Here’s the problem with releasing a concept: more often than not, people expect you to build it. So when a source tells you that a showcar doesn’t have a shot at production, many assume it’s been killed. Unless, that is, it was never going to come to market in the first place.

Such is the case with the fetching Lincoln Concept C, originally shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2009.

Ford Inside News reports that the Concept C has been axed, but the truth is, it was never confirmed for production in the first place. Instead, Lincoln’s three-year plan includes seven all-new or “significantly refreshed” models, one of which will sport a diminutive footprint. But is it a C-segment vehicle? Sorta.

Rather than rework a sedan/hatch based on the Ford Focus platform – something Lincoln is shying away from as it attempts to move away from the badge-engineering game – our source tells us that Lincoln’s previously announced C-segment entrant is likely to be a compact CUV based off the new Escape platform with a reworked stance and a different seating setup. And if our tea leaves are in order, we’d expect to see some kind of concept version within the next year, likely sporting a hybrid-electric drivetrain.

Lincoln’s small car isn’t dead… it never really existed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another auto show, another version of Toyota and Subaru‘s joint partnership rear-wheel-drive sports car. We saw Toyota’s FT-86 II concept in Geneva earlier this year, along with the chassis for Subaru’s version of the car. Now here in New York, Scion has taken the wraps off of its FR-S, a sexy little number that rides on this same platform.

FR-S, which stands for “front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sport,” (or “friggin’ really sweet,” according to Jack Hollis, Scion’s vice president) is the automaker’s homage to the infamous AE-86 Corolla – a car that was highly praised for its lightweight body and superb balance without having to churn out a ton of power. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Boxer flat-four mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The FT-S rides on sharp 20-inch wheels, hiding an absolutely monstrous set of 18-inch carbon ceramic brake rotors that are fixed to the wheels like a motorcycle. Don’t count on those making production…

Hollis says that the FR-S’ design is inspired by the legendary Toyota 2000GT, and we can even see a bit of Lexus LF-A in the angular shapes that blend with sleek curves. This is one hot concept, and we’re told that it previews a new addition to the Scion family coming in 2012. (Yeah, we know.)

Enough with the drooling. Just give us the production car.

See the sexy FR-S for yourself in our high-res image gallery below, and hit the jump for Scion’s official press release.

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading New York 2011: Scion FR-S Concept is “friggin’ really sweet”

New York 2011: Scion FR-S Concept is “friggin’ really sweet” originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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