Scion FR-S Sedan Variant Possibly Set to Launch by 2016

Since the highly acclaimed Scion FR-S triplets are so popular, it’s no wonder there are so many different rumors about new FR-S-based models. Fortunately, rumors are half the fun of journalism, so we jumped at the chance to look into the latest lead about the Toyota-Subaru sports cars. This one says that we can expect a four-door Scion FR-S sedan by the end of 2016. This is in addition to the FR-S convertible that we’d been promised sometime at the end of this year or beginning of next.

Obviously, the first step in creating a Scion FR-S sedan would be stretching out the coupe. According to Motor Trend, an insider from Toyota estimates that a sedanified FR-S would be 20 inches longer and 4 inches taller while the width would remain the same. Apparently, this is the bare minimum adjustment required for the FR-S to comfortably fit in a back seat without diminishing the sports car’s sleek aesthetic.

But, the size of the FR-S won’t be the only element getting expanded. A bigger car demands a bigger engine, so Toyota is going to upgrade the FR-S sedan with a new turbocharged engine. More specifically, it will be a Subaru-sourced 2.5L BOXER engine with direct-injection and an output of 295hp. The engine will pair up with an eight-speed automatic transmission available only in RWD. Best of all, this new turbocharged engine will also become available in the normal FR-S coupe, perhaps even before the debut of the new sedan.

However, while the turbocharged BOXER will make it into the coupe, the other powertrain option for the Scion FR-S sedan won’t. The second powertrain will use an upgraded Subaru engine with RWD mated with two electric motors on the front wheels. This hybrid system will effectively make the hybrid FR-S into an AWD vehicle.

Unfortunately, this is where we get into the pessimistic part of this article. As your automotive news source of choice, we have to warn you that these rumors are entirely unconfirmed. While we’re likely to see an FR-86 convertible (as seen by the FT-86 Open Concept, above), a sedan variant is completely unfounded outside this rumor. Furthermore, even if it is true, we’re not sure when it will happen, or if the FR-S sedan will be rebadged with Subaru’s and Toyota’s nameplates.

Still, if you’re willing to take an optimistic perspective on this rumor, then there are a couple other tidbits you probably want to know – the FR-S sedan’s projected price and timeline. According to the Toyota insider, the normal FR-S sedan will debut at the beginning of 2016 for around $40,000. This is also when the FR-S coupe will start being offered with the new turbocharged engine. Then, several months later, the hybrid FR-S sedan will launch for an estimated $50,000.

Whether you’re willing to ride the Scion FR-S sedan hype train or not, thanks for reading and come back tomorrow for more Japanese car goodness!