RE: GT86 'just the start' for Toyota
Discussion
M@1975 said:
Toyota killed their own market with the last incarnation of the MR2, they focussed on wind in your hair and looks of the car and not the drive, they are frankly awful compared to the old one.
That's an interesting point of view, I've never seen that generation criticised for its driving dynamics, quite the opposite, it was lauded as a return to form. Do you really mean to say that it was a bit slow?
R I C H said:
I took a test drive for a couple of hours this week in a GT86 (Scion FR-S in Canada) and it left me a little non-plussed. The handling can get entertaining, but the ride quality on our not so smooth roads here was very poor. Interior trim quality is particularly disappointing and I found the seats tight on space and comfort. Anyone 6ft plus is going to find it a squeeze. It costs $29,500+ taxes, which is what I purchased my mk6 Golf GTI for 18 months ago - at that price it just doesn't stack up. Wanted to like it, but the execution doesn't match the sticker price.
Captain Muppet said:
Seems harsh to slag it off for interior quality and price. Surely you could adjust one until the other becomes acceptable.
TBF, the Scion FR-S is a way lower spec than UK/Europe GT86. The US car is cheaper for a reason.
StottyZr said:
New Scot said:
MycroftWard said:
StottyZr said:
An Elise competator would be nice. Sub 1000kg, 140-250hp variants and ~22-30k price tag with 5years warranty 
That would be great for sure, it would put Lotus out of business though wouldn't it?
I don't have a problem with Lotus going out of business if they can't compete against the competition.
Personally I like to see British manufacturers doing well, though obviously the products have to be competitive on some level.otolith said:
M@1975 said:
Toyota killed their own market with the last incarnation of the MR2, they focussed on wind in your hair and looks of the car and not the drive, they are frankly awful compared to the old one.
That's an interesting point of view, I've never seen that generation criticised for its driving dynamics, quite the opposite, it was lauded as a return to form. Do you really mean to say that it was a bit slow?
LuS1fer said:
Far more exciting if they got an Italian stylist in.
Why on earth would you want a Japanese performance car to be styled by an Italian - I can't think of anything more dull?Take the GTR, it would be poorer if it looked like an effete Alfa or a tartish Ferrari. It has that presence that is purely Japanese and is all the better for it.
A difference in styles is a good thing. And let's not forget, the Italians have come up with some chintzy tat over the years.
torres del paine said:
LuS1fer said:
Far more exciting if they got an Italian stylist in.
Why on earth would you want a Japanese performance car to be styled by an Italian - I can't think of anything more dull?Take the GTR, it would be poorer if it looked like an effete Alfa or a tartish Ferrari. It has that presence that is purely Japanese and is all the better for it.
A difference in styles is a good thing. And let's not forget, the Italians have come up with some chintzy tat over the years.
I find it odd that Japanese car styling is berated so much when Japanese architecture, interior and product design is held up as a futuristic, industry-leading ideal (often without people really realising that it's Japanese).
Twincam16 said:
Speaking as someone who loves Italian design, I agree - over the years the Japanese have evolved a distinctive style of their own.
I find it odd that Japanese car styling is berated so much when Japanese architecture, interior and product design is held up as a futuristic, industry-leading ideal (often without people really realising that it's Japanese).
It's all the fault of the Alfa Arna. Horrible styling, not Japan's finest work.I find it odd that Japanese car styling is berated so much when Japanese architecture, interior and product design is held up as a futuristic, industry-leading ideal (often without people really realising that it's Japanese).
There are so many really pretty Japanese cars. I can't beleive the FD RX7 is 20 years old.
Captain Muppet said:
Twincam16 said:
Speaking as someone who loves Italian design, I agree - over the years the Japanese have evolved a distinctive style of their own.
I find it odd that Japanese car styling is berated so much when Japanese architecture, interior and product design is held up as a futuristic, industry-leading ideal (often without people really realising that it's Japanese).
It's all the fault of the Alfa Arna. Horrible styling, not Japan's finest work.I find it odd that Japanese car styling is berated so much when Japanese architecture, interior and product design is held up as a futuristic, industry-leading ideal (often without people really realising that it's Japanese).
There are so many really pretty Japanese cars. I can't beleive the FD RX7 is 20 years old.
And going from some of the comments here, it seems people haven't thought to read the original article. I've posted it here. In summary, 3 DIFFERENT cars, one priced above the '86 and one priced below.
The Toyota GT86, also known as Scion FR-S, is just the first of three sports cars being planned by the automaker, according to chief engineer Tetsuya Tada. This news is very exciting since the GT86 has already earned a reputation for itself of being the best new sports car in a generation. Tada told Top Gear in the Philippines that two more cars are coming and that the FR-S will take the middle slot in the brand’s new sports car lineup. He said that the first is more mass-market and more affordable than the 86 and that the third is even more upmarket than the 86. There had been rumors that the GT86/FR-S will be priced at about $20,000. It’s believed that the climbing value of the Japanese yen caused the higher eventual cost. But it’s likely that an even more budget-oriented sports car will arrive. Tada declined to say if the higher performance model would be a Supra successor. But from previous comments, it’s believed that the next-gen halo sports car for the brand will not be a hybrid.
The Toyota GT86, also known as Scion FR-S, is just the first of three sports cars being planned by the automaker, according to chief engineer Tetsuya Tada. This news is very exciting since the GT86 has already earned a reputation for itself of being the best new sports car in a generation. Tada told Top Gear in the Philippines that two more cars are coming and that the FR-S will take the middle slot in the brand’s new sports car lineup. He said that the first is more mass-market and more affordable than the 86 and that the third is even more upmarket than the 86. There had been rumors that the GT86/FR-S will be priced at about $20,000. It’s believed that the climbing value of the Japanese yen caused the higher eventual cost. But it’s likely that an even more budget-oriented sports car will arrive. Tada declined to say if the higher performance model would be a Supra successor. But from previous comments, it’s believed that the next-gen halo sports car for the brand will not be a hybrid.
otolith said:
M@1975 said:
Toyota killed their own market with the last incarnation of the MR2, they focussed on wind in your hair and looks of the car and not the drive, they are frankly awful compared to the old one.
That's an interesting point of view, I've never seen that generation criticised for its driving dynamics, quite the opposite, it was lauded as a return to form. Do you really mean to say that it was a bit slow?
Captain Muppet said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
Captain Muppet said:
There was a 140bhp mk3 MR2 on sale at the same time as the Elise, but the Toyota was significantly cheaper. Which of those cars is still for sale?
Which company is still going strong? 
I love MR2s (had 3) and Elises (have 1, driven several) and I think there is plenty of room in the market for both.
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