2013 Scion FR-S Review: Exterior
What’s New for 2013:
- Front-engine
- Rear-drive
- Sport
How It Looks:
The Scion FR-S is clearly Japanese, looking like one of those generic sports cars created by video game makers too cheap to license the rights to the real thing. Add a healthy dose of anime-inspired exaggeration, which is really noticeable as you run your hands over the car during a wash, combined with cab-rearward proportions, swollen fenders, and an angry visage, and the FR-S definitely stands out from a crowd.
My favorite FR-S detail is the “86” badge located just aft of the faux front fender vent. My least favorite FR-S detail is the wheel design. Lots of automakers are employing machined-finish multi-spoke wheels with black painted pockets now, and these split-spoke rims look both plain and delicate. Plus, they’re identical to what Subaru bolts onto the BRZ. I definitely think there’s an opportunity for Scion dealers to upsell FR-S buyers with a variety of Toyota Racing Development wheels in both 17- and 18-inch sizes.