Automotive
Scion FR-S: The Affordable Driver’s Coupe from Toyota and Subaru
The Scion FR-S was the U.S. market version of a global sports car collaboration between Toyota and Subaru - known internationally as the Toyota GT86 and the Subaru BRZ. As part of Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand, the FR-S was launched as an affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupe built for driving purists on a budget. The three models shared the same core engineering and platform, but the FR-S carried unique Scion branding and minor trim differences, effectively making it a badge-engineered variant of the joint-venture vehicle.
Launched in 2012, the Scion FR-S quickly became known for delivering a balanced and lightweight chassis, a rev-happy engine, and exceptional handling. Under the hood sat a 2.0-liter Subaru-sourced flat-four boxer engine, naturally aspirated and engineered with Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection system - an advanced setup borrowed from Lexus that utilized both direct and port fuel injection. This combination produced 200 horsepower and was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The engine’s low mounting point helped keep the car’s center of gravity down, while the front-mid engine layout and rear-wheel-drive setup yielded a nearly ideal 53:47 weight distribution.
On the outside, the FR-S bore close resemblance to its Toyota GT86 sibling, save for unique Scion badging and slight tweaks to the front fascia and lighting. The body lines were clean and athletic, with a low-slung profile, muscular fenders, and a sleek roofline - a nod to Toyota’s iconic 2000GT sports car. Though the Scion brand itself was short-lived (Toyota shuttered it in 2016), the FR-S served as a highlight of its lineup and a final hurrah for affordable enthusiast-focused cars under the Scion name. It was also the most affordable model among the GT86/BRZ/FR-S trio, with a base price in the mid-$20,000 range.
Inside, the Scion FR-S featured a minimalist, driver-centric cockpit. The dashboard design again paid homage to the 2000GT, with a low beltline and excellent outward visibility. Two well-bolstered front seats held occupants firmly in place during spirited driving, though the rear seats were best reserved for small items or occasional passengers. Materials leaned toward basic plastics, consistent with the car’s value-oriented mission, but the layout was clean and functional. Higher-spec models offered modern amenities like touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth connectivity, push-button start, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and in automatic models, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Performance enthusiasts appreciated the inclusion of a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, which gave the FR-S sharper throttle response during cornering and enhanced its tail-happy, playful demeanor. Thanks to its light weight (approximately 2,800 lbs), responsive steering, and rear-drive layout, the FR-S became an instant favorite among grassroots racers, drift hobbyists, and weekend canyon carvers.
Today, owners of the Scion FR-S continue to enjoy the spirited performance and distinctive style of this modern classic - and they turn to SherlockLock when they need trusted, certified Scion locksmith services. From lost key fobs and emergency lockouts to ignition repairs and ECU reprogramming, SherlockLock delivers fast, reliable, and dealership-level service at an affordable price. As a brand that understands and supports enthusiast vehicles, SherlockLock ensures your FR-S stays secure and road-ready with OEM-grade tools and unmatched expertise. Whether your coupe is bone-stock or track-prepped, SherlockLock is your go-to locksmith for all Scion FR-S security needs.
Though the Scion FR-S was discontinued after the Scion brand dissolved in 2016, it lived on as the Toyota 86 under the main Toyota badge. Its legacy remains as one of the most rewarding affordable sports cars of its era - one that brought the joy of driving back into the mainstream, backed today by services like SherlockLock that keep these icons alive and secure.
