Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Will the updated 2017 Scion FR-S get a power bump from a new electric turbocharger?

Ronan Glon
By

2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0
Image used with permission by copyright holder
A top Toyota executive has provided insight into what we can expect from the updated Scion FR-S that’s expected to land as a 2017 model.

Speaking with Australian website Motoring, Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada revealed that the update will cover every single part of the car. For starters, the coupe will be given a minor facelift that will bring a new front bumper with a revised air dam as well as new-look lights on both ends. Certain markets — including Japan — will be able to order a carbon fiber roof panel at an extra cost, though whether the option will be offered in the United States isn’t known at this point.

Recommended Videos

The current FR-S’ 2.0-liter flat-four engine will benefit from a slight increase in power that will be complemented by brake and suspension modifications. However, Tada again downplayed the possibility of introducing a turbocharged FR-S.

Related

“I think turbo is a really easy solution. I always say that we try to show something new, always something challenging,” explained the engineer. He pointed out that fitting the coupe with the Subaru WRX’s turbocharged flat-four wouldn’t be good for fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

There is a catch: While a conventional, exhaust-driven turbocharger has been ruled out for packaging reasons, Tada is open to the idea of fitting the FR-S with an electric turbocharger. Sister company Subaru has recently hinted it’s also looking at fitting its STI-tuned models with an electric turbo.

The updated Scion FR-S will land in showrooms in time for the 2017 model year, meaning it will likely be introduced at a major auto show either later this year or early next year. It will be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model, a move that will make room for the production version of the S-FR concept that was previewed at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

What’s next?

Tada explained that the development of the FR-S is an on-going process. The facelifted model detailed above is currently undergoing shakedown testing, and his team has already started working on a brand new version of the coupe that’s expected to hit the market in about three years.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon
Contributor
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
Microsoft’s new mouse is made of 20% resin pellets, recycled from ocean plastic
Ocean Plastic Mouse product image.

Microsoft has announced a sustainability-focused new peripheral called the Ocean Plastic Mouse. Announced at its annual Surface event, the mouse is made of 20% recycled ocean plastic, making it an innovative contribution to the ultimate goal of a sustainable future.

So, how's it put together? Well, the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse is made of plastic waste that is recovered from various waterways. The plastic is then cleaned and processed into recyclable plastic resin pellets. During the process of materials development, these recycled pellets are blended to produce the shell of the mouse.

Read more
Most powerful space telescope ever built gets a new launch date
james webb space telescope exoplanet search

The most powerful space telescope ever built is set to launch on December 18, NASA has announced.

But with so many delays affecting the James Webb Space Telescope’s deployment over the years, many observers may not believe the new schedule until they actually see the rocket blasting into space with the telescope tucked away in the fairing.

Read more
Lenovo’s new Tab P12 Pro, Tab P11 5G offer power and portability
Lenovo Tab 12 Pro main image with keyboard.

Samsung has long been the go-to brand for the best Android tablets, but Lenovo is trying to change that with the new Lenovo Tab P12 Pro and Tab P11 5G. Both new slates are geared toward a mix of 2-in-1 portability, productivity, and multimedia, though the P11 5G won’t launch in the U.S.
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro
When it comes to hardware, the P12 Pro compares favorably with other top-tier tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+. Weighing 565 grams, it’s lighter than most laptops and on par with other tablets of similar size.  It comes with a 12.6-inch 2560 x 1600 AMOLED screen, and it supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel can reach 600 nits of brightness, giving it good visibility in most settings.

The unique feature is that the refresh rate adjusts automatically based on your needs, kicking up to 120Hz when gaming, then down to 60Hz for basic browsing and other less demanding activities to save battery life. There are quad SLS JBL speakers for better audio, Dolby Atmos support, and Lenovo’s proprietary audio solution.

Read more