Yet another: Test Drove a BRZ Today

[Childs]

This was the only car i've ever been refused a test drive in. Doesn't help I went to the dealer after class (shirt, tie slacks) and in my 335, still said we don't allow test drives.

When I bought my 335i my salesman allowed me to take an E90 M3 out by myself for lap around the block.

Whatever, the interior looks atrocious with material quality, through that really isn't the point of the car.

If you are asian, maybe he thought you'd race it around the block. Still kinda funny, as thats what this car's demo is. Its not like its a Porsche or something, its a $25k car.

 

[Doppel]

Unless you race, or simply enjoy driving.

It is only fun if you're pushing the car.

 

[Fenixgoon]

It is only fun if you're pushing the car.

you've never heard of track days or autocross?

 

[JCH13]

It is only fun if you're pushing the car.

False good sir. There is plenty of enjoyment to be had without pushing a car.

 

[Arkaign]

I like the BRZ a lot honestly, but think its too $$$ for what you get. Same $$ roughly as what, a WRX? Mustang V6? Either of which are a good bit faster and pretty good handlers. Ah well. I foresee a steep sales drop after the first year, and the turbo versions will be rare if they launch at 40k+ otd.

 

[Blades]

Both transmissions are from Toyota, the same ones they stick in some of their Lexus's

Aisin is the supplier of transmissions, same as is-f minus 2 gears and since toyolex has no M6 in their lineup, no comparisons can be made.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Aisin is the supplier of transmissions, same as is-f minus 2 gears and since toyolex has no M6 in their lineup, no comparisons can be made.

I thought the IS250 was available with a 6spd manual?

http://www.lexus.com/models/ISC/features/performance/sixspeed_manual_transmission_is_250_c.html

 

[AMCRambler]

I thought the IS250 was available with a 6spd manual?

http://www.lexus.com/models/ISC/features/performance/sixspeed_manual_transmission_is_250_c.html

Oh no he didn't!

 

[Blades]

Aisin is the supplier of transmissions, same as is-f minus 2 gears and since toyolex has no M6 in their lineup, no comparisons can be made.

I thought the IS250 was available with a 6spd manual?

http://www.lexus.com/models/ISC/features/performance/sixspeed_manual_transmission_is_250_c.html

That uses the RA62 (Toyota ver of AY6). Apparently, the toybaru uses the AZ6 found in S2Ks and RX8s.

I quoth this site -

http://kaizenfactor.wordpress.com/2...nsmissions-and-driveline-what-we-know-so-far/

 

[thedarkwolf]

I like the BRZ a lot honestly, but think its too $$$ for what you get. Same $$ roughly as what, a WRX? Mustang V6? Either of which are a good bit faster and pretty good handlers. Ah well. I foresee a steep sales drop after the first year, and the turbo versions will be rare if they launch at 40k+ otd.

I went from a 5.0l mustang to a miata. Some of us just like small lightweight nimble cars more than straight line power. It s a small market though.

 

[Arkaign]

I went from a 5.0l mustang to a miata. Some of us just like small lightweight nimble cars more than straight line power. It s a small market though.

I can see that. I'd have a Miata hands-down if I could reasonably fit in one, they're awesome. Did you see the Top Motoring showdown or whatever race between Miata, BRZ, and FRS? The Miata held its own really well considering the power gap, which seemed to be somewhat mitigated by the fact that the Miata was the better handling vehicle. I think once you add power, the MX is the better vehicle, even if I do like the styling of the BRZ quite a lot for a small car.

I think if we were comparing the pre-2011 Mustang V6 or pre 2009 WRX (the '08 was a shame) .. I'd have a hard time going with either over the BRZ. That's one hell of a power gap though Different strokes I guess. Will be interesting to see the lightning lap results of the BRZ/FRS vs. the usual suspects.

 

[Doppel]

you've never heard of track days or autocross?

Ah yes that mythical beast that happens mainly internet forums. We both know in reality no more than a couple percent of the people who buy these cars will ever track them.

 

[manimal]

Ah yes that mythical beast that happens mainly internet forums. We both know in reality no more than a couple percent of the people who buy these cars will ever track them.

While this is true in the context of an enthusiast forum with guys with FP red evos and Tubro swap mr2s its appropriate.



Remember the old saying? Win on Sunday, sell on Monday? Marketing performance sells or we wouldn't have 600 horse camaro's coming off the assembly line. The articles about those SS models sells V6 models.

 

[JCH13]

Ah yes that mythical beast that happens mainly internet forums. We both know in reality no more than a couple percent of the people who buy these cars will ever track them.

You're probably right that only a few will see track time. It is still way more enjoyable to drive on the street than a minivan, even only slightly exceeding the speed limit (ask me how I know ). I've got a number of fun, curvy back roads around me, so it's easy to enjoy a sports car in a safe manor on a daily basis.

It is a considerably different experience to turn the steering wheel and watch the car turn and feel the car turn, that's what makes sports cars so enjoyable to me.

 

[Sulaco]

It is only fun if you're pushing the car.

If that's how you feel, you're sadly driving the wrong cars.

Both my cars are fun on the way to the grocery store, up a country road, and pretty much everywhere that doesn't involve bumper to bumper traffic.

None of those are pushing the cars anywhere near their limits.

 

[HarryLui]

I went from a 5.0l mustang to a miata.

You forgot to mention it was a turbo miata.

 

[pauldun170]

It doesn't have a Nurburgring time therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have the 12 speed dsg therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have 300hp therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have a sub 5 sec 0-60 therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have AWD and turbo therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have a sub-20K price therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
I could have a <insert car here> for same price or less therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It can't tow a boat and has a crappy tow rating therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
Since my NBA contract, I can't fit right in it therefore Toyota made a horrible car.

I think that covers the spec sheet brigade rants.

 

[Xecuter]

It doesn't have a Nurburgring time therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have the 12 speed dsg therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have 300hp therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have a sub 5 sec 0-60 therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have AWD and turbo therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have a sub-20K price therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
I could have a <insert car here> for same price or less therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It can't tow a boat and has a crappy tow rating therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
Since my NBA contract, I can't fit right in it therefore Toyota made a horrible car.

I think that covers the spec sheet brigade rants.

wrong thread?

 

[JCH13]

It doesn't have a Nurburgring time therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have the 12 speed dsg therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have 300hp therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have a sub 5 sec 0-60 therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have AWD and turbo therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It doesn't have a sub-20K price therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
I could have a <insert car here> for same price or less therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
It can't tow a boat and has a crappy tow rating therefore Toyota made a horrible car.
Since my NBA contract, I can't fit right in it therefore Toyota made a horrible car.

I think that covers the spec sheet brigade rants.

Well, it's a good thing I drove a Subaru then, huh? :awe:

 

[MiataNC]

You could replace BRZ/FR-S with RX-8 in every post/discussion/argument, and no one would know the difference.

Drivers appreciate cars like the Miata/RX-8/BRZ/FR-S.

Spec sheet racers want "MOAR POWAH!!!

 

[mnewsham]

You could replace BRZ/FR-S with RX-8 in every post/discussion/argument, and no one would know the difference.

Drivers appreciate cars like the Miata/RX-8/BRZ/FR-S.

Spec sheet racers want "MOAR POWAH!!!

Having never driven those cars I have no idea... Closest thing I have driven was a '93 RX-7 type R (I think it was '93). If it is similar to that then I would love this kind of car.

 

[Elfear]

You could replace BRZ/FR-S with RX-8 in every post/discussion/argument, and no one would know the difference.

Drivers appreciate cars like the Miata/RX-8/BRZ/FR-S.

Spec sheet racers want "MOAR POWAH!!!

You don't have to be a spec sheet racer to appreciate more power. There is just something exhilarating about getting shoved back in the seat while accelerating. Not taking away from cars like the BRZ, FR-S, or Miata as they have their own ways of having fun. Some of us just lament that you can't have a nimble driver's car with some decent power on tap. Maybe the turbo editions will launch with a reasonable price tag.

 

[JCH13]

You don't have to be a spec sheet racer to appreciate more power. There is just something exhilarating about getting shoved back in the seat while accelerating. Not taking away from cars like the BRZ, FR-S, or Miata as they have their own ways of having fun. Some of us just lament that you can't have a nimble driver's car with some decent power on tap. Maybe the turbo editions will launch with a reasonable price tag.

Power, handling, low price tag; pick any two!

 

[manimal]

Power, handling, low price tag; pick any two!

Everyone wants to marry a rich princess virgin who loves anal sex just but doesnt know it yet...

 

[HybridSquirrel]

pretty good article, v6 stang wins at willow springs but feels "fat" which can be resolved with bigger sways. BRZ/FRS are going to be great at the track with better tires, but would be better fit for autox until it gets a little beefier. Close times though, and the FRS/BRZ scored 1st and 2nd.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1207_high_performance_two_door_comparison/


edit: dealer near me said test drives are going to be available 15 June. I reserved a 2 hour slot with one. I'll see how it compares to the STI