Why did Scion Subaru and Toyota make the same car?
In the world of automotive collaborations, few partnerships have been as intriguing as the one between Scion, Subaru, and Toyota. This collaboration resulted in the creation of nearly identical sports cars: the Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86. But why did these three brands come together to produce what is essentially the same car? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this unique partnership and what it means for the automotive industry.
The Power of Collaboration
Automotive collaborations are not uncommon, especially when manufacturers aim to share costs, pool expertise, and reduce risks. The partnership between Toyota and Subaru was born out of a shared vision to create an affordable, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car that would appeal to driving enthusiasts. Here’s why this collaboration made sense:
- Cost Sharing: Developing a new car from scratch is an expensive endeavor. By working together, Toyota and Subaru were able to split the development and production costs, making the project financially viable for both companies.
- Combining Expertise: Toyota brought its extensive experience in engineering and manufacturing, while Subaru contributed its expertise in boxer engine technology. This combination allowed the two companies to create a car that was both innovative and reliable.
- Market Reach: By branding the car under three different names (Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86), the companies were able to target different customer bases and maximize their market reach.
This collaboration demonstrated how automakers can work together to achieve a common goal while maintaining their individual brand identities.
Key Features of the Shared Platform
The Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86 share a common platform and many components, but they also have subtle differences to cater to their respective audiences. Here are some of the key features of this shared platform:
- Boxer Engine: All three cars are powered by Subaru’s 2.0-liter flat-four boxer engine, which provides a low center of gravity for improved handling.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: The rear-wheel-drive layout ensures a sporty driving experience, making these cars a favorite among enthusiasts.
- Lightweight Design: The cars were designed to be lightweight, enhancing their agility and performance on the road.
- Driver-Focused Interior: The interiors are minimalist and driver-focused, emphasizing the cars’ sporty nature.
While the core features are the same, each brand made slight adjustments to styling, suspension tuning, and branding to differentiate their version of the car.
Why Scion Was Involved
Scion, Toyota’s now-discontinued youth-oriented brand, was included in this collaboration to appeal to younger drivers in the U.S. market. The Scion FR-S was marketed as an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car that aligned with Scion’s mission of attracting a younger demographic. When Scion was discontinued in 2016, the FR-S was rebranded as the Toyota 86.
The Legacy of the Collaboration
The partnership between Toyota and Subaru has been widely regarded as a success. The Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86 have earned a loyal following among driving enthusiasts and have become modern icons in the sports car world. This collaboration also paved the way for future joint ventures between the two companies, such as the development of the Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Scion, Subaru, and Toyota was a strategic move that combined the strengths of each brand to create a car that resonated with enthusiasts worldwide. It’s a testament to the power of teamwork in the automotive industry and a reminder that sometimes, the best results come from working together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Scion use Subaru engines?
Subaru's Boxer engine is under fire. Subaru's 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Boxer engines in the BRZ, Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Toyota GR86 are allegedly defective in a new class action lawsuit.
What are the most reliable car brands?
The Scores:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability Score (100-point scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru | 68 |
| 2 | Lexus | 65 |
| 3 | Toyota | 62 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
Why do Toyota Scion and Subaru have the same car?
Because they are made at the same factory, developed by Subaru & Toyota together. Subaru and Scion are manufacturing partners as well. Scion is a discontinued marque of Toyota that started in 2003.
Why did Toyota make the Scion?
Scion was a subbrand of Toyota. It existed until 2016. Its purpose was to sell sportier Toyotas to a younger audience. As Lexus was to middle-aged, established folks, Scion was to young, up-and-comers.
Did Toyota ever own Subaru?
Seeking to consolidate its operations, GM sold off its FHI shares in 2005, with Toyota buying a minority of these holdings. At that point, Toyota owned just under 9% of FHI, and the two companies began to collaborate on new models. By 2008, Toyota owned more than 16% of Subaru, and today it holds 20%.
Why are Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 the same?
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
What percentage of Subaru is owned by Toyota?
a 20%
Subaru is considered an independent automaker, similar to Ford and General Motors. However, Toyota does own a 20% stake in Subaru, making them the largest single shareholder. This alliance offers benefits to both companies, but Subaru maintains separate operations and branding.
Why was the Toyota 86 discontinued?
The Toyobaru is being killed due to new safety regulations, but the Miata lives on. It's usually stricter emissions regulations that force automakers to discontinue their fun cars in Europe. However, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ will be discontinued due to upcoming safety legislation.
Is the BRZ a Toyota engine?
Toyota used Subaru's engine technology for its car, so both have the same 200hp 2.0-litre boxer engine, which is slightly different to the engines you'd find in most other cars except for many Subarus. Boxer engines are more balanced and better suited to delivering higher performance.
Why did Toyota collaborate with Subaru?
Joint partnership leads to sports cars and electric crossovers. The Toyota-Subaru joint partnership ultimately focused on sharing resources and production facilities. The two Japanese automakers have collaborated on a couple of vehicles, though.
