Does Scion FRS have a Subaru engine?
Yes, the Scion FRS (also known as the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ) does have a Subaru engine. The Scion FRS was developed as a joint project between Toyota and Subaru, and the car shares many components, including the engine, with the Subaru BRZ.
The Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ Shared Platform
The Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ are essentially the same car, with minor styling differences. They were co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, and share the same rear-wheel-drive platform, chassis, and powertrain. The engine in both the Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ is a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter flat-four boxer engine.
Subaru Boxer Engine in the Scion FRS
The Scion FRS is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Subaru boxer engine, which is a horizontally opposed four-cylinder design. This engine produces 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque in the Scion FRS. The boxer engine configuration gives the FRS a low center of gravity, which contributes to its nimble handling characteristics.
Why Did Toyota and Subaru Collaborate?
- Toyota lacked a small, affordable sports car in its lineup, while Subaru wanted to expand its market reach.
- By collaborating, the two automakers were able to share development costs and leverage each other's strengths.
- Subaru provided the engine and rear-wheel-drive platform expertise, while Toyota contributed its design and manufacturing capabilities.
- The resulting Scion FRS/Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ triplets have been praised for their balanced, engaging driving dynamics.
In summary, the Scion FRS does indeed use a Subaru-sourced boxer engine as part of the shared platform developed by Toyota and Subaru. This collaboration allowed both automakers to bring an affordable, driver-focused sports car to market.
