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Old 05-16-2011, 05:08 PM   #184
Aki
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Join Date: Feb 2011
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Why is this being called a mule--a mule means it has the underpinnings of the new platform/chassis, but with an existing body slapped over it. When the HSV was tested at the Nuburgring, it had a S2000 body tacked over it. That's a mule. This has Subie wheels, but otherwise it looks like a camoed production version of the FR-S. You can tell it's a production version because of the production-size rear-view mirrors, the absence of obnoxious/impractical ground effects. Doubtful it's the Suby version because Subaru's study has completely different character lines from the Toyota/Scion FR-S, and this looks really similar to FR-S concepts.

Also doubt there's going to be a completely separate Scion version from the Toyota. Scion cars are typically very similar to Toyota cars, with only a few small cosmetic differences. Such as the Scion xB vs Toyota BB, Scion/Toyota IQ, etc. Plus there isn't much of a reason to spend money retooling for separate Scion sheet metal when the Toyota version isn't going to be here anyways.

I actually like this camo version a lot. It's toned down, akin to the original concept more. The front wheel arch is more subtle, tail lights/headlights more subdued. The only downer is that I liked the character lines on the side of the MKIII concept more, but otherwise I think it's a winner.

As for the mini-window thing on the front window and the door-mounted mirrors, cars with a swept A-pillar typically have that in order to improve visibility. It's either that, or having the mirrors window-mounted with a giant black plastic cover there. Plus door-mounted mirrors are typically better with respect to drag.
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