Automobile mag first test of FR-S

[Sport-Tech]

Definitely something to check out on a test drive - how comfortable are you going to be with a screaming engine when you are trying to change lanes quickly on an arterial road?

People complain about the delayed throttle response of a turbo, but if you suddenly see an opportunity to overtake but have to downshift to do it (whereas you don't in the turbo), that delay will be MUCH longer than the turbo's.

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Honestly, this car probably isn't for you. Look at this dyno:



Peak horsepower isn't until 7000 RPM. You're going to have to take the engine to redline to get your full money's worth. If you only want to rev to 5000 RPM on the street, for instance, then you're effectively driving a 150 hp (130 whp) car, not 200.

If you haven't spent seat time in a small displacement, normally-aspirated car before, it may be worthwhile to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. I used to drive an RSX with *only* 160hp/140tq (2700 lb) and it was fine, but I also was willing to redline the engine when necessary (making passes on uphills, highways, etc.) That was part of the "fun" of that car.

You're about to laugh when I tell you this. I drive a 160hp/140tq RSX base since 07 and the engine is the only part of the car I despise.

[Spaceywilly]

Originally Posted by Scion FR-S

Definitely something to check out on a test drive - how comfortable are you going to be with a screaming engine when you are trying to change lanes quickly on an arterial road?

People complain about the delayed throttle response of a turbo, but if you suddenly see an opportunity to overtake but have to downshift to do it (whereas you don't in the turbo), that delay will be MUCH longer than the turbo's.

After reading this comment, I can definitely tell you the FRS is not for you. If you don't want to rev the engine this car won't be any better for you than the RSX. You would be happier with any of the turbo cars mentioned in the article.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

You're about to laugh when I tell you this. I drive a 160hp/140tq RSX base since 07 and the engine is the only part of the car I despise.

Hahaha... that is pretty funny. Auto or stick?

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Hahaha... that is pretty funny. Auto or stick?

Auto and yes I know the stick had better acceleration by .8 seconds.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Auto and yes I know the stick had better acceleration by .8 seconds.

Yeah stick makes a big difference on small engines. Personally I loved that old RSX. I always felt it had just enough power for the street... I would redline it and still be below the speed limit Oh yeah, and 30 mpg in mostly city driving. Great car, it's probably the main reason I'm looking into a BRZ now.

Try the BRZ in stick if you can. I have a feeling it's much peppier that way.

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Yeah stick makes a big difference on small engines. Personally I loved that old RSX. I always felt it had just enough power for the street... I would redline it and still be below the speed limit Oh yeah, and 30 mpg in mostly city driving. Great car, it's probably the main reason I'm looking into a BRZ now.

Try the BRZ in stick if you can. I have a feeling it's much peppier that way.

Yeah it seems to be the only way to get the BRZ. I was hoping the auto could be a as quick as well.

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by Spaceywilly

After reading this comment, I can definitely tell you the FRS is not for you. If you don't want to rev the engine this car won't be any better for you than the RSX. You would be happier with any of the turbo cars mentioned in the article.

Just putting a position out there, not saying I buy the argument. I have to rev my current car pretty high to get the most out of it and I don't find it a problem. If I am driving in a situation where I think I will have to pass on sudden notice I stay in a lower gear.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

I think you might be reading into my statement too much.

I'm saying that I would sacrifice 400rpm for the additional torque and power a 2.5L would bring.

I am not saying the FT needs the torque. I have a BRZ on order and I'm eagerly looking forward to getting it.

But I don't think the small bump in torque that the extra .5L adds would be a bad thing. It doesn't need it, but I wouldn't mind having it.

.5L extra is looking around ^~9% extra tq... so less than give or take about 10tq & don't forget boxer is well know for lack of redline. If you increase the tq, redline drop like crazy (GC8 vs 22B is a good example).

After test driving it, let me know, if you think you need more tq. Cuz I thought, it had well enough for DD. More tq = crappy MPG... & I don't want that in DD car

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

.5L extra is looking around ^~9% extra tq... so less than give or take about 10tq & don't forget boxer is well know for lack of redline. If you increase the tq, redline drop like crazy (GC8 vs 22B is a good example).

After test driving it, let me know, if you think you need more tq. Cuz I thought, it had well enough for DD. More tq = crappy MPG... & I don't want that in DD car

Again, not saying it needs, just that I wouldn't mind having more.

And Subaru already has 7K redline 2.5L boxers, so I think it's reasonable. I just think they chose 2.0L for emissions and tax reasons (I believe some countries tax by CO2 output and others by displacement).

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

Again, not saying it needs, just that I wouldn't mind having more.

And Subaru already has 7K redline 2.5L boxers, so I think it's reasonable. I just think they chose 2.0L for emissions and tax reasons (I believe some countries tax by CO2 output and others by displacement).

Where? Which one? Which engine? Did I miss it?

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

Where? Which one? Which engine? Did I miss it?

Every US 2.5L STI has a 7K redline. EJ257 I believe.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

Every US 2.5L STI has a 7K redline. EJ257 I believe.

You're thinking 2L ver STI. US 2.5L STI gauge looks like this

[bimmerboy]

@ichitaka05- Incorrect:

2004-2007 USDM STi's w/ EJ257 had 7k redlines stock:


Similarly, 2004-2007 JDM STi's with the EJ207 had 8k redlines stock: