Subaru BRZ

[Chopped34]

http://http://www.caranddriver.com/news/subaru-brz-sti-concept-auto-shows-car-and-driver

Just want to see what everyone thinks about Subaru's new concept car and the effect it will have on the 818. I would prefer it to have AWD just because that's what Subaru is known for. I would like to see the final price on the STI version it may draw me away from the 818.

[305mouse]

That started life as the FT-86, a Toyota and Subaru joint venture. The Toyota would be sold in the states. Now Toyota has made it a Scion. I won't be able to compete with the weight of the 818 or the cost. I think it's time Subaru did something like this, but I'll be getting an 818.

[BrandonDrums]

That started life as the FT-86, a Toyota and Subaru joint venture. The Toyota would be sold in the states. Now Toyota has made it a Scion. I won't be able to compete with the weight of the 818 or the cost. I think it's time Subaru did something like this, but I'll be getting an 818.

Subaru wasn't always 100% awd and I'm glad they are doing this for sure. A couple reasons; a 2500lb RWD sports car with a very low cog and near 50/50 weight distribution is awesome. Subaru got to use the boxer engine in a more optimal use to maximize cog and weight dist. It looks great.

I don't think it will be a competitor to the 818. Us real car guys want something more special and more extreme plus cheaper than that.

As far as the BRZ chassis, Subaru says it's been developed to the chassis can be lengthened. I think the next gen wrx/sti will be based off the BRZ platform making it stiffer, lighter weight etc. There's a good chance Subaru will develop an awd setup that places the engine further back too.

As for the 818, you can't match the power/weight ratio and mid-engine handling.

[vozproto]

Its pretty cool that subie is puttin out a coupe. About time.

But as far as competition... its ~40% heavier and front engined/rwd.

1800lb mid engine rwd will kill it.

[Niburu]

and it'll start pricewise in the mid $20K's, my guess after if they come out with the jazzed up STi version you'll be looking at close to $30K
I've already seen plenty of whining on NASIOC about it not being AWD and it only having 200hp - my guess is RWD scares the crap out of alot of the younger guys.

[vozproto]

By the way... that quite possibly the worst name/car match I have ever seen. Dunno what the name invokes for me... but it sure isnt quick and fun sounding.

Stands for:
Boxer Rear-wheel Zenith

[PhyrraM]

Regardles of the similarities in theory (lightwieght, handling), I really can't see too much real cross-shopping.

Folks willing to assemble thier own car, are not going to "settle" for the 2600lbs/200HP ratio.

Folks looking seriously at the BRZ are likely not going to settle for the inferior interior appointments/accomodations and the lack of traditional OEM type of stuff (warranty, dealer support, liability shedding, ect..) an experiance like the 818 will have.

There will be, however, tons of bench racing and paper comparisions made.

I like the BRZ, and am glad to see it coming. I think Subaru has done an excellent job engineering the car and choosing just the right set of comprimises for it. Am I in the market? Not anymore....unless my disposable income greatly increases.

[Oppenheimer]

Yes, no cross-shopping, but certainly some cross-pollination. The buzz for the one will easily lead to buzz for the other, and vice-versa. Conversations about one will easily morph to conversations about the other.

The thing I found most interesting (and encouraging) that C&D article said:

"The BRZ feels more like a joint venture between Subaru and Lotus than a collaboration with Camrys-By-The-Billions, Ltd."

[VTX]

I thought I had read that the Subaru version of the FT-86 was getting around 260HP?

[Niburu]

I thought I had read that the Subaru version of the FT-86 was getting around 260HP?
both cars are getting the same 2.0L direct injected 200hp/178tq motor
no immediate plans by either company as of yet for a forced induction version

[Draco-REX]

I'm looking forward to the FT-86 and BRZ. I think it's a cool little car and I hope to get someone to let me drive one.

But for my lightweight RWD car, the 818 is it.

[Gary in NJ]

I look at the 818 as a great weekend car.

The FR-S/BRZ looks to an outstanding light-weight daily driver.

There's room for both in my garage.

[forced4]

I'm considering the BRZ. It ticks all the boxes...of course nothing has been shown for "real" yet.

[Chopped34]

Another positive coming from the BRZ is the possibility of more parts compatible with the 818.

[dpmdc]

If weight is the biggest consideration with a decision on the Subie over the 818, consider doing what I did to my Elise....dump the windows and ac, add a turbo or supercharger, add some Ohlins coil overs, then finish it off with a full carbon fiber body...then go play at the track. Both cars have their niche and will appeal to different people for different purposes.

5956

[Oppenheimer]

If weight is the biggest consideration with a decision on the Subie over the 818, consider doing what I did to my Elise....dump the windows and ac, add a turbo or supercharger, add some Ohlins coil overs, then finish it off with a full carbon fiber body...then go play at the track. Both cars have their niche and will appeal to different people for different purposes.

5956

First, get a gazillion dollars. Then go follow the recipe above.

Yes, I would love to be able to do that. Since it ain't gonna ever happen for me, I will enjoy saving for, then building, my near stock WRX powered 818. And enjoy every minute of it.



I look at the 818 as a great weekend car.

The FR-S/BRZ looks to an outstanding light-weight daily driver.

There's room for both in my garage.

Yes, that is an awesome plan. Not all of us can afford that, for me the 818 will have to be both. No, not DD every day, just every day its not giong to monsoon or ice or snow. Otherwise, I will be toughing it out getting near 40 mpg (I'm hopeful) in a seriously fast, fun (but minimalist) car.