Scion FR-S Delivers A Walk Off Home Run As A True Driver’s Car
On a bright sunny day in Parump, Nevada at Spring Valley Motorsport Park we got the opportunity to take the highly anticipated 2013 Scion FR-S out for a spin and boy did it deliver. Also known as the Toyota GT-86 elsewhere in the world, Toyota/Scion have built a car that goes back to the basics and provides enormous fun at a very reasonable price.
Toyota’s main goal in choosing a powerplant for their new FR-Sports car was obtaining efficient, reliable performance. The development concept of the FR-S was to build a sports car built around the driver and making the car fun to drive took more of a priority than pursuing pure speed.
Everyone knows that the Scion FR-S isn’t the most powerful car out on the market, so the horsepower figures will sound rather unimpressive to many. However, according to the engineers, it was far more important for the car to feel responsive and have linear power delivery all the way up to redline speeds.
Led by Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada, the joint Toyota and Subaru engineering team code named “Team 86” certainly lived up to its goals. Working together, they developed the Subaru FA20 2.0 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, marking the first time that Toyota’s D-4S direct injection technology had ever been incorporated into a boxer motor.
The result of Team 86′s hard work was a light weight, 200hp naturally aspirated DOHC 16 valve engine with dual variable valve timing (VVTi). The 4UGSE engine redlines at 7400rpm, and responds quickly to accelerator inputs, with easy powerband control.
Usage of the 4UGSE boxer engine gives the Scion FR-S the benefit of amazing handling, due to a low center of gravity. The Scion FR-S has a lower center of gravity than the Porsche Cayman, Nissan R35 GTR, Subaru Impreza STi, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. In fact, only the LFA and the Ferrari 360 have a lower center of gravity than the FR-S at 18.9 inches.
“Super low center of gravity, better than a GTR, better than a Porsche Cayman, in fact comparable to some of the Ferrari models, but basically this car is about bringing passion back to driving. An authentic rear wheel drive car, that produces 200 hp out of a 2.0L engine,” said Jack Hollis, Vice President and General Manager of Scion. “The 100 hp per liter is a key number for us. You see just the right amount, not over, not under, right amount of power, great balance and great handling.”
Hollis also adds, “What it does is this car answers a concern in the industry today, that the vehicles have just become so electronic, so technology-based, not just true driver-based. That’s what this car does. We think it’s going to excite the whole industry not just Scion and Toyota so we are really excited about the Scion FR-S.”
What the low center of gravity does for you is make you feel very connected to the road when you are pushing the car to the limits. The center of gravity is in line with your hips, so, as the car moves around you truly feel the dynamics of the car in the seat of your pants, rather than the car feeling as though it has a much higher pivot point that most people are used to.
What is also obvious is that the Scion FR-S pays homage to it’s heritage, particularly to the 1985-’87 Corolla GT-S – or AE86 as it is known by enthusiasts. The 86 theme is prevalent throughout the vehicle. Mechanically, the two cars share nothing. Spiritually, however, their similarities run deep. There are powerful reason why the humble AE86 remains a highly coveted machine nearly 30 years after entering production. These reasons have nothing to do with the car’s speed, its amenities or its complexity. Rather, it’s the 86’s fundamentally sound design, low cost, and massive potential that give it profound desirability as its third decade approaches. It’s these simple, potent core values on which Scion intend to capitalize with the Scion FR-S.
The 86 Boxer badge on the fender shows pistons on opposing sides of the 86, to signify that it’s boxer engine under the hood. The number 86 is also symbolic of the engine’s square 86×86 bore and stroke ratio. Most Toyota aficionados may not even know this but this square ratio keeps the 4UGSE engine faithful to some of the other engines in Toyota’s 2.0 liter sports engine history. Also, an additional homage to the 86 theme, the inner diameter of the car’s exhaust tips are 86 mm!
The engine has Toyota D-4S fuel-injection system which is both port fuel injection and direct fuel injection at the same time. This allows are really high compression ratio of 12.5:1 which means the FR-S requires premium fuel but that’s a small price to pay.
If there’s one disappointment about this car, it is with torque. The 2.0 liter engine only produces 151 torques at a very high 6400 rpm. Now very few people talk about torque. It’s important because when you get into some slow corners, and you really need a drive out especially if you’re not popping it off the rev…, torque is what will propel you at that point. Though, on the road track, the lack of torque was not really a factor.
On the inside, the FR-S interior is definitely minimalistic. Sitting inside, it’s impossible not to notice the sporty seats and steering wheel. They are comfortable and the substantial side bolstering helps keep the driver in place on a spirited drive. The tach is right front and center, dominating the instrument cluster.
Steering input is good. However, a wish would be for a bit more feedback and communication. It is electric steering, though one of the better electric steerings that we’ve experienced. We must say that it’s very direct. If you turn the wheel, that’s where the car is going and it points really, really well.
Toyota is planning to produce 10,000 units of the Scion FR-S for the 2012 calendar year and plans on 20,000 units for 2013. If you’re writing a wish list or a spec sheet of what you want in a car, the Scion FR-S pretty much does it all. What we like most about the car is that you can have the fun at under triple digit speeds. It doesn’t have 500 hp and it’s not going to do 1.05 Gs around a skid pad, and we don’t care! With the Scion FR-S, you actually have to drive! The FR-S being very analog will not cover up your inability to drive with electronics like so many modern cars. If you make a mistake, it will be obvious, however, the car being perfectly balanced makes it easy to get it all back under control, if you know what you are doing.
Bottom line, the Scion FR-S is a drivers car, period!
LAcarGUY Supports Heal The Bay’s “Bring Back the Beach” Fundraiser (And you should too!)
We urge you to support this great cause and join us for an amazing night on the Beach with Heal The Bay supporters.
Purchase Tickets! https://www.healthebay.org/secure/bring-back-beach-tickets
Bring Back the Beach
Heal the Bay invites you to celebrate the ultimate beach party at our annual Bring Back the Beach gala benefit on May 17, 2012 at The Jonathan Beach Club in Santa Monica.
We will also recognize the eco-accomplishments of this year’s three honorees: past president and chief operating officer of Hilton Hotels Matt Hart, director of photography Danny Moder and actress Julia Roberts, and actress Amy Smart.
Relax with your toes in the sand while you meet and mix with leaders from Southern California’s environmental, political, business and entertainment communities. Join us for a fun-filled evening under the stars to celebrate our honorees and support the mission of Heal the Bay.
We look forward to your company at our annual gala fundraising benefit!
Schedule
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
Dinner
Live Auction
Entertainment
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tables and Sponsorships: $5,000 – $50,000
Individual Tickets: $500
Purchase tables/tickets online
Attire
Beach Chic
LAcarGUY Celebrates 12 Years Of Supporting The Los Angeles Lakers Celebrity Golf Invitational
The Lakers Youth Foundation raises money to provide educational, athletic and recreational opportunities for Los Angeles area youth.
During the event, there was an auction held to raise additional money, and a bidding war developed between Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and LAcarGUY’s Mike Sullivan for 25% ownership in a race horse!
The race horse started off with a few bids from fans, but then Kobe Bryant started bidding. Then Pau Gasol started bidding and it went all the way up to $8,000 for 25% ownership of the horse, which of course was made by the winner, Kobe Bryant. After the horse was awarded to the Kobe, Pau Gasol and Mike Sullivan approached Kobe and still wanted to get in on the horse, so they put up another $8,000 for ownership of the horse!
Volkswagen Passat Sets Single-Tank Efficiency Record
by: Zach McDonald – HybridCars.com
An Australian couple has set a new record for single-tank fuel economy this week, making the more than 1,600-mile trip from Houston, Texas to Sterling, Virginia on just one tank of gas. The duo used an American-built 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI Clean Diesel to set the new mark, beating the old one (also set in a diesel-powered Passat,) by 99.5 miles.
Over the course of their journey, Helen and John Taylor drove 1.626.1 miles, using 19.3 gallons of diesel and averaging more than 84 mpg. Their fuel costs averaged out to less than 5 cents per mile, whereas the average new vehicle currently sold in the U.S. will cost its owner more than three times as much to drive.
The couple used a regular, stock Passat TDI (which is rated at 30 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined) for their drive, but were able to use so-called “hypermiling” techniques to get even better fuel economy from a car that is already one of the most efficient non-hybrid sedans on the road.
“The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record,” said John Taylor, in a press release provided by Volkswagen.
Though the Taylors have used a lot of Volkswagen-built diesels for their trips, their mission is about more than just promoting a single vehicle maker’s cars. Last year, they achieved nearly 75 mpg in a Toyota Prius hybrid driving across South Africa, and drove through every U.S. state in a Chevy Cruze Eco at an average of 64 mpg.
In fact, you might say that the couple have turned personal fuel economy into their life’s work. In addition to several record-setting attempts each year, the Taylors teach green-driving seminars through their Australia-based driving school, Fuel Academy. In all, the husband-wife team hold more than 90 world driving records.
Keeping It Cooler Through A Clever Envelope
You may have heard that 40% of energy is consumed by buildings. Much of that is waste coming from inefficient operational choices (like not turning off lights or A/C, or powering down computers overnight). But looking at a new building from the initial stages of design can really help cut potential waste later.
One really logical thing—when it can be done—with any commercial or residential building is “site selection”; for example, orienting your walls to take advantage of the sun for heat, and windows for the breeze to go through and naturally cool the house. It’s often a little easier to take advantage of with a home, as the very nature of retail can take precedence, like wanting display windows facing the biggest street.
As it turned out, that’s the situation with our Pacific Audi lot, and so, our main windows face South and West. Nice for sunsets, but a problem with heat and sun in SoCal. So we are working with some innovations to mitigate the impact of this positioning and therefore our energy use. Today, we focus on two big parts of our building “envelope”, what our inside is ‘wrapped’ in.
GLASS is a big deal for any retailer – we want you to SEE our cars as ride or walk along Hawthorne Blvd., right? But glass attracts heat (all year long, here in SoCal) which gets transferred into the showroom, and who wants more of that? Based on the sun hitting our South and West-facing windows nonstop from noon until night, we were able to consider upfront how to compensate for that constant and intense radiated heat, in order to use our A/C less to save energy.
First, our builders are using a “low-e” (or low emission) glass called Solarban100 for our storefront glass. Very generally, low-e glass reflects up to 90% of long-wave radiation, which is heat, but lets in short-wave radiation, which is light. The Solarban high-efficiency glazed windows will cut the sun’s heat going into the showroom and the building owner will use less electricity to keep the building cooler. All these ideas also earn LEED points related to optimizing “energy performance”.
We are also going to use what is becoming more common in SoCal…a “cool roof” (which is so cool, it will get its own post in the near future!). It’s the combination of the “cool roof” with the Solarban100 glazing, in this building envelope, that will contribute 5% of the near 30% improvement in building performance beyond the energy code requirements (Title 24). We are really excited about this!
Another tactic for ultimately less energy use is by building our Southern- and Eastern-facing walls with CMU BLOCKS. These are hollowed out blocks made of an aggregate material of approximately 50% post-consumer and 50% pre-consumer materials. They are stacked between tall wrought iron still rods with concrete poured over. The resulting walls are not only seismically stronger (always a good thing!), but they naturally insulate and hold a lot of the heat in, again protecting the interior of the building from needing to use more electricity for cool air.
Building green is really just based in logic, logic we set aside in the mid-20th century when suddenly A/C and central heating were discovered. But we’re coming back around. And if you personally want to learn more—as a ‘green-curious’ or ‘green-committed’ person—you might want to check out the FREE 9th annual AltBuild Expo in Santa Monica on May 11-12. Ask questions of everyone there, don’t be shy! There’s something for everyone.
Toyota of Hollywood’s EMA Garden Update
The Toyota of Hollywood School Gardens Project continues to evolve! Please take a look at these recent pictures from the garden that Ms. Hairston from Helen Bernstein High School was kind enough to provide us.
We are excited see the garden in person next week at our event with EMA and Rachelle Lefevre from the Twilight movies!
2013 Audi RS5 Begins U.S. Launch
When it comes to high-performance coupes from Audi, buyers had two choices: the compact TT RS, or the exclusive, extreme R8. These low-slung, two-seat sports cars have been favorites of young kids aspiring to own one with posters of them on the wall just as much as seasoned enthusiasts attending weekly track days. Now, Audi offers even more high-output variety with the 2013 RS 5, launching now in North America.
The new Audi RS 5 features a high-revving 4.2-liter V8 with 444 horsepower at a sky-high 8,250 rpm with 317 lb- ft of torque and a seven-speed S tronic transmission with launch control program. That’s more power than the base Audi R8, and with two more seats. This power is transferred through an innovative crown-gear center differential in the quattro drivetrain, transmitting power to all four wheels, providing exceptional traction and grip for increased performance. This amount of force is powerful enough to rocket the RS 5 to an electronically-governed top speed of 174 mph.
The herculean RS 5 also features an on-demand oil pump, and energy-recovery system that conserves energy during coasting and braking. The standard seven-speed S tronic in the RS 5, with its high gearing ratios and its high-geared top speed, also enhances efficiency.
For the appeal of liberty, the 2013 RS 5 can operate in fully automatic mode, or the driver can select the gears by utilizing the paddles on the steering wheel. In doing so, the Audi drive select system adjusts the vehicle’s transmission shift characteristics, throttle response, dynamic steering and sports differential. The driver can select from auto, comfort, dynamic and individual Audi drive select settings, for whatever the occasion calls for. More impressively, the new crown-gear differential in conjunction with electronic torque vectoring allows for incredible torque distribution. If necessary, up to 70 percent can flow to the front wheels or as much as 85 percent can be sent to the back. But even the default 40:60 ratio of the standard rear-biased configuration ensures sporty handling.
The brake system employs powerful and internally ventilated discs, which measure 14.4 inches in diameter at the front axle. The high-gloss black brake calipers bearing RS logos are made of aluminum; the front calipers are fitted with eight pistons each. Optional are eramic carbon-fiber brake discs measuring 15 inches in diameter for the front. The electronic stability control (ESC) integrates a sport mode and can be switched off entirely.
From a design standpoint, the 2013 Audi RS 5 emits a classy, powerful, yet sporty presence. Adaptive xenon plus headlights boasting a sweeping strip of LED daytime running lights are standard. The RS 5 also sports massive air inlets for the engine, while front brakes and the radiators are bordered by attractive lines. The newly designed bumper tapers downward into a splitter and is available in Aluminum-optic paint. But for Audi, it’s just as much about form as it is function. This is because the paneled underbody of the RS 5 integrates air vents for the seven- speed S tronic and front brakes. And at highway speeds, the aerodynamic characteristics of the RS 5 generate downforce to give the vehicle greater maneuvering stability.
The dynamic styling of the RS 5 fully extends to the interior, with power-adjustable sport seats with pronounced side bolserting and integrated head restraints, finished in exquisite Nappa Leather or optional leather/suede inserts. The steering wheel is optimized for performance driving with a flat-bottom design, and has a substantial rim and is covered with soft, perforated leather. The aggressive instrument panel features black gauges and white lettering with distinctive scaling, while the driver information system integrates a lap timer for recording circuit times and an oil-temperature gauge. Just like the optional MMI navigation systems’ monitor, it displays an RS greeting upon ignition.
Overall, the interior is black and the decorative inlays are made of carbon fiber. The pedals, the footrests, and the optional MMI navigation systems’ control buttons gleam thanks to their aluminum look. Moreover, the door handles consist of two slim strips – typical of Audi RS models. Aluminum inserts adorn the door sill trims and RS 5 logos lend dynamic highlights to the interior.
The 2013 Audi RS 5 carries an MSRP of $72,000 in the United States market, aggressively placing the model against the BMW M3.
Timelapse of Pacific VW’s custom PINK Beetle
To show our support for breast cancer awareness and research, we custom wrapped a brand new 2012 Beetle in pink! When this pink beauty is sold, we will donate $500 to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer began in 1993 and has raised over $450 million to help fight against breast cancer. For the last two years, LAcarGUY has been a close partner with Making Strides and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.
The pink custom wrap was completed by Premier Wraps. They used the highest quality 3m vinyl that does not damage the vehicles original paint and every wrap comes with a life-time installation warranty. For more details, please give us a call!
Toyota Aims For North American Prius Production by 2015
by: Zack McDonald – HybridCars.com
Toyota says it has plans to begin manufacturing the Prius in the United States for the first time. Last year, the carmaker recorded its 1 millionth Prius sale in the U.S., and despite supply shortfalls in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, sold more than 136,000 Prii here for the full year. By 2015, the company expects annual North American Prius sales to reach 200,000 units, with total North American hybrid sales projected to hit 400,000 vehicles by that time.
Toyota executive, Koei Saga, told Auto News this week that the carmaker is currently scouting potential North American suppliers. “We are targeting 2015,” said Saga. “Around then we will probably introduce the next-generation Prius, so we are trying our hardest to realize local production of hybrid units then.”
The shift will hopefully spell the end of the dreaded Prius waiting list for American customers, a phenomenon that has been present during all the more major recent oil spikes in the U.S. Being able to meet demand when it is at its highest is one of the main reasons that Toyota started talking about adding production flexibility to the Prius line last year. Another reason is an overall desire on the part of the company to avoid the major losses suffered across the Japanese auto industry as a result of last year’s earthquake, which caused the carmaker to report its first quarterly loss in more than two years, and sent executives searching for ways to diversify their supply chains.
It’s been a long time since the Prius was a niche vehicle spotted mainly in California’s more liberal enclaves, and Toyota can no longer afford to lose potential sales to competing hybrids during production shortfalls. With the expansion of the platform to include not only the standard Prius but also the larger Prius v, the compact Prius c, and the Prius Plug-in, Toyota plans to make the Prius the best-selling vehicle platform in the world in the coming years.
Saga also told Auto News that Toyota plans to stick with nickel metal hydride batteries for the next generation Prius, despite moves by competitors to switch their hybrids to lithium ion. Still, the company says it could begin lithium ion battery production here in the United States to supply the Prius Plug-in and eventually other plug-in vehicle offerings.
Mike Sullivan To Be Awarded With Community Environmental Leadership Award From Global Green USA
LAcarGUY‘s Mike Sullivan will be honored at the 16th Annual Millennium Awards Gala in Saturday June 2nd at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica with the Community Environment Leadership Award.
This honor recognizes Mike’s personal commitment to supporting so many important local environmental organizations and for actively promoting community projects from beach cleanups to creating school gardens. When Global Green needed hybrid cars for their Red Carpet – Green Car campaign (i.e., taking stars to the Oscars in fuel efficient cars), Mike provided them.
LAcarGUY not only sell more hybrids and clean diesel cars than any other dealership group in America, we also showcase energy and resource conserving practices in its dealerships — including the new Audi LEED certified dealership. The LA Green Team represents the company’s commitment to advancing sustainability by encouraging, inspiring and educating its 800+ employees about reducing their individual and corporate carbon footprint, as well as selling more hybrids and clean diesel cars than any other dealership group in the United States.
We hope you will join us in paying tribute to Mike’s contributions and help support the work of Global Green by sponsoring a table or purchasing tickets to the event. To participate or for further information, please contact MTA Events at globalgreen@mtaevents.com or 818.906.0240 if you require further information. We look forward to seeing you there!
