GT86 Full Autocar Road Test

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TameRacingDriver said:

I am starting to think this car just isn't good enough, £5K could buy you a tidy S2000 which will be much faster and has a much better engine, and for me, is also better looking. What did an S2K cost new?

Around about 27.5k new at the end( extra £500 for a GT ) - price increased new about 1k from 2001

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otolith said:

MarkRSi said:

Although after a few years no doubt I'll be bored of the FWD and effortless turbo power and want something RWD with a responsive and revvy N/A engine. Probably japanese too. I just wonder what sort of car I could get...

If Evo and their ilk succeed in killing off the resurgence in the genre, probably fk all.

I guess EVO have to speak as they find, plus ultimately it's just their opinion. You'd have to say they're not against the 'ethos' after the group test in the latest mag, just maybe the new car is more restricted by current climate constraints than the older cars it was compared to. Plus they were legends in their own right so tough competition. Seems as close as we get with a new car anyway according to EVO, Top Gear and Car tests. I wonder if they will fine tune it with evolutions over the lifespan......

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otolith said:

s m said:

I guess EVO have to speak as they find, plus ultimately it's just their opinion.

Sure - I just find their priorities perplexing. They are probably closer to those of the man on the street than one would expect, but still. Evo's view amounts to saying that none of the careful engineering of the Toyota/Subaru was worth bothering with. Driven wheels? Weight distribution? Centre of gravity? Who cares, mid range grunt is where the thrill of driving is.

Did you read this month's test against the DC2, Clio Cup and M3? Writer praised the balance and adjustment - worth a read - none of the cars had much mid range grunt

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otolith said:

Haven't got this month's yet, was going off their last kicking.

Doesn't really get a kicking in this one - as ever, it will depend a lot on the journo writing the article.

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MC Bodge said:

SonicHedgeHog said:

I think the perceived performance shortfall is due to the torquey turbo charged engines fitted to virtually every affordable, practical performance car. They make the performance so accessible. You have to work this engine to get the performance

I agree, up to a point. Throttle response can be better and keeping an engine in the power band requires good driving and can be rewarding.

But.... Narrow power bands are a result of the limitations of the physics of a naturally aspirated air engine and not a benefit.

At a time when a fairly small capacity turbo engine can give a smooth, stonking power delivery with little lag -at almost all rpm- (...and relatively low fuel consumption when not giving it the beans), is it not understandable that a lot of people, ie. car buyers, do like them and if swapping from a turbo to a GT86/BRZ would miss the 'urge' available, especially if the car is one that they use as a daily driver?

The alternative, torquey big cc n/a engines, are basically being taxed off the roads.

SonicHedgeHog said:

for me 200 NA horsepower beats 300 turbocharged horsepower every time

If the car was a true lightweight, possibly.

I'd like to try a GT86/BRZ.

Be interesting to see what difference the new Autocar project will make to weight....and in turn what difference it will make to the car. I'm waiting the next instalment

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the-photographer said:

s m said:

Be interesting to see what difference the new Autocar project will make to weight....and in turn what difference it will make to the car. I'm waiting the next instalment

I read this section in the 8th Aug edition, but their projected price tag is £4000...

I thought the battery was an expensive way to lose weight - nevertheless, they said they would pit it against a standard car. I quite liked the way they said they'd approach it......firstly, shed weight and hone the dynamics, wheels, tyres, geometry changes etc etc.... then, next year go for adding more power etc etc.
Both the "lightweight n/a camp" and the "more power camp" are being accommodated to see possible 'improvements'.

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the-photographer said:

s m said:

I thought the battery was an expensive way to lose weight - nevertheless, they said they would pit it against a standard car. I quite liked the way they said they'd approach it......firstly, shed weight and hone the dynamics, wheels, tyres, geometry changes etc etc.... then, next year go for adding more power etc etc.
Both the "lightweight n/a camp" and the "more power camp" are being accommodated to see possible 'improvements'.

Its an interesting project, but I fear the price will be prohibitive. The battery is £420 and the wheels/tyres £1500.

Also, they claim the GT86 uses Prius tyres? What exactly are these? Michelin Energy Saver?

I think they might be 215/45 W17 Michelin Primacy HP

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GT86 seems to have wone some more plaudits at the Annual Autocar Handling Day. Rated 1st beating the Exige S and Cayman R in the top three.
Extensive article in today's issue