Subaru BRZ, fully finished?!?

[the evil twin]

Subaru shows production version of BRZ sports car - Autoweek

What do ya'll think? Is the handling advantage going to be enough? Is 13 lb per hp going to be enough? Do you think it will be the next Edsel?
My thoughts are this:
Most people don't drive their cars hard enough to realize the handling capabilities. Mostly it is straight line acceleration, like passing or taking off at a traffic light. Personally, I don't think it will be enough (depending on where they price it). Unless it finds a home with track day junkies like the Miata has.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to take this car out to VIR or Barber and drive the **** out of it! I just don't think that, at the same HP- weight ratio as a Crossfire, it will win a lot of hearts.... except when you pin the stupid pedal to the floor after apexing that turn!

[tibug]

"No room for a turbocharger" my ass!

200hp and 150ft lbs of torque. at Sounds a bit Honda-ish to me. I....

Oop. 2012 Honda Si has 170 ft lbs. of torque at 4400rpm. To be honest...I think I'd rather have a Honda. What do I know though.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by the evil twin

Subaru shows production version of BRZ sports car - Autoweek

What do ya'll think? Is the handling advantage going to be enough? Is 13 lb per hp going to be enough? Do you think it will be the next Edsel?
My thoughts are this:
Most people don't drive their cars hard enough to realize the handling capabilities. Mostly it is straight line acceleration, like passing or taking off at a traffic light. Personally, I don't think it will be enough (depending on where they price it). Unless it finds a home with track day junkies like the Miata has.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to take this car out to VIR or Barber and drive the **** out of it! I just don't think that, at the same HP- weight ratio as a Crossfire, it will win a lot of hearts.... except when you pin the stupid pedal to the floor after apexing that turn!

Nice! So first off people do value good handling cars that aren't laying down 300+hp. And chances are the price tag will also reflect this. I would love to have one just as I would like to have a Miata.

[tddockery]

Personally, I think it's a shame that Subaru felt the need to get into the fray of the rear wheel drive sporty car market - although this is the last year of the Mazda RX8 and Honda really isn't fielding a sports car for the time being, they will be competing directly in price and category with entry level Mustangs and Camaros (both with their own loyal following), the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and whatever Kia plans in the same genre (Hyundai and Kia are sister companies) and of course with the Toyota twin of the BRZ.

I think Subaru should have stuck with an AWD layout if they truly felt the need to put a sports car out (anyone here heard of an STI? LOL)

"It's what (used) to make a Subaru, a Subaru."

I'll stick to my '99 Miata - it's only 140hp, but at less than 2300lbs and with near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, it really is a blast to play in - and it's a drop top to boot!

[ZsSubie]

Motor Trends Toyota 86 first drive:

Toyota 86 First Drive - Motor Trend

Chris

[subiesailor]

My Fatherinlaw will be in the market for a fun little car in a year or so. The cars on the list
Porsche Cayman
Infinity G37 hardtop convertable
Maybe Mercedes SLK
And I think this little subaru might make the list
Mini Clubman he's got a soft spot for the bread truck doors

The object of this car for him is a fun car he can run around town in - take on some nice back road rides etc.

His vehicle for the last 30yrs has been the full length Suburban which needs a three point turn just to park in the parking lot LOL.

Oh and yes he and I have lots of idea hashing about these. Given he will be about 5 minutes from my house and as a family we tend to share cars. ;-) Which case I keep showing him the Turbo Cayman's and the neighbor across from us has taken him for a spin in his Cayman. Need to set the hook good before reeling in the right car.. LOL

[Euchre]

I really think not having AWD is blowing it for this car, especially in light of its Toyota cousin. Most people will probably think 'why bother?' and if they DO get a Subaru, they'll walk past the BRZ and right to the WRX. This should've been the WRX's AWD non-turbo little brother, that people (especially 'kids') could actually afford. The WRX just does what all flagship performance models do - climb in price until they reach unobtainability.

[Chris11]

One of the most fun cars I've ever driven was an Integra Type R - it had similar torque to weight ratio - it responded to your inputs in a way a much heavier Mustang or 350Z could only dream about.

The STI version of this car will be a future icon. Hopefully they won't mess with turbos and just tune it up to 240-250 hp. It's not for everyone of course.

[subiesailor]

BRZ will be cheaper than a WRX and a two door small coupe was never and has never been intended as a family hauler regardless of who makes it.

You guys crack me you want an Outback with WRX power and BRZ handling ha ha.

For the right price the BRZ would be a great little car. Would I drop 27K on one? No would I get one for 17-22K - sure! Not everyone wants a Turbo! Shoot I have a turbo 1.8t even the wife agrees that beyond say a diesel we have no interest in owning another turbo anything given non turbo cars and engines are just as fun to drive and far easier on the budget and thats coming from a couple who are right in Obummers cross hairs for paying more taxes!

[the evil twin]

Originally Posted by tibug

"No room for a turbocharger" my ass!

200hp and 150ft lbs of torque. at Sounds a bit Honda-ish to me. I....

Oop. 2012 Honda Si has 170 ft lbs. of torque at 4400rpm. To be honest...I think I'd rather have a Honda. What do I know though.

The BRZ is suspected to have max torque starting at 3000 rpm. Incredibly low end, which = awesome!
I think a sub $20k would be a decent price.

On another note, WTF?!? A Scion?!?:

Subaru gets a great sports car it couldn't afford to build, and Toyota gets a great sports car, to be badged as a Scion here in the United States, that it couldn't find room to build.

Read more: 2013 Subaru BRZ Prototype First Drive - Motor Trend

Good stuff