I meant 215/45-17's = Lame

Miata's are lame too (for the most part).

 

whats with teh MX-5 comparison's? two in two reviews makes me feel like the idea was planted by toyota.

and
turns into how does that balance out?


because there hasnt been an MX-5 and an RX-8 to choose from for that exact thing?

Thats over 2800lbs folks . The PRHT is 2560

 

from spin9k's autocar link:
seriously? they put eco-tires on their attempt at a sports car?

also:
I really hope that's the fully loaded top of the line price. Because at $32k usd that's not the cheap sports car toyota was boasting it was going to be and certainly going to have a tough time competing with the cheaper mx-5.


One more thought. They took the car to the nürburgring and now are professing "it's about feel not numbers!"...something tells me they didn't do very well.

 

Because it is nearly the same size, dimensionally, and would likely interest a similar demographic, with the noteable exception of it's not a roadster, but a coupe w/4 seats. That's a huge plus in my opinion, along with the statements from engineers that it "will hold 4 track tires in the back seat area" and "has mounting locations for roll cage built-in".

Unless they screw up (don't fix) the handling quirks (the tested cars were concept mules I believe), those are some important check boxes for track addicts. What I hope is that the Subaru BRZ version, with a stated "under 300hp" vs. Toyota's "about 200hp" - will really be the "here's my money" souped up model with some extra grunt and features. Subaru has been almost completely tight-lipped about their engine specs other than giving that statement.

 

vv -- Nice analysis.

 

...

Last time I looked...the MX-5 is a Convertible Roadster, this is not, so already the Toyta is 2 points behind in the "fun" factor!

 

more pics





this is supposedly the Scion FR-S version that will sell here. They just cant seem to leave empty the sculpted area above the wheel.

 

Zoom, your enthusiasm for this car makes me think that you'll be first in line to buy one









I'm glad I'm not the the only one that's not impressed and think this car will be a dud.

 

hate = love

 

im annoyed when car companies do things ALMOST right but then screw it up. im feeling like this will be one of those and i also feel like it has morphed into looking a little too much like the Zcar.

what is it with car companies and those chrome thingies on fenders anyway. remember when ford did that with the focus a couple years ago



*shudder*

and i mean 2850 lbs? the base model 2004 RX-8 weighs that much and its a much bigger car.

and the journos **** me off with that " oh we have waited for a light weight great handling car that doent make HP its only goal" as if Mazda hasnt been building.

 

zoom, how do you feel about the triangle shaped sidemarker "thingy" on the Series 2 RX8? It's not like some huge deal, but I think Mazda somewhat jumped on the bandwagon with that one.

I guess Mazda made a marketing error with the RX8 that kept it out of the "lightweight/who cares about hp" niche. As I recall, there were RX8 ads that highlighted the "250HP/238HP Renesis Rotary engine with under 6 second 0-60", and not just the rotary and brilliant handling. We'll see if Scion and Subaru are better at managing the US appetite for hp numbers through their ad campaign.

Still, I might be looking at my next daily driver when I look at those brochure shots of the FR-S. I have a wife and two small kiddos, so the 2+2 format, cheap price, (hopefully) fun handling, Toyota reliability, economy from the small displacement flat 4, and nice styling could be perfect for me.

I'll finally be able take my time to throw the 500whp heads/cam setup on the GTO, rebuild the T56, replace the clutch, do some mild suspension work, and turn it into the urban assault vehicle for when I want some power instead of finesse.

 

Do you think Mazda wanted to go to the extra cost of more wiring (copper) and a side marker for 'nothing' or "to jump on the bandwagon".

Many of these changes are regulatory for some regions, therefore it is included for ALL countries.

 

I'll certainly take a look at this car when it comes out but I don't know if I'll be able to get over the Scion badge that will be on it. Wouldn't be surprised to see dealer markups when this thing comes out either.

 

wait for the Subaru BRZ. Trust me.
Yall realize that this is a McPherson strut front end--no double wishbones, but on the Subaru version there is a hint that a modified double wishbone strut front suspension will be used.

 

The original concept looked great. Concept II looked too riced up. Production looks like...well a CHEAP car riced from factory. The car screams cheap which I guess fits Scion...

Hope the Subby one turns out better, otherwise I hope Toyota pumps out a Lexus version...

So much hype for so many years...only to turn this out? The last Celica still looks pretty decent inside and out, but this FR-S already looks dated...

 

Was really looking forward to this car. There really isn't anything too exciting coming out in 2012. Damn you mazda!!! Why aren't you making a new RX??

Very sad day when a Z is at the top of my list

 

What's wrong with a McPherson Strut? When done right it's very effective. I don't see subaru using a double wish bone on the BRZ. They use McPherson struts on all of their other vehicles.

BMW has been using them forever. No one can say that the e30, e36 and even e46 M3's aren't some of the best handling vehicles out there.

Yes double wish bone can be better, but it doesn't mean it always is better or necessary.

 

IF done right is the key here. Look at the driving reports etc?
The concept car that Subaru has been showing--( no sheet metal) is showing a double wishbone up front. Not the classic kind like the 8, but a modified version. I rather have that.

 

So does Porsche.

But it takes engineering talent and experience (ie: money) to get it tuned right. Not all companies are willing to do that.

 

I can't see a d-wishbone here, does this look like one to you?

 

McPherson Strut is a far cheaper suspension set up to make, and the installation/assembly at a factory level is even cheaper again...

As the seniors know here Mazda used MS front suspension many decades ago and it was exclusive on all passenger cars.

A double Wishbone is far more reliable/solid/accurate.