Before we say anything else about our Scion FR-S rental, we've got to say: it has a 5-speed manual tranny.  The reason we mention this first is because that simple feat seems to explain a lot about this car.  For some time now we've commented and asked our fans feedback on the slow but sure disappearance of the tried-and-true manual transmission, and the FR-S's proud inclusion of its manual transmission speaks a lot to its natural, purely sporting intentions.  And in the end, it is because of these clear, uncluttered intentions that this car has gained so much praise and anticipation in the automotive world.
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At the heart of the Scion FR-S sports car rental is a flexible, horizontally-opposed, high-revving piece of goodness.  Its 2.0 liter 4-cylinder motor produces 200 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 151 lb-ft of torque at 6,400 RPM, all of which is good for a sprightly launch to 60 in just over 6 seconds.  With some fo the world's fastest and most renowned supercars, the previously noted figures seem lacking or unexciting; this is just flat out not true.  Though it takes twice as long to get to 60 as it does for our McLaren MP4-12C rental, for the FR-S it is all about it's proportions, driving feel, and the overall spirit of the car that we spoke to earlier.

At only ~2,800 pounds the FR-S is very nimble and confident in its driving demeanor.  Hell, you don't even need to very fast because its low, small, light proportions make 60 feel like 120.  Its 147 mph top speed, on the other hand, proves that you can if you want.  And despite its price point, this is an exceptionally comfortable car.  Nearly everyone will fit nicely in its bolstered bucket seats and its ride quality and noise is arguably more composed than those it looks up to, like the Porsche Cayman, for example.  When all is said and done, the FR-S is not a McLaren or Porsche, and thus does has some limitations.  For example, its comparably skinnier tires and its tendency to rev high means that charging through mountainous roads warrants cautious so as to not lose traction or over-stress the motor.

So, how about the outside?  Well, this is a very handsome boy racer.  All of the proportions and aesthetic cues are just fitting for this car.  There's no overstyling yet plenty of style.  The open-wide grill and slightly angry headlights blend simply to a rear that is aggressive and wide-set with an attractive dual-exhaust.  Inside the simple ergonomics, styled trim, and acutely sportly gauge cluster mimics the inside of a Porsche.  All in all, this is car has a functional, sporty, and fun aesthetic inside and out.

So, if you need a quick dose of sports car driving, are taking a road trip, or just need to get somewhere a bit more quickly, look no further than Club Sportiva's Scion FR-S.  Plus, at $149 per day, it's an awfully affordable and authentic sports car experience.  Catch all the details on the Scion FR-S rental HERE.

– Evan W.