When it comes to classic high-performance race cars, a few names may come to mind. Since 2012, Scion, the Toyota
sub-brand, has been making strides to become one of those many names on the level with its FR-S model. Born in the workshop of the Toyota Racing Development team, the Scion FR-S certainly turns a few heads on the track. And for insurance rates affordable enough to turn a few heads, read on to learn more about an app that can legitimately save you hundreds
on your insurance. The Scion FR-S was inspired by another legendary Toyota vehicle
The concept of the Scion FR-S started in 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show as the FT-86 coupe. When it was conceived, the FR-S was designed to invoke the spirit of the AE86, a legend among import enthusiasts.
After three years of development, Scion unveiled the FR-S in the U.S. at the North American International Auto Show in 2012, though the car was badged as the Toyota GT-86 in other markets. The racing prototype had been developed by Toyota's racing division in cooperation with Subaru and GReddy, who specializes in aftermarket tuning parts. With authentic rear-wheel drive, balanced performance, exceptional handling, and Toyota's history of building cars that can dominate a race, the FR-S race car made an impact before it even hit the track.
How does the Scion FR-S perform on the track?
While the car was introduced to the world at the North American International Auto Show, it made its racing debut in the 2012 Formula DRIFT series. Veteran driver Ken Gushi placed 4th in Round 5: Seattle, showcasing Scion's ability to produce an affordable vehicle that could deliver a top-notch result in a high-performance motorsport like drifting.
What makes the Scion FR-S such an exciting, balanced vehicle?
Knowing the inspiration behind the Scion FR-S, it's easy to ask how it measures up. And thanks to RaceSchool.com
, it's possible to look at the specs behind Toyota Racing Development's rear-wheel-drive sports car. One thing that the FR-S took directly from the AE86 is its ability to be modded for performance. The AE86 gained a following in Japanese tuner culture for the wide range of aftermarket parts available for it. This is one reason why Japanese cars are sometimes considered superior to American-made vehicles in terms of performance and reliability.
The Scion FR-S has an engine with an output of 600 hp with an optional six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The manual transmission will give quick and precise shifts, while the automatic provides powerful upshifts and sporty rev-matched downshifts. Like the AE86 before it, power is transferred from the wheels to the pavement via a limited-slip differential.
With a lightweight design and compact size compared to other racers of its type, the Scion FR-S maintains a lighter weight by utilizing an aluminum hood, a solid roof, and a trunk design instead of a hatchback. As a result, it is nimble coming into and out of corners, with a dynamically tuned suspension that gives the driver a true feeling of control.
The interior design prioritizes control and safety, with a 2+2 seating configuration. The front seats are mounted low, while the rear seats fold down to create extra space. Finally, competition shock absorbers, a full roll cage, a five-point safety harness, and an onboard fire extinguisher system will protect the driver and provide a comfortable and confident racing experience.
And, with an initial base price of $25,600, Scion managed to keep the FR-S affordable while still providing high-level performance. Even later models featured reasonable price tags, with the 2016 FR-S boasting an MSRP range that only gets as high as $30,610.
MORE: Toyota Had a Forgotten Sub-Brand Before Scion
Proper coverage shouldn't be forgotten, either
Whether you're testing your mettle on a challenging race track or braving rush hour traffic, it's vital to have insurance for your vehicle. To ensure you're getting the best value by comparing rates from the top companies to save money, you should turn to Jerry
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