Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Passion of the Scion FR-S

presented by Lowe Toyota of Warner Robins 

Riding in the car with a friend we started in on the discussion, “Whatever happened to Toyota’s sports car?” True, there is the Scion TC; a great and affordable 2.5 litters, 180hp, and FWD car that can hold its value with the best of them. But, in remembering Toyota’s esteemed racing history some other cars come to mind, like the Toyota 2000GT or the Toyota Supra, cars that are no longer in production. It is said that Akio Toyoda (president of Toyota and grandson of the company’s founder) asked himself, “Where is the passion in our lineup? I want to build a sports car.”

Enter the Scion FR-S.

For those of you who don’t know, Toyota is the parent company of Scion. The Scion FR-S has begun production and will be ready to go on sale in the spring. It will be RWD that has a modest horizontally opposed four-cylinder, D-4S injection, DOHC engine with 200hp @ 7,000 rpm and 151 lb. –ft. of torque @ 6,600 rpm. These stats alone might not cause auto enthusiast to rush to trade in their Mustangs and Camaros but much like its predecessors it relies not on an imposing amount of horsepower, but rather technology and inspired engineering. One major key point is its ultra-low center of gravity. To give you a reference point, it has a considerably lower center of gravity than Porsche’s Cayman, Nissan’s GT-R, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution, and Subaru’s STI. Also consider this vehicle will be surprisingly minimal weight, just over 2600 lbs. Another great attribute will be its highly rated “Aisin” transmissions: a three-pedal manual, or a conventional torque converter-equipped automatic with paddle shifters. If you are still not sold on the specs; know that they have left room under the hood… you may say enough room for a turbo. Over all it has received exceptionally high reviews, both for its performance and its sleek interior and exterior design. Fun and exciting to drive is the phrase that I saw constantly by those who were lucky enough to get an advance test drive. To put it another way, you just might have to get in line to drive this much anticipated Scion FR-S, maybe behind me at Lowe Toyota and Scion of Warner Robins


References:

http://wot.motortrend.com/on-the-line-2013-subaru-brz-scion-fr-s-production-begins-180371.html
http://www.scionfirst86.com/specs/
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-scion-fr-s-first-drive-review
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_look/viewall.html
http://www.insideline.com/scion/fr-s/2013/2013-scion-fr-s-10-things-you-dont-know.html

Friday, March 16, 2012

Hometown Heroes of Warner Robins, GA

Hometown Heroes...
presented by Lowe Toyota of Warner Robins 


I remember sitting in elementary school and the teacher asking the legendary question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  Enthusiastic hands would start to go up and as the teacher went down the line you started to hear some professions being mentioned more than others.  Policemen, firemen, fighter pilots, teachers, and nurses were some of the recurring answers that were given that day; but as time goes on and those kids got older more than a few answers will be changed.   But, I think there is something to be said about what makes kids universally choose those jobs that for the most part, take more time, energy, and commitment for less monetary return.   I think it’s because children tend not to look at such things.  I think children see someone they look up to, someone they know puts themselves before others and they say that is what I want to be when I grow up.  Beyond that, I think there is more to say about the person who actually puts in the time, energy, and commitment to become that person.  That’s what a hometown hero is. 
Here at Lowe Toyota of Warner Robins we want to say thank you for all your hard work and service to our community.  We are launching a program that will honor such professions.  All active duty military, teachers, police force, firemen, or medical staff are able to participate in these great savings that include…
New Cars – 1% over invoice on any car (less all applicable rebates)
Used Cars - $500 over cost
Service - $24.95 (regularly $38.95) on all oil changes and discounts on all other parts and services
At Lowe Toyota of Warner Robins we know that you have served us.  Now let us serve you!