We’ve seen many Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ reviews posted (compiled here), and now comes the first Scion FR-S reviews.

Mechanically, the FR-S is identical to the Toyota 86 / GT 86 and nearly identical to the BRZ (except for spring rates), so as expected, the review reads very similar to the previously posted reviews.

Which is to say that the FR-S impresses just like the 86/GT86 and the BRZ! Read on inside.

In some FA20 related news, according to Motor Trend, Subaru of America has just confirmed that the next generation Subaru WRX will receive a turbocharged version of the FA20 engine (from the BRZ, FR-S, GT86).

The turbo FA20 2.0L flat four motor will have a targeted output of 270 horsepowers.

For comparison, the current WRX engine is a 2.5L 265hp engine.

Follow the discussions here.

Five Axis, the design and fabrication shop behind the Concept Scion FR-S’s styling, has revealed that they will be developing parts for the production FR-S. They have various parts in the works for their Five Axis Edition Scion FR-S package, which will include an aero kit and new wheel designs.

This should come as welcome news to many FR-S enthusiasts as the concept Scion FR-S’s exotic looks captured the attention of the automotive world when it debuted at this past New York International Auto Show.

There have been no shortage of nicely produced marketing trailers and videos of the 86 and BRZ, set to music and other special effects. While those videos provide some nice eye candy, they don’t convey what it feels like to be behind the wheels of the cars.

For that, the in-car videos recorded by reviewers and test drivers provide the best unadulterated vicarious driving experience, complete with the noises, sounds, and motions that go along with some spirited driving.

Check out this set of 86/BRZ driving videos which provide just that.

Forced induction topics and speculation related to the BRZ/FR-S/86 have been hotly debated since the car was first announced for development, and will surely continue even after the car is released to market.

To add some tinder to the speculative fire, now comes this rumor that Subaru will be turbocharging the FA20 engine. The all-new developed FA20 motor is currently naturally aspirated only, is only used in the BRZ/FR-S/86, and no other Subaru models (yet).

Hence, *if* true, this rumor is leading some to speculate that a turbocharged BRZ/FR-S/86 model would be a natural consequence and result from Subaru developing a turbocharged version of the FA20 engine. As always, consider all rumors with a grain of salt until it’s officially announced from the manufacturer.

Discussions after the jump.

A popular topic of discussion on our forums is what roles and responsibilities Toyota and Subaru had in their unconventional partnership to build a joint sports car.

While it’s generally accepted that Subaru was principally responsible for the engineering and Toyota for the car’s styling, there’s plenty of other aspects of the 86/BRZ’s development and history which aren’t as black and white. Go Auto has published this article which sheds some light on those.

For example, it’s revealed that Toyota and Subaru clashed over Toyota’s insistence on the use of its new direct injection technology (D-4S). Reason is also provided as to why we saw three Toyota FT-86 concept cars dating as far back as 2009, but didn’t see a Subaru BRZ concept with actual body until just a few weeks before its reveal. There’s also some great insight into the overall history and philosophy behind the project and decisions made. Check out the great read INSIDE.

Several of our members were in attendance at the Scion FR-S reveal night in LA last week, but for those not able to make it, here are some videos and interviews from reveal night to experience it vicariously.

The videos feature some live motion looks at the factory production Scion FR-S, as well as the GReddy FR-S. There are interviews with Jack Hollis (VP of Scion), Kenji Sumino (President of GReddy), and Taku Imasaki (Producer of Gran Turismo game).

Click on through for the videos. [Edit: Link has been fixed.]

Here’s a great graphical mockup showing the general size of the FR-S, BRZ, and 86 versus some of its direct competitors – the Miata, Genesis coupe, and Mustang.

Subaru and Toyota set out to make a compact and low sports coupe and this shows that they’ve done exactly that by being closer to the Miata’s size than the Genesis and Mustang. Click on image for larger version.