Is it just me? Subaru BRZ = Enthusiast's dream car

[punjabiplaya]

I'm saving thoughts until pricing and performance on the boosted version are announced.

 

[darkswordsman17]

I was personally very disappointed that the Subaru version wasn't gonna be an AWD Turbo (basically a modern 22B, or at least Impreza WRX/STi coupe). The Impreza just isn't the same car any more and there's plenty of Subaru fans that would like the older style Impreza that would have eaten this up if it were that.

As it is now, it seems like they're just competing with each other, when they could have branched out and played to each other's strengths.

I just saw one (exact color) at the Philadelphia Auto Show and it's just pure sex. The car sit extremely low as a sport car should. Interior material doesn't look cheap at all. The sport seat is phenomenal and the car come standard with a touchscreen GPS navi. I asked the Subaru rep and she said it should be ~$25k. And oh yea, if this car sit next to a 350/370z, it'll make the Nissan look like an overweight turd. That's how small the car is.

That image makes me think the current Genesis coupe should be dropped. Make a smaller, lighter 4 cylinder only one to compete with this and the Toyota version. And then make a proper Genesis coupe with the V8 (which could compete with stuff like the Infiniti G35/37 while offering a V8 over it, but then could be a sorta lux coupe like Lexus used to offer only it'd be more sporty).

 

[Kroze]

Although they are speculating, Subaru did announce that they are developing a turbo charged version of the brz engine. They didn't say whether it's for the car or not.

 

[ballmode]

I wouldn't doubt that 2.0L Turbo will be the next WRX motor

 

[KentState]

I'm not sure what you mean by "enthusiasts dream" with reference to this car. Yes, it's interesting, but it reminds me of the RX8 when it was released. A nice car that performed well, but was quickly out classed by everything else.

 

[speedy2]

I think this car is a good thing. Look at it as the cheap fun cars of years ago. And then if the aftermarket gets a hold of it. You could see a lot of these around making tons of power, with very little investment. A perfect recipe for gearheads.

 

[ballmode]

I still don't see how this car will make "tons" of power

The S2000 weighs similar to this car, stock has 240hp, with a Supercharger it gets about 300ish hp and from there its not as reliable. Diff/clutch/engine issues

If you want this car to handle that good with that power you'll need to widen its wheels, strengthen the clutch, and just pray the diff and tranny hold up let alone this new engine which we aren't even sure was meant to be F/Ied

the numbers/money will add up and you could have gotten yourself into a different and/or better car by then.

If people couldn't make magic with the 2.0L genesis I doubt this will be any different.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Hm after looking at the specs for this and the specs for a scion FR-S they seem to be exactly alike.

If that is the case then what's the point of the BRZ if the scion ends up to be cheaper?

Maybe someone can clarify the differences.

 

[ballmode]

BRZ comes with standard HID lights, and I believe the suspension setup is different.

The Toyota is meant to understeer at the limit more so than the BRZ.
Don't quote me on this but I've also heard that the Subaru models will come with more "standard" features raising the price a tad.

 

[ballmode]

some people are already buying them up

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3785

Limited BRZ Interior

@xSkydra

hope that clears up the differences between BRZ trims

 

[amdhunter]

Damn. The videos in that thread left me underwhelmed with the interior. Aside from the Navigation, those old school buttons and plastic made me think about the 90s.

I have to see one in person I guess. They waited too damned long for this car to come out - I was ready to buy, and now that I paid off my 8, I am NOT even thinking about buying one of these anymore.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

So far what I'm seeing for the FR-S seems exactly the same.

Same hp/tq ratio
Same suspension set up
Same limited slip diff
Same weight

I was really thinking there would be something distinguishing the BRZ from the FR-S and really hope there would be otherwise I really don't see the point esp if one is cheaper.

The only thing I could imagine is if subie decides to turbo charge it later for an STi version but even then the standard would be redundant.

 

[Baked]

The Galaxy Blue Silica looks fucking sexy. There will be an BRZ event at the Hermosa Beach Subaru on March 3 from Noon. I'm fucking there. Might just put down a deposit. It's been way too long since I bought a car.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3786

 

[Arkaign]

I like it much more than the typical ~$25k compact "sports" cars that are usually FWD variants based on economy cars.

That said, a Mustang V6 w/track pack will eat this thing alive on anything but parking lot autocross courses, and hence, that'd be what I'd buy if I was given $25k and told to buy a new performance car for that price. I'd probably look like an idiot in one anyway. I love Miatas as well, but I'm 6'4", and it looks like I'm auditioning for clown school when I'm in one.

Now, if a stock BRZ can beat a 5.1 0-60, 13s quarter, .98g lateral grip, then I'll come back and admit I was completely wrong.

 

[Railgun]

Also: LSD, RWD, GPS navi, HID headlights, are all standard equipments, not options.

For ~$25k, this car is one hell of a deal for an enthusiast.

I haven't seen conformation of nav as standard. Can you link the source? Other than the LSD, the rest of that list isn't really all that special.

 

[jlee]

I haven't seen conformation of nav as standard. Can you link the source? Other than the LSD, the rest of that list isn't really all that special.

http://www.subaru.com/brz/2013/article.html?uri=/brz/posts/01062012_0000/&tq=posts/brz-2013

Take a first look at the U.S. production model of the 2013 Subaru BRZ, unveiled January 10 at the Detroit Auto Show. The specs are out, highlighting an extensive list of standard and available features. The new 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine produces 200 horsepower and sits lower and farther back in the lightweight chassis, enhancing response and handling while offering impressive power and fuel efficiency. MacPherson front struts, a double wishbone rear suspension and 17-inch wheels give the ride a smooth finish. The U.S. model also comes with limited-slip differential, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, a GPS navigation system and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity standard. The 2013 BRZ is expected to be available stateside this spring.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I guess I was dead on when I said I would cross shop this with an MX5.

I hope the highest BRZ trim level still permits deletion of the spoiler.

 

[Aharami]

Hm after looking at the specs for this and the specs for a scion FR-S they seem to be exactly alike.

If that is the case then what's the point of the BRZ if the scion ends up to be cheaper?

Maybe someone can clarify the differences.

motortrend said more trim options for subaru - scion will have only 1 trim option with cloth interior only. subaru's interior will look a lot better. different suspension setup for both, with subie's being more driver oriented. HIDs available in subie, not at all in scion. etc

 

[Safeway]

I find it insane that they are coming out with fundamentally identical vehicles at the same time. Same engine, same styling. Minor, trivial differences. I know that it was a combined development effort but, seriously, they are cannibalizing each others' sales.

 

[jlee]

I find it insane that they are coming out with fundamentally identical vehicles at the same time. Same engine, same styling. Minor, trivial differences. I know that it was a combined development effort but, seriously, they are cannibalizing each others' sales.

Yeah, I don't understand it at all.

 

[Bignate603]

Yeah, I don't understand it at all.

They did it because its a joint venture. The design was shared, the factory and assembly line are shared. They needed each other's help to make the car, thus each one gets their own version.

I wouldn't be surprised if the partnership is set up so that they both get some profit on the cars the other company sells in case one model does significantly better than the other.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

I can only see both cars doing well is if they are priced within 1k of each other. If the Scion is about 22k and the Subie at 25k I would think that will definitely hurt sales as being so driver oriented the target audience will see that they are the same cars so why pay 3k more for bare amenities.

With that said, cmon turbo charged BRZ STi!

 

[Zargon]

Is that the oil filter up top too? That would make a mess coming off. I'm not 100% sold on the style but it has potential to grow on me.

my wifes car has that and its fine. drain the oil first, then loosen it, you dont end up spilling much


@OP: I wouldnt call that engine bay spacious at all...

not bad, the rear is a little bangly z4 esk for me but overall i like it

 

[Safeway]

I can only see both cars doing well is if they are priced within 1k of each other. If the Scion is about 22k and the Subie at 25k I would think that will definitely hurt sales as being so driver oriented the target audience will see that they are the same cars so why pay 3k more for bare amenities.

With that said, cmon turbo charged BRZ STi!

I thought I read that a BRZ Turbo was confirmed, but then I read somewhere else that the engine compartment does not have enough room for a turbo and its ancillaries. It would require quite a bit of redesign.

Edit: Also, $3k for GPS, leather, and shedding the shitty Scion name seems cheap. I'd pay $3k just for the name. Not that I want to buy a BRZ at all, or an MX-5 chick blaster.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

I thought I read that a BRZ Turbo was confirmed, but then I read somewhere else that the engine compartment does not have enough room for a turbo and its ancillaries. It would require quite a bit of redesign.

Edit: Also, $3k for GPS, leather, and shedding the shitty Scion name seems cheap. I'd pay $3k just for the name. Not that I want to buy a BRZ at all, or an MX-5 chick blaster.

I would totally agree on you as I wouldn't want to sport the scion badge as well but i would think most people who are buying this type of car are not going to care all too much about leather and gps and a badge. Also since the price range is so low the 3k difference would be a pretty big factor in purchase as well. Plus it would an extra 3k in mods for it and if you debadge the logo you would not be able to tell from the outside.

Also I read about the turbo 2.0 but I believe that's for the new wrx/STi