total displacement: 1,998 cc
Type: Horizontally opposed four-cylinder, D-4S injection, DOHC
Bore × stroke: 86 × 86 mm.
Maximum output: 200hp @ 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 151 lb.-ft. @ 6,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Driveline: Rear-wheel drive
Suspension
– Front: MacPherson struts
– Rear: Double wishbone
Brakes
– Front: Ventilated Disc
– Rear: Ventilated Disc
Tires
– Front: 215/45R17
– Rear: 215/45R17
Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
Fuel: Premium Unleaded