Again: No Turbo, No Convertible for US FR-S

[DarrenDriven]

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...s-for-america/

You Heard It Here Second: No Turbo, Convertible Scion FR-S For America

By Derek Kreindler on July 30, 2012

One of the most popular “Out of Thin Air” stories over the last 24 months has concerned the existence of a factory turbocharged Scion FR-S. In second place, the existence of a convertible Scion FR-S. At long last, a reliable source of information has confirmed their existence – but we won’t be getting them.

Automotive News’ future product plans for the Japanese OEMs contained this nugget of information from reporter Mark Rechtin

Because pricing of the base FR-S starts above $25,000, the idea of a turbocharged performance version has been shelved because it would be too expensive. Drivers who want more power will get aftermarket kits from Toyota Racing Development, or other kit suppliers, but there will be no retail version.

The convertible also is a no-go for the United States because of the price issue. It will sell in overseas markets with the Toyota “86″ badge

Hopefully that puts to rest the endless rumors surrounding these variants. The constant hand-wringing will only grow stronger following their release in “world markets”, no doubt.

[JohnATL]

This doesn't bother me. I think a factory turbo would attract the type of people who wouldn't respect this car for what it is. The aftermarket will serve this car well and we'll appreciate it even more.

[post_break]

Originally Posted by JohnATL

This doesn't bother me. I think a factory turbo would attract the type of people who wouldn't respect this car for what it is. The aftermarket will serve this car well and we'll appreciate it even more.

You're only saying this because you already bought your car. To say that a factory turbo is a bad idea has to be one of the most delusional statements I've heard on these forums.

[Skyhound]

Originally Posted by post_break

You're only saying this because you already bought your car. To say that a factory turbo is a bad idea has to be one of the most delusional statements I've heard on these forums.

Actually because it is a legitimate concern to what the car stands for. Turbo means turbo lag which would ruin throttle response and ruin the FR-S's perfect balance. This was a point brought up in one reviewer's video, I forget which though.

Only a super charger would be appropriate IMHO.

[MVJ1975]

The aftermarket is merrily working on giving us both turbo and supercharged flavors. I'd personally love a dealer-installed TRD supercharger, and hopefully we'll get one.

[20valvewynn83]

That's strange my Toyota rep told me Toyota was already working on making a turbo for the next generation scion frs

[JohnATL]

Originally Posted by post_break

You're only saying this because you already bought your car. To say that a factory turbo is a bad idea has to be one of the most delusional statements I've heard on these forums.

I probably wouldn't have bought the FR-S if it had a factory turbo. Of course this is just my opinion. I'm sure a lot of people would think other wise. It doesn't make me delusional.

[Shinji2787]

Originally Posted by JohnATL

I probably wouldn't have bought the FR-S if it had a factory turbo. Of course this is just my opinion. I'm sure a lot of people would think other wise. It doesn't make me delusional.

I would have been much less interested in this car if it had a turbo from the get-go.. I know they generate a ton of power and all, but I simply like the response of NA (and the sound) much more than the response and sound from turbo systems. SC applications are my second favorite, though I still prefer straight NA.

Just something special about that NA noise and feel...

[post_break]

Originally Posted by Skyhound

Actually because it is a legitimate concern to what the car stands for. Turbo means turbo lag which would ruin throttle response and ruin the FR-S's perfect balance. This was a point brought up in one reviewer's video, I forget which though.

Only a super charger would be appropriate IMHO.

Head in the sand. Look at the Lotus Exige. When it first came out Lotus was all "Oh no we're not going to go forced induction." The next year the Exige S comes out that is supercharged.

That car is lighter than the 86 and they just bolted on 28 more HP, and 20 more pounds of torque.

To think that the 86 won't get forced induction is crazy. A Fiat 500 can get a turbo but an 86 won't from the factory?

[tnt]

would the aftermarket void the warranty ?

[JohnATL]

Originally Posted by tnt

would the aftermarket void the warranty ?

Not a simple answer. Things like exhausts are pretty safe and you shouldn't have an issue. A turbo or supercharger is different and would probably cause you issues. I'm no lawyer, but it's been said the dealer has to prove the aftermarket part caused the issue and the burden of proof is on them. Reality is if they want to void your warranty for aftermarket parts it's going to be difficult to fight them.

We accept that our warranties may be void when we modify the car. This is why I make sure I have the funds required for the worst situations. This isn't a cheap hobby.

[JohnATL]

Originally Posted by post_break

Head in the sand. Look at the Lotus Exige. When it first came out Lotus was all "Oh no we're not going to go forced induction." The next year the Exige S comes out that is supercharged.

That car is lighter than the 86 and they just bolted on 28 more HP, and 20 more pounds of torque.

To think that the 86 won't get forced induction is crazy. A Fiat 500 can get a turbo but an 86 won't from the factory?

Like any business Toyota will do what it thinks will make it the most money. It's possible they think a turbo will price this car too high. Maybe they don't. The question that is yet to be answered is does this car need FI? What are the NA limits? And do those limits meet the needs of the majority?

[zigzagz94]

The article says "Drivers who want more power will get aftermarket kits from Toyota Racing Development"


I don't see what the complaints are about. According to the article you'll still be able to get a Factory FI FR-S. The turbo will be dealer installed and warrantied just like all of the other TRD superchargers were for the Tc, Tacomas, etc.

This allows Toyota/Scion to still claim a sub 25k price for the car in the U.S. but allow those who want FI to pay extra and purchase it as an a la carte add on option.

If anything people who believe this source should be jumping for joy that a Factory turbo has been confirmed...



Me personally I'm calling BS as a supercharger would fit the cars personality much better and would assume that is the route TRD is going.

[ngabdala]

Factory/OEM turbo and massive turbo lag and cheaper parts. No thanks. Keep the car affordable and let us make it to our preferences with the aftermarket that puts more R&D and uses better quality parts.

[Skyhound]

Originally Posted by post_break

Head in the sand. Look at the Lotus Exige. When it first came out Lotus was all "Oh no we're not going to go forced induction." The next year the Exige S comes out that is supercharged.

That car is lighter than the 86 and they just bolted on 28 more HP, and 20 more pounds of torque.

To think that the 86 won't get forced induction is crazy. A Fiat 500 can get a turbo but an 86 won't from the factory?

I never said the 86 wasn't going to get forced induction at all. Where did you read that lol? I said that a super charger would be more appropriate because the turbo would ruin the balance of the care with turbo lag.

Also, TRD much prefers S/C over T/C for that very reason. There will probably a TRD Supercharger developed for the FR-S, but it won't be a part of any trim level, just a factory add-on.

[lokvo]

Having never owned a turbo'd car, is it really needed if you don't track the car? would it be more of a status, bragging rights thing? First thing the dudes I know ask is, "that thang thur got turbo?" Lol

[FRSowner]

Being that the current Boxer engine has 12.5:1 compression, putting on a turbo or SC will force you to do some major engine or head work to lower the CR or run very little boost, which negates the reason for a turbo or SC. You will also have to adjust or completely redo the valve timing of the engine to take full advantage of FI.
It will be interesting to see how the aftermarket deals with this and their results.

[sbxjap]

I think it's a lot to do with pricing as well.

There are already a lot of people who think the car is overpriced... Still, there are plenty who will pay for factory installed options.

Another thing is that Scion tries not to carry super expensive cars.... Easy fix. Remove Scion FRS, introduce Toyota 86. Or use theGT86 name.

[SUB-FT86]

I realize that article said nothing about a possible 2.5L.

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by post_break

You're only saying this because you already bought your car. To say that a factory turbo is a bad idea has to be one of the most delusional statements I've heard on these forums.

Its sad that people feel that a optional turbocharged variant would ruin this car. I think they fear it will get more press and the N/A variants hype will die down significantly. I'm pretty sure if done right the turbocharged one will be considered the worlds best sports car under 35k. It would be the true definition of a poor mans cayman S.

[whtchocla7e]

I'll take a 2.5L over Turbo, as long as there's not too much weight penalty.

[ngabdala]

I tend to agree. Any news of a turbo would cause people to hold off on buying a current model. Many years of research and development funding $$$ went into this car so the more first model year cars they sell the better for them. Subsequent model years will cost them much less to manufacture.

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

Its sad that people feel that a optional turbocharged variant would ruin this car. I think they fear it will get more press and the N/A variants hype will die down significantly. I'm pretty sure if done right the turbocharged one will be considered the worlds best sports car under 35k. It would be the true definition of a poor mans cayman S.