Scion just announced details for its first rear-wheel drive model, the FR-S. The FR-S, which stands for “Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive Sport”, seems reminiscent of one of the first Asian imports to garner respect in the performance segment, the Datsun 240z/Nissan S30. Like the 240, the FR-S also seems targeted at the same market – people who want a real sports car that won’t clean out their wallet. The 2+2 seat, four-cylinder front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, echo the 240, but it’s the lines of the FR-S that really bring back memories of the first Asian “Z”.
Available in a six-speed manual or automatic, FR-S comes with a 2.0 liter flat-four cylinder engine pushing an impressive 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of giddy-up to move the FR-S’s 2,758 pound body (2,806lbs with the automatic) out and down the road. Other features of the FR-S are 17×7 inch alloy wheels, ventilated disc brakes all around, double wishbone rear suspension, and aluminum hood for lighter weight, limited slip 4:10 rear end and even the rear seats fold down for extra storage. Not bad for an MSRP of around $25,000.
