Few could fathom voluntarily living out of our cars, but that’s exactly what one Los Angeles college student did.

Brian is a California graduate student who doesn’t like high rent prices in L.A. He spent most of his time at school or the campus office, where he was able to shower, store food, and hang out. So his living experiment – which he calls urban nomadism – commenced as an exercise of free will and a personal challenge.

Initially, Brian spent two years living out of a 1987 Toyota Van and a 2006 Subaru Outback Wagon before living two years in an apartment. Most recently however, he spent eight months living in a 2008 Scion tC, which he says he loved. Preparations Brian made before living out of a car included setting up a P.O. Box, a small storage unit, and figuring out where to shower and park. According to Brian, it took about a week to work out all the kinks and before he felt comfortable living out of his car.

What was even more impressive was how it altered his lifestyle. By having to get up and go right away each morning, he became more productive. Having to utilize the gym showers forced him to exercise more often, while staying longer hours at the office and spending more time in public spaces made him have more personal interaction. Best of all though, not having to pay for the high rent in Los Angeles allowed him to save for what mattered most to him.

“I wanted a fun, sporty car this time around. I also wanted to test my limits in terms of living space size. I loved my tC. The backseats folded down fully. Granted, I couldn’t fully extend when sleeping like I could with the Outback, but it helped the Scion designers made it such that removing the passenger seat headrest (and pushing the seat all the way forward) allows you to put the passenger seat flush with the trunk/backseat…this provided a few additional inches. Eventually, though, I learned to sleep on a slight diagonal or with my knees slightly bent. Another downside was crawling into bed was difficult due to size. I had to do some pretzeling by crawling into the back from the front seats, then turning around to get the right orientation (feet to the trunk, head to the middle of the car). But I made it work.  All my possessions could still fit in just the trunk alone, which allowed me to give people rides.  I just loved how I could have the best of both worlds – a fun car and a place to live – without having to sacrifice tremendously on either side,” Brian said about his experience with living in a Scion tC for eight months.

He since has moved back into a conventional home, but given his history, that might not last.

[Source: Scion Owners]

Can’t get enough of the Toyota GT 86 / Scion FR-S? Neither can we. The all-new sports car from the Japanese automaker is starting to make its way to America and it couldn’t be soon enough.

We had the opportunity to put the FR-S to the test last year in December out in Japan, which seems like ages ago now. And in case we forgot just how great the car is, Scion gave us the opportunity to test the sports car on American soil late last month. At the same time, we released a mega gallery for the American FR-S and now the Toyota GT 86 gets its own as it makes its way to European dealerships.

We also get to look forward to a convertible variant of the FR-S and Toyota GT 86, rather soon.

GALLERY: 2013 Toyota GT 86

Discuss this story and other FR-S material on our forum here.

There might not be a turbocharged version of the Scion FR-S coming from the factory, but it looks like an FR-S convertible will make production.

The idea of an FR-S convertible makes sense given the market Toyota is aiming at: young, enthusiastic drivers that want a fun car on a budget. While the coupe is sure to have more merit on the track than a soft top, that doesn’t change the fact that some people buying one won’t actually want to race the car.

Given that, it makes sens that some people would prefer a more casual drop-top version, something the company is aware of. Building a convertible also benefits the company because it will broaden appeal and offer the chance for a markup.

Word that an FR-S convertible is coming trickled through a source connected to Car and Driver, but there wasn’t talk of a Subaru BRZ matching it. That could also mean this is another way Toyota is hoping to differentiate its nearly identical car in the future.

While the cars are built on the same platform, Subaru is spinning its BRZ as a slightly more upmarket version. There’s also the fact that Subaru isn’t much for cabrios in the first place which further enforces the idea that it’s unlikely to follow suit.

It isn’t likely that we’ll actually see a production version of the FR-S convertible for some time, however, because both automakers have yet to actually bring the respective cars to market. High demand is already straining production lines, and there are many bridges for both companies to cross before the thought of an modifications to the model line could even be entertained. While it might be possible to see something in a year’s time, it doesn’t seem likely that an FR-S convertible will happen until late 2013 or early 2014.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Discuss this story and other FR-S material on our forum here.

Following a national roll-out of the iQ, Scion is now considering the micro sub-compact for use in car sharing programs.

According to an article from Wards Auto, Scion vice president Jack Hollis calls his division “A lab to attract new buyers” to the Toyota brand.

In that sense the iQ has been doing a Scion a huge service. Apparently around 60 percent of Scion iQ buyers are new to Toyota. Scion is also seen as one of Toyota’s youth oriented brand, which is why they’re investigating the car sharing partnership.

“It would be stupid to deny the fact that the youth are seeing car sharing as valuable,” Hollis said. He plans to avoid any short-term trial programs, and seems to prefer a more committed first step into the car-sharing arena.

Among the names mentioned by the Wards Auto article, is Zipcar, one of the most popular and well known car-sharing programs. Hollis has apparently been in talks with Zipcar, so it might not be too far off to see a Scion iQ in the car-sharing fleet.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

The Toyota GT 86 generates enough buzz by itself, but it’s hard to resist looking at pictures of a race-modified version like the one in our gallery below.

At this point the name and car are basically cool by definition, which is why every time something new pops up concerning the Toyota GT 86, Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ, everyone and their grandmother jumps on the bandwagon to talk about it. For better or worse, we’re no different when it comes to this car.

The truth is, we don’t want to be. With its low-slung 2.0-liter Boxer engine and low center of gravity, the Toyota GT 86 is already a track car. Still, its co-authors (Subaru and Toyota) insist that it’s tuner ready and meant for tinkering.

That’s especially evident in Japan where customers can buy a stripped-down version of the GT 86 that comes with absolutely no frills — not even painted bumpers.

None of that, however, is news at all. What we’re looking at today is the race-modded version you see above. With big air vents cut into the hood that look a little like the previous generation Dodge Viper, a super low lip kit and a massive spoiler to add downforce at high speeds. It’s basically just eye candy, but who can complain about that?

GALLERY: Toyota GT 86 race car

Discuss this story and other FR-S material on our forum here and read AutoGuide’s Scion FR-S Review here

AutoGuide recently got back behind the wheel of the Scion FR-S. Having tested the car first on track in Japan, we then had the opportunity to drive it on public roads here in America with a proper road test that looks at more than just how good it handles.

But of course, a Scion FR-S drive event wouldn’t be complete without some track time too and we’re not about to let some seat time in an amazing handling sports car pass us by. Plus, we managed to capture some video while ringing out the FR-S at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch outside Las Vegas, NV

Watch our track video bonus feature below and see our complete Scion FR-S Road Test here.

GALLERY: 2013 Scion FR-S

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Discuss this story and other FR-S material on our forum here.

There remains to be no official word on a higher-horsepower version of the Scion FR-S, however, those looking for some added cornering performance and style are in luck.

At a recent drive event in Las Vegas (read our Scion FR-S Road Test here) Scion announced a long list of TRD goodies that will be made available for the FR-S, and even has a prototype car on display to show them off. Included in the list of goodies are larger front brakes, performance brake pads, larger sway bars, new springs and shocks, big 18-inch wheels, a TRD exhaust and thicker sway bars.

Also set to be offered as a dealer-installed accessory is the Five Axis aero kit. Five Axis, it should be pointed out, is the same company that designed the original FR-S concept.

Of note, the photos shown here feature a suspension drop much more severe than the TRD springs will deliver and the wheels shown are custom 19s, not the 18-inchers TRD will offer.

See more photos below and watch a short video of the FR-S complete with TRD exhaust sounds.

GALLERY: 2013 Scion FR-S TRD by Five Axis

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Given that that the boxy xB is living on borrowed time and will not be continued with a next generation model, some wags now believe Scion could be heading toward a more mainstream future.

There’s no question that Toyota’s “Youth” brand, that launched on the wave of the import tuner fad a decade ago, has gone through some hard times since the recession hit in 2008. With many of it’s younger, college graduate buyers no longer able to qualify for financing because of tighter lending rules, Scion saw demand plummet from 173,034 units in 2006, to around 44,000 last year.

Other problems contributing to the drop in Scion demand have been recent supply issues and a strengthening yen which, since all current Scion models are built in Japan, has caused difficulties in availability and the squeezing of profit margins.

In order to rectify the situation, perhaps going more mainstream would make more sense. If that proves to be the case, then models like the xB, which came to identify Scion’s youth focused approach would probably give way to more conventional replacements.

“We not replace the xB by name, one for one. The first generation, we needed the box. The second generation, we still liked the box, but we started looking for things that would stand out like the box. No one is saying [the next one] has to be a box,” said Scion’s vice president, Jack Hollis.

Since Scion launched nationally in the US in 2004, it’s buyer demographic has been aging, from an average of just 35 years old at launch to 43 last year, nonetheless that’s still well below the industry average.

Nevertheless, with cars like the fringe iQ econobox and the highly anticipated, though very much niche focused FR-S, plus plans to expands it’s motorsports presence, it doesn’t appear that Toyota’s youth brand shows any signs of growing up just yet.

[Source: Automotive News]

With its first true sports car heading to dealerships in June, Scion is looking to beef up its motorsports presence admits brand boss Jack Hollis.

Speaking at a press launch for the new rear-wheel drive FR-S in Las Vegas, Hollis commented Scion’s continued presence in Formula Drift and how the FR-S is making the brand more “authentic.”

“Let’s be honest,” said Hollis to the gatherer journalists, “with the TC we’ve done more than we authentically should have” referring of course to its transformation into a rear-drive NASCAR V8 powered drift machine. Scion now campaigns the FR-S in drifting, Greddy-built FR-S driven by Ken Gushi.

As much as the drifting scene suits the Scion brand’s sport compact origins, many motorsports enthusiasts consider it to be less of a form of motorsports and more of a spectacle. With the FR-S having all the makings of a budget road racer, when pressed, Hollis elaborated on the future of Scion in motorsports.

“Drifting is something we’ve been enjoying,” he said, and commented that Scion will take the next step into traditional competitive motorsports thanks to the FR-S. “We’re expanding our lineup and you should expect that we will expand our racing teams’ influence and participation.”

Hollis stopped short of making any specific announcements as to where an FR-S might pop up, however, two of the most obvious series include the SCCA’s World Challenge series, as well as the Grand Am racing series.

GALLERY: 2013 Scion FR-S

GALLERY: Scion FR-S Drift Car

Read AutoGuide’s Scion FR-S Road Test and watch the video review here

Aspiring Canadian racers have something to look forward to this summer as Scion announces its plan to sponsor motorsports drivers for the second year in a  row. 

Timed to coincide with the 2013 FR-S release, the company will hold a series of racing events. Those who wish to participate will need to contact Scion Canada to register. In order to qualify, those participants need to run in at least two races, which will include a slalom, time-attack, drag racing and more.

All of the events will happen under Scion supervision in the spirit of encouraging amateur racing. While it’s an almost laughably small prize, first place winners will be awarded up to $500, second place is good for $300 and $125 for third.

A division champion will also be crowned to receive an extra $800 as a prize. It seems that Scion recognizes the likelihood for its predominantly young, male  target market to want to race the new sports car and is trying to offer a safe venue for the activity.

“The all-new FR-S is a legit sports car – a car that is light, nimble, sleek, sporty, and offers a pure driving experience on the race track,” said Larry Hutchinson, senior executive director of Scion Canada. “We’re excited about the contributions that both the FR-S and Scion Racing contingency program will be able to make to enhance Canadian motorsports.”

There wasn’t any word on the other competitions, but given its track prowess we can’t help but wonder if a drifting competition will number among the undisclosed contests.

If so, it could lead to some interesting YouTube videos courtesy of our neighbors from the north. If nothing else, the boy-racer community will have a closed-course outlet for it’s fast-and-furious imitation. Hopefully that will be enough to contain the hooning.

Discuss this story at FR-SForum.com.

GALLERY: 2013 Scion FR-S

While Subaru is targeting 5,000 units for its new BRZ sports car, Scion believes its version of the joint Toyota-Subaru project will more than double that forecast.

Speaking at a drive event for the car in Las Vegas, Scion brand boss Jack Hollis pegged sales for the new rear-drive sports car at 10,000 units for the year, with the FR-S going on sale June 1st. The following year, Hollis said he expects to double that number to 20,000 units, roughly equal to the number of tC models moved last year.

With the outrageous hype surrounding the car, Hollis even hinted that internal estimates might be cautious. “We’re confident we will sell every one we can get our hands on,” he remarked, adding that the FR-S has had 27,000 “hand raisers.”

When questioned further about the natural tendency of coupes to have dramatic sales declines by their third year, Hollis deferred to Scion FR-S/Toyota GT 86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada who commented that by that time he expects to have something else to keep sales high. Both Hollis and Tada refused to speak on the topic of a higher performance FR-S, though Tada has in the past admitted that an FR-S Roadster is in the works.

Exactly who will be buying the FR-S? Hollis explains that the group will be a higher percentage of males, with a higher household income than current Scion buyers and will likely be new to the brand. Speaking to another Scion rep we were told that the ratio of manual transmission takers compared to those who choose an automatic is expected to be 50/50, while early preorders put the stick shift sales at 70 percent.

On the topic of buyers Hollis added that the reason for the influx of buyers new to the brand is that they’ll be motivated by the driving enjoyment that the FR-S delivers, regardless of its price.”Those who can afford any sports car they want,” he said, will opt for the FR-S simply because, “it’s fun to drive.”

Exactly how much fun? Read our recent review here to find out.

GALLERY: 2013 Scion FR-S

If you’ve been holding your breath for a Scion FR-S turbo announcement, it’s best to exhale now. The Japanese automaker has confirmed that the FR-S won’t see a turbocharged variant from the factory, at least for the time being.

This really isn’t a huge surprise, but we all kept our fingers crossed hoping that Scion would eventually come out with a turbocharged model to pump even more performance into an already great sports car. Currently the FR-S is powered by a 2.0-liter with 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, and with a price tag of $24,930 with a manual transmission, it’s a great bang for the buck.

But the price tag is what is limiting Scion from developing a turbocharged variant. By offering a turbocharged model, pricing could near the $30,000 mark at which point consumers have a variety of options to choose from. Besides, Scion models were never meant to be that expensive. We still hope that TRD will release a supercharger option for the FR-S, similar to what it gives current Scion tC owners.

There’s still hope for the Japanese Toyota GT 86. As part of the Toyota moniker, the Japanese automaker could possibly offer a turbocharged variant of its sports car, but again, we wouldn’t hold our breath on that.

Subaru, on the other hand, has enjoyed success with its turbocharged WRX STi, so it’s possible that it would offer a turbocharged BRZ. Pricing isn’t as big of an issue for Subaru customers, with the STi well over the $30,000 mark.

In an interview with Auto Express UK however, Subaru global marketing manager Atoshi Atake said the BRZ will not be turbocharged due to the lack of room at the front of the engine bay for an intercooler. More importantly, he said that Subaru would “want to keep turbocharging separate. It is for models like the WRX STi.”

While that sounds like Subaru is throwing out a turbocharged model out the window as well, we have strong beliefs that market demand will ultimately bring a BRZ Turbo to consumers. Subaru rejected the idea of a supercharger in the same interview, saying it would make fuel efficiency an issue.

Regardless, it seems that both automakers are content with how the BRZ, FR-S, and GT 86 are performing from the factory. But who wouldn’t want to see a turbocharged version of any of them?

Discuss this story at SubaruBRZForum.com

[Source: Car & Driver and Auto Express UK]