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Toyota Renames Three Scion Models Ahead of NY Auto Show
The 2017 Toyota 86
With Scion’s demise fast approaching, parent automaker Toyota is announcing some new changes to those Scion models moving over to its lineup. These three models, the Scion FR-S, Scion iM, and Scion iA will be renamed the Toyota 86, Toyota Corolla iM, and Toyota Yaris iA. Of these models, at least one (Toyota 86) will make its official debut next week at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
Bill Fay, Toyota Division Group Vice President, spoke of the reasoning behind the FR-S’s name change. “When we announced the transition of the Scion models to Toyota we hadn’t planned on changing the names of our cars, but by popular demand, for our sports car, we decided to adopt the global name of 86,” he explained. “Enthusiasts have a strong association with the front-engine, rear-drive heritage of the ‘hachi-roku’ and the dynamic performance it offers.”
The Toyota 86 is the global name for the sporty coupe that has, until now, been sold under the Scion FR-S moniker. Not only will the car receive a name change for 2017; it’ll also receive some styling updates on the interior and exterior, plus powertrain and suspension upgrades.
The Toyota 86 will appear more aggressive than its Scion predecessor, with new LED front headlamps and turn signals, a revised bumper, alloy wheels with a twisted spoke design. Inside, the Toyota 86 features new “Grandlux” material on the instrument panel surround and door trim, new seating material with silver stitching, and a sports steering wheel with audio controls.
Performance-wise, the new 86 will feature revised shock tuning and a spring rate change. Models equipped with manual transmissions will receive a gear ratio change and increase horsepower and torque ratings to 205 and 156 lb-ft respectively.
In addition to the Toyota 86, the Japanese automaker will bring the new C-HR crossover to its NYIAS display. The excitement is palpable over at Toyota, with Bill Fay saying, “We’re very excited to be showing the C-HR Concept as a Toyota and adding it to our line-up next year. The style and substance of the production C-HR will make it a winner in the hottest segment in the industry.”
While the Toyota 86 and C-HR are sure to be hits with the auto show crowd, the real star of the show will be the new Toyota Prius Plug-in, which is scheduled to make its worldwide debut next Wednesday during NYIAS’ press days.
Gallery: 2017 Scion FR-S Toyota 86
Catherine Hiles (she/her) is a native Brit living and working in Dayton, Ohio. Cat has written about a variety of subjects, including finance, cars, and parenting. She is a frequent contributor to Dayton Mom Collective, The Penny Hoarder, and WDW Magazine.
Cat lives with her husband, their two kids, and their energetic pitbull mix. She counts running, lifting weights, walking, and reading among her hobbies. See more articles by Cat.