Resurgence of the 50k sports car...
Discussion
Despite a general market trend towards SUVs and crossovers, prompted by recent discussion over the new Supra, it has been encouraging to see a resurgence in the 50k sports car market. Up until fairly recently, if you had 50k to spend on a sports car, a Boxster/Cayman was pretty much your only option and if there were any other leftfield options, you needed a pretty good reason not to go with the Porsche.
However, with the Alpine A110 coming out last year and providing a compelling alternative to a Cayman if you don't mind 4 cylinders and the launch of the new BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra this year, if you want a nicer soundtrack and something a bit more well-rounded, there is more choice in this market than there has been for quite some time and perhaps the move to 4 cylinders by Porsche has created a gap (the normal word I would use here got censored as an ethnic slur lol) in the Boxter's/Cayman's armour for other manufacturers to exploit?
These three cars really appeal to me as Boxster/Cayman alternatives but I guess one might also consider an Alfa 4C, Mercedes-Benz SLC (for a bit longer at least) or a Jaguar F-Type in this market? The only thing that is perhaps a bit of a shame is that none of the other vehicles offer the option of a manual transmission but then most new Boxsters/Caymans being bought will be PDK too?
With once attainable "dream" cars like the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and AM Vantage getting ever more expensive, I for one am quite excited by the prospect of these 50k sports car becoming affordable for me in a few years time.
So if you were in the market for this kind of vehicle either new or a used purchase a few years down the line, would you go with the "safe" option i.e. a Boxster/Cayman or one of the "newer" alternatives?
However, with the Alpine A110 coming out last year and providing a compelling alternative to a Cayman if you don't mind 4 cylinders and the launch of the new BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra this year, if you want a nicer soundtrack and something a bit more well-rounded, there is more choice in this market than there has been for quite some time and perhaps the move to 4 cylinders by Porsche has created a gap (the normal word I would use here got censored as an ethnic slur lol) in the Boxter's/Cayman's armour for other manufacturers to exploit?
These three cars really appeal to me as Boxster/Cayman alternatives but I guess one might also consider an Alfa 4C, Mercedes-Benz SLC (for a bit longer at least) or a Jaguar F-Type in this market? The only thing that is perhaps a bit of a shame is that none of the other vehicles offer the option of a manual transmission but then most new Boxsters/Caymans being bought will be PDK too?
With once attainable "dream" cars like the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and AM Vantage getting ever more expensive, I for one am quite excited by the prospect of these 50k sports car becoming affordable for me in a few years time.
So if you were in the market for this kind of vehicle either new or a used purchase a few years down the line, would you go with the "safe" option i.e. a Boxster/Cayman or one of the "newer" alternatives?
Edited by white_goodman on Thursday 16th May 20:13
Looks like 50k is becoming the new price for GT Sports cars, and all new releases are welcome. However, these are what I would call "GT Sports", as they're heavy, comfortable daily drivers too. "sports cars" should be light, simple and probably 30k-ish. we need more MX5 competition, like an MR2, Barchetta et al. For the most part these would be 2nd or 3rd cars in a household, and i appreciate that for that cost with modern legislation they would definitely need to be stripped down.
CABC said:
Looks like 50k is becoming the new price for GT Sports cars, and all new releases are welcome. However, these are what I would call "GT Sports", as they're heavy, comfortable daily drivers too. "sports cars" should be light, simple and probably 30k-ish. we need more MX5 competition, like an MR2, Barchetta et al. For the most part these would be 2nd or 3rd cars in a household, and i appreciate that for that cost with modern legislation they would definitely need to be stripped down.
I agree because I could afford one of those straight away but MX5/124/GT86/BRZ lack grunt and I'm guessing 30k sports cars aren't a very profitable market these days, especially without platform sharing? 370Z has the power but is a little dated and lardy. Not sure where they're coming in at these days... The Alpine has many of the attributes that you describe but it's 50k. 50k is the new 30k perhaps.white_goodman said:
Despite a general market trend towards SUVs and crossovers, prompted by recent discussion over the new Supra, it has been encouraging to see a resurgence in the 50k sports car market. Up until fairly recently, if you had 50k to spend on a sports car, a Boxster/Cayman was pretty much your only option and if there were any other leftfield options, you needed a pretty good reason not to go with the Porsche.
However, with the Alpine A110 coming out last year and providing a compelling alternative to a Cayman if you don't mind 4 cylinders and the launch of the new BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra this year, if you want a nicer soundtrack and something a bit more well-rounded, there is more choice in this market than there has been for quite some time and perhaps the move to 4 cylinders by Porsche has created a gap (the normal word I would use here got censored as an ethnic slur lol) in the Boxter's/Cayman's armour for other manufacturers to exploit?
These three cars really appeal to me as Boxster/Cayman alternatives but I guess one might also consider an Alfa 4C, Mercedes-Benz SLC (for a bit longer at least) or a Jaguar F-Type in this market? The only thing that is perhaps a bit of a shame is that none of the other vehicles offer the option of a manual transmission but then most new Boxsters/Caymans being bought will be PDK too?
With once attainable "dream" cars like the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and AM Vantage getting ever more expensive, I for one am quite excited by the prospect of these 50k sports car becoming affordable for me in a few years time.
So if you were in the market for this kind of vehicle either new or a used purchase a few years down the line, would you go with the "safe" option i.e. a Boxster/Cayman or one of the "newer" alternatives?
Are 911’s really any more expensive than they were a decade ago? Or is it largely inflation?However, with the Alpine A110 coming out last year and providing a compelling alternative to a Cayman if you don't mind 4 cylinders and the launch of the new BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra this year, if you want a nicer soundtrack and something a bit more well-rounded, there is more choice in this market than there has been for quite some time and perhaps the move to 4 cylinders by Porsche has created a gap (the normal word I would use here got censored as an ethnic slur lol) in the Boxter's/Cayman's armour for other manufacturers to exploit?
These three cars really appeal to me as Boxster/Cayman alternatives but I guess one might also consider an Alfa 4C, Mercedes-Benz SLC (for a bit longer at least) or a Jaguar F-Type in this market? The only thing that is perhaps a bit of a shame is that none of the other vehicles offer the option of a manual transmission but then most new Boxsters/Caymans being bought will be PDK too?
With once attainable "dream" cars like the Porsche 911, Audi R8 and AM Vantage getting ever more expensive, I for one am quite excited by the prospect of these 50k sports car becoming affordable for me in a few years time.
So if you were in the market for this kind of vehicle either new or a used purchase a few years down the line, would you go with the "safe" option i.e. a Boxster/Cayman or one of the "newer" alternatives?
Edited by white_goodman on Thursday 16th May 20:13
Also wasn’t there a Z4 prior to this new one.
Not a mention of Lotus
Nor the 370z which actually seems somewhat of a bargain vs the others.
And of course you have the pony cars such as the Mustang, Challenger and Camaro. Which all probably deserve a mention if you are including Mercs and the F-Type.
Plus more niche offerings such as Morgan.
Is the inclusion of the Supra really that radical? Seems there was plenty of choice really.
300bhp/ton said:
Why such a derisive comment ? You got a chip on your should or what
I doIt is supporting the legacy preferences that holds back the motor industry, and people yearning for a manual box in a non specific group of cars that never came with one is the absolute epitome of the issue.
The car companies know that a number of people will take 1 look and say its not a manual not interested, another number of people will consider it, maybe talk to friends read reviews and ultimately be put off because of the other groups opinions.
Manufacturers will know how many millions more it will cost them to design, test, approve, build and support 2 gearbox types. If the numbers don't add up they simply won't build the car. It won't be profitable enough with 2 gearboxes and won't sell well enough with only 1.
Basically people like this are a factor in why these type of cars went away.
ging84 said:
I do
It is supporting the legacy preferences that holds back the motor industry, and people yearning for a manual box in a non specific group of cars that never came with one is the absolute epitome of the issue.
The car companies know that a number of people will take 1 look and say its not a manual not interested, another number of people will consider it, maybe talk to friends read reviews and ultimately be put off because of the other groups opinions.
Manufacturers will know how many millions more it will cost them to design, test, approve, build and support 2 gearbox types. If the numbers don't add up they simply won't build the car. It won't be profitable enough with 2 gearboxes and won't sell well enough with only 1.
Basically people like this are a factor in why these type of cars went away.
Coming up to three years with a PDK. It is, quite honestly, the best auto I have ever driven. Instantaneous changes and uninterrupted power all the way up, great technology and tbf everything seems to be moving towards auto these days especially evs and hybrids.It is supporting the legacy preferences that holds back the motor industry, and people yearning for a manual box in a non specific group of cars that never came with one is the absolute epitome of the issue.
The car companies know that a number of people will take 1 look and say its not a manual not interested, another number of people will consider it, maybe talk to friends read reviews and ultimately be put off because of the other groups opinions.
Manufacturers will know how many millions more it will cost them to design, test, approve, build and support 2 gearbox types. If the numbers don't add up they simply won't build the car. It won't be profitable enough with 2 gearboxes and won't sell well enough with only 1.
Basically people like this are a factor in why these type of cars went away.
But... I hate to say it, I do miss the involvement of a manual. For commuting, traffic, usual day to day driving PDK is ideal, however I think next time around, if given the option, I’d go back to a manual every time. Also gives me two grand more to spend on options...
300bhp/ton said:
Really? Is it anymore dated than the current MX-5 or GT86?
Since the 370Z was launched in 2009 (and taking heavy influence from the 350Z launched in 2003), the 86/BRZ in 2012, and the current MX-5 in 2015, then yes I would say it's dated.Nothing wrong with that, however.
StuTheGrouch said:
ging84 said:
I do
It is supporting the legacy preferences that holds back the motor industry, and people yearning for a manual box in a non specific group of cars that never came with one is the absolute epitome of the issue.
The car companies know that a number of people will take 1 look and say its not a manual not interested, another number of people will consider it, maybe talk to friends read reviews and ultimately be put off because of the other groups opinions.
Manufacturers will know how many millions more it will cost them to design, test, approve, build and support 2 gearbox types. If the numbers don't add up they simply won't build the car. It won't be profitable enough with 2 gearboxes and won't sell well enough with only 1.
Basically people like this are a factor in why these type of cars went away.
I don't care about the development costs. I just prefer manual boxes. If that, in your opinion, means I should get a Capri and go dogging then you can fIt is supporting the legacy preferences that holds back the motor industry, and people yearning for a manual box in a non specific group of cars that never came with one is the absolute epitome of the issue.
The car companies know that a number of people will take 1 look and say its not a manual not interested, another number of people will consider it, maybe talk to friends read reviews and ultimately be put off because of the other groups opinions.
Manufacturers will know how many millions more it will cost them to design, test, approve, build and support 2 gearbox types. If the numbers don't add up they simply won't build the car. It won't be profitable enough with 2 gearboxes and won't sell well enough with only 1.
Basically people like this are a factor in why these type of cars went away.
k off.My last car was a BMW 645 with an automatic gearbox. Whilst it was fine, I much prefer manual.
Quite why you have such a problem with people prefering manual gearboxes is a mystery. I'm sure the entire car industry doesn't need some jumped up prick like yourself to defend it.
And in truth it's not the people who prefer the manual boxes I have a problem with, it's the people who go on about it and influence others, perfect example here where a thread is about not 1 specific car but a whole group and 3 replies in someone is complaining about the lack of manual gearbox.
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