Our very own moderator, Ichitaka, was recently invited to Las Vegas for Scion’s press and test drive event for the 2013 FR-S. The weekend offered us an opportunity to be fully briefed on the FR-S, interview Mr. Tetsuya Tada (the 86 cars’ chief engineer), and test drive the FR-S!

Ichitaka has brought back a full menu of materials, videos, and photos from the event, as well as his own personal FR-S test drive review, and an interview with Tada San. Hit up various links below for the full coverage.

> New Official FR-S Press Photos
> Tada San and Hollis Speeches
> 2013 FR-S Product Info/Specs
> FR-S Technical Presentation Outline
> The FR-S Development Story Brochure
> Interview with Tetsuya Tada (Chief Engineer)
> Ichitaka’s Personal FR-S Test Drive Review
> Live Photos of FiveAxis AD Kit for FR-S

Although not as detailed as the Subaru posted video recently featured here, Toyota has released a nice set of videos which cover the 86/FR-S/BRZ powertrain, packaging, and design.

Check out the VIDEO after the jump.

The BRZ/FR-S/86 is very very good, if not great. And that’s not just our opinion, but those of professional auto journalists who have compared the car to the handling of super sports cars such as Porsches and the GT-R.

Car and Driver’s latest review of the production Subaru BRZ once again solicits a similar response. In their words:

…the ride is definitely Porsche-like. The BRZ corners flatly, and the suspension is stiff and buttoned down; it lets you feel every bump without a hint of harshness. There’s a real purity of motion here, an unmediated connection between car and driver. In some ways, it’s like the world’s slowest superbike.

… In its current state, the BRZ’s balance of attributes needs no tweaking. It offers razor-sharp handling with limits that let you exploit the car’s capabilities on the street, all at a sweet price. In that sense, the BRZ is the perfect everyday sports car, even if  you’re not driving on a perfect road.

Subaru has uploaded a great two segment video documentary on the development behind the Subaru BRZ (and FR-S/86). This is a must see for all BRZ/FR-S/86 enhtusiasts!

The entire project is discussed, from design philosophy and goals to the technical and engineering aspects of the car.

Check out the documentary INSIDE.

The Subaru BRZ has already begun deliveries in Japan for a few weeks now and it hasn’t taken long for BRZ owners to find and gather with each other.

Here are photos of the first ever Subaru BRZ owners meet, which took place recently in Japan. The weather may have been dreary, but you can tell it didn’t dampen the giddy BRZ owners’ spirits.

We already know all the parts and upgrades of the TRD program for the Toyota 86, but more eye candy never hurts. Speedhunters was recently given some close-up time with the TRD 86 and shares these new photos.

Also see full TRD 86 parts list.

Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today announced pricing for its long-awaited 2013 Subaru BRZ rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. The well-equipped entry model with six-speed manual transmission starts at $27,295, and $28,495 for the six-speed automatic version, as Subaru’s tradition of outstanding value is evident in the entry model’s long list of standard amenities. Key among these are standard HID headlights as well as a comprehensive assortment of user-friendly technologies anchored by a touchscreen navigation system that includes Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming and smartphone integration. The Subaru BRZ Sport-tech Package offers additional comfort and amenities such as fog lights, a body-colour trunk spoiler and dual-zone automatic climate control. In addition to adding heated front seats, interior seats are upholstered with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters. The push-start ignition with smart key also adds to the convenience of the Subaru BRZ Sport-tech Package, which has an MSRP of $29,295 when equipped with a manual transmission and $30,495 for automatic versions.

More details and discussions INSIDE.

The BRZ / FR-S / 86 is often compared to the Mazda Miata MX-5 as they are both relatively smaller RWD cars marketed as lightweight, affordable, tossable cars and popular with the enthusiasts. So how do the two compare head to head? Popular Mechanics takes a look in their latest comparo.

Read on inside…