What brand is the FR-S car?
The FR-S is not a standalone brand; it is a joint Toyota–Subaru sports coupe that has been marketed under different brands in different regions and eras. In the U.S., it appeared as Scion FR-S from 2013 to 2016; today the same car is marketed as Toyota 86 or GR86 in most markets, while Subaru offers its closely related BRZ.
Branding across markets and generations
The following overview explains how the FR-S branding has changed by region and over time.
- Scion FR-S (North America, 2013–2016): A product of Toyota’s Scion division, created to compete in the compact sports-car segment.
- Toyota 86 / GT86 (Global): The car continued under Toyota’s main brand as the 86 in many markets, with GT86 used in parts of Europe and Japan.
- Subaru BRZ (Global): The sibling model offered by Subaru, sharing the same platform and drivetrain.
- Toyota GR86 (2022–present): The modern, Gazoo Racing-badged evolution of the platform, representing the latest generation under Toyota.
In short, the FR-S branding reflects a multi-brand, multi-market strategy. Today, the car is predominantly known as the Toyota GR86 (and Toyota 86 in many markets) with Subaru BRZ continuing as its closely related sibling in parallel markets.
What FR-S stands for
The FR-S acronym commonly denotes Front-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, Sport — a description of the car’s layout and intended character rather than a separate brand name.
Summary
The FR-S originated from a Toyota–Subaru collaboration and has never been a stand-alone brand. It debuted in the U.S. as Scion FR-S (2013–2016); after Scion was retired, the model carried Toyota branding as 86/GT86, with the GR86 designation introduced for the 2022 model year. Across markets, Subaru’s BRZ remains the related branded twin.
Is FR-S Toyota or Subaru?
Scion FR-S
In the United States and Canada, the GT86 was initially sold under Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand, with its name derived from a description of the platform: Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport.
What does FR-S mean in cars?
In the car world, FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport, referring to the Scion FR-S, a sports coupe co-developed with Subaru. The name highlights the car's design, which places the engine at the front and sends power to the rear wheels for a focus on balanced and engaging driving dynamics.
- Front-engine: The engine is located in the front of the car.
- Rear-wheel drive: The power from the engine is sent to the rear wheels, which is a layout often favored for sports cars.
- Sport: This indicates the car's design and purpose as an authentic sports coupe.
The Scion FR-S was sold between 2012 and 2016 and was essentially a rebadged version of the Subaru BRZ. After the Scion brand was discontinued, the car was sold under the name Toyota 86.
What car is an FR-S?
An FRS car is a Scion FR-S, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that was originally marketed by Toyota's Scion brand. Since the discontinuation of the Scion brand, the car has been renamed the Toyota 86 (or GR86) and is also sold as the Subaru BRZ. It is known for being lightweight, affordable, and nimble, with a focus on handling and driver engagement rather than straight-line speed.
Key characteristics
- Name: The name "FR-S" stands for Front-engine, Rear-drive Sport.
- Engine: It is powered by a boxer engine shared with Subaru.
- Drivetrain: It features a front engine and rear-wheel drive, which is a classic sports car layout.
- Performance: The FR-S is designed for excellent handling and maneuverability in corners, making it agile and fun to drive.
- Weight: It is a lightweight car, thanks to features like an aluminum hood and a trunk design instead of a hatchback.
- Suspension: It has a sport-tuned suspension with independent MacPherson struts in the front and an independent double-wishbone system in the rear.
- Heritage: The design and the "86" emblem are inspired by the original AE86 generation of the Toyota Corolla.
- Current status: The car continues its lineage under the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ names.
Why it's popular
- Affordability: The FR-S was marketed as an affordable sports car, making it an attractive option in the used market today.
- Reliability: It is known for being reliable when properly maintained.
- Driver engagement: Its nimble handling makes it a favorite for enthusiasts who prioritize driving feel over raw power.
Is a Scion really a Toyota?
The Scion brand started as a youth-oriented division of Toyota, offering smaller, less-expensive coupes and hatchbacks with sportier designs.
