Good, but pointless: Scion FR-S '12
Welcome to Monza, one of the classic F1 tracks. And today we have a red car, but it's not a Ferrari. It's a 2-door coupe, but it's not a Silvia. So, what the hell is this car? It is the latest DLC car in the world of GT5, the 30000 cr Scion FR-S. A car you can download for free! Well, I like free things, so I gave this one a go. And now, we need to travel around the nooks and corners of Monza to know how this free thing goes. And away we go!
Ok, let's start with the design. Er.. Nothing new, for those who know the GT86. Or the BRZ. Or any car that is part of this project. Those lines are modern, but they lack something. They lack that "X-factor" that gives you goosebumps everytime you see it, I can't feel much just by looking at the car. Toyota ('cause we know they did this car, and not Scion) should've made this a whole lot prettier and cooler. They were lazy on this department. They are cool details on this car, like the exhaust tips and so, but this could, and should've been a whole lot better design-wise.
Ok, so that leaves us with the engine, suspension and tires. To put it in a simple manner, the driving. And this time, I have a proper opinion. First of all things, I must tell a quick story. I saw this real-life review of the FR-S, and I was amazed to see the the "reviewer" said that the car has no soul, like a GT-R. Excuse me, sir, but this car does have a soul, even if isn't a big one. Unlike a GT-R, this car doesn't feel like a boat. Unlike a GT-R, this car is not a tool for noobs to win all the races possible without breaking a sweat. Unlike a GT-R, it doesn't look like a nuclear disaster. The FR-S drives like a part of your own body. I have never seen such precise steering in a car before. In many ways, it's oddly similar to a Lotus Evora, even if the Norfolk toaster is just a tad bit more refined. It does what you want to do, you only have to do the necessary requirements. If you want to drift, go in too fast. If you want to hit that apex bang on, you drive with precision.
Jeremy Clarkson: "Where did I see this symbol? Was it in the Space Shuttle or was it in my kitchen? Oh, wait, it was in the GT86!"
Now we return to the review in question.
The grip level in this car is amazing. It never goes too far as trying to kill you with massive oversteer, or giving you plenty of understeer. It has pinpoint accuracy, and a feeling you can't get in many cars. It's a sight to behold. In many ways, it seems that Toyota was studying the "Jinba Ittai" principle with plenty of attention. I'm sure that the MX-5 was a car that Toyota was watching closely during the development process of the 86.
That boxer engine is quick, but it does lack a bit of noise and go-juice. Yes, I know that engine had to be that way for the car to be cheap and to handle like it does. But with all due respect, you add 20 hp to the engine, and the chassis would still respond well. It is a blank canvas for tuners to thrive on.
And now for the main issue of this car: It is a GT86. And what do I mean by that, you ask? I already have one. In fact, I own a few. On a game like GT5, I want to have a all-round kind of car collection. But this car doesn't add nothing new to the game. It is another Toyota. And that is what makes this car pointless. If you want a 86, you buy a 86. It's pretty simple. Why would you waste your time with a car that looks, sounds, and drives the same? At least PD made this car a free DLC. I would pretty pissed off if were trying to charge me for a car I already had. Instead, PD, why don't you spend time making brand new cars for the game, or adding ones from previous games that are not Skylines? Like adding the Renault Espace F1, or the Nissan Pulsar VZ-R. Or converting the Jag XF-R to premium status WITHOUT using a brand new model. That'd be great.
The car is good, don't get me wrong. It's good that there are people like Akio Toyoda. He knew people were saying that his brand was "beige" and did something about it. He created a car that young people can buy and enjoy until they're ready to move on onto something more powerful. In the good ol' US of A, the Scion should sell like hot cakes. It's a tuner dream. Many people will customize their cars, and no 86, FR-S or BRZ will be the same. And many tuning companies are prepping great versions of this car as we speak.
Well, in the end, the Scion did well, but I don't really need it. I can drive my 86 and it will be exactly like this one. It is good, but pointless. But don't think that is the last you see of this car. I have something in mind. I know one man who can make this car better, and I intend on meeting him. He is a 86 specialist, after all...