FR-Sweet!
January 17, 2012
| Posted to:
Associates, Products, Scion
Toyota associates in the know can’t wait to give the Scion FR-S another go.
“OMG!” exclaims Jill Christy, Scion customer service and operations strategy manager. “I cannot wait to order the Scion FR-S as my next lease vehicle. It looks amazing, sounds sweet and feels awesome to drive. I can’t remember having so much fun driving a car.”
Christy expressed her elation in response to a request from Driver’s Seat, which asked associates who have driven the car to share their impressions. Other reviewers echoed her enthusiasm.
“The new FR-S is an absolute blast to drive!” says Chris Schultz, general manager of the Denver Region. “Very responsive from acceleration to handling and braking performance, not to mention the great styling that will be a true head turner. The FR-S will be great for our dealers and the Scion brand for generating excitement and new traffic to the showroom.”
“Having been lucky enough to drive the FR-S to support the development of the new TRD exhaust system for this model, I've had several chances to get considerable seat time with the car,” says Loren Macklem, development engineer, Toyota Racing Development. “I have to say, after each drive, I've walked away with a big smile on my face. The overall dynamics are fantastic: between the rigid chassis, low center of gravity, tight handling, properly weighted steering and a sticky clutch, this vehicle is a ton of fun. Mine will be on order as soon as Scion gives us the chance!”
“I work for TLS and was involved with test-loading the vehicle, ensuring that the unit can travel by rail safely and damage free,” says Ronald Thomas, logistics administrator, Toyota Logistics Services. “When we finished with the test, I was able to drive it around the port. It has been a while since I drove something sporty, but it felt good. The distance between the gears was short, smooth shifting and nice seats. The steering wheel fits nice in your hands, and the car can get up pretty good.”“That car is great,” says Naritoshi “Neo” Sugiura, senior executive coordinator, Advanced Product Strategy. “The handling is very direct and responsive. I’ve never driven a Toyota that has such great handling. And it looks beautiful. I describe the line of the car as sexy. I hope it will be successful not only with car enthusiasts but also regular drivers who don’t have a big interest in sports cars.”
As for Scion Field Operations Manager Kenny Jackson, let him count the ways he loves the FR-S:
- The vehicle sits low and allows you to feel like a part of the road.
- The seats engulf you and make you feel like a race driver.
- The responsive nature of the vehicle, especially in cornering, is inspiring.
- The sound of the vehicle is aggressive and unlike any other Toyota.
- The vehicle is very light and feels like an extension of the driver.
- The simple interior encourages you to focus on the road and driving experience.
- The vehicle feels fun and nostalgic, taking you to fond memories of yesteryear.
By Susan Pack