What keeps me awake at night thinking about the FR-S

As I thought about ordering the FR-S, I looked for differentiating factors between it and the BRZ.  Same car mechanically, same performance, same dimensions.  Traditionally, I would never have even considered the name Scion being on my car, not because I didn't like Toyota, or that I didn't understand what they were doing creating a sub-brand for younger/sportier people, but because of the ricer-tuner crowd that had traditionally flocked to the brand.

I said to myself, "I'll only buy that car a Subaru!" when I first heard about them.  As the cars started to gain some media attention, and as I did a little more digging, I found that wearing the Scion badge not only wasn't bad, but carried with it a sense of focus and fulfillment, in a way that Toyota was returning to the segment, and trying to make their sub-brand break-out of the ricer-tuner mold.  As I looked further, I also found that the way the car is offered in regard to features and price point, fit exactly into what I was looking for.

I have always said, "Why don't car companies let me buy the car that I want?  Why am I forced into the technology package in order to have a sun-roof?"  Those things don't even make sense being together, it is just part of the feature creep that has come into the way cars can be ordered today.  In the 60's, you got a check list, and got exactly what you wanted when you ordered.  For those that didn't care, take the one on the lot and go home happy, but for those that did, you could fine-tune in everything.  Now, I certainly don't expect that to ever return in the same context, we have totally different manufacturing processes in the world these days, and the way business works has changed a lot, but why can;t I buy a sports car that come with the "racing" stuff that I want, and no gidget-gadget crap that I will never use?  Wait, what's that you say?  I can?

Enter the Scion FR-S.  The only option on the car is the upgraded radio.  As a base package, you get a 6-speed manual, limited slip Torsen rear diff, full bracing all over the car, and nice slidey tires, in an affordable 17x7 size.  You get a radio that has bluetooth calling as well, awesome!  All of these things are simple, usable, and performance oriented, no fluff.  You might be saying, Alex, you're 25 and work at a tech company, don't you want all the Gen-Y gadgetry your generation is so famous for?  No, I don't care about it, and I don't want to pay for it.  While things like heated seats, climate control, in-dash navigation, and the sort are cool, they are not needed in a sports car.  If I were buying a 5-series BMW, than I would expect it to drive me home and brew me a cup of coffee when I push a button, but in this car, it is unnecessary and unwelcome.

Scion gave me the chance to have the car I wanted.  Basic items like air-conditioning, of course you gotta have that, this is a daily driver after all, but the unnecessary stuff, leave it off the car.  That is the main reason the Scion grabbed me over the Subaru.  The Subaru can be ordered with HID headlights, leather, climate control, navigation, and other assorted things.  Guess what that does for you?  Adds $3000 to the price tag, makes the car heavier, and gets you a Subaru badge.  No thanks.

Simple, light-weight, usable, fun, all of those things are what the FR-S will be for me.  I am glad to be paying under $25k for an awesome car.  Boxer engine?  Yes, it will be my first time with one, and while it is a different mindset, at the end of the day it's a 180 degree V4, so it all still makes sense.

I cannot wait!