Sciaru BRZFRS (BreezeFrees)

[YSSMAN]

In motion, it looks pretty good. It's more attractive than what I thought, but I'd like to see it with the (presumably) cloth top up. That alone can be a deal-breaker. But even then, this only brings a convertible FR-S even closer to the MX-5 in terms of what they're going after, and in that sense, the MX-5 still knocks it out of the park. As an affordable roadster, nothing can touch the Mazda. Assuming that this raises the price on the FR-S even further, we're likely looking at a nearly $30,000 car.

And as someone who still complains about the pricing of the standard car, you can bet that I think charging that much for a drop-top variant is outrageous.

 

[sems4arsenal]

Future Plan,get a used one of those in 3-4 years time .

 

[listerstorm2009]

Future Plan,get a used one of those in 3-4 years time .

Yes, that seems reasonable

 

[Kent]

But even then, this only brings a convertible FR-S even closer to the MX-5 in terms of what they're going after, and in that sense, the MX-5 still knocks it out of the park.

From what I understand, that would only be the case if you didn't prioritize the driving experience above price. Put the experience of the drive over the price and I'd say the brz is the winner.

Edit:
Wow...
I was curious and went to the mazda usa website and saw that a base miata is over 23k without additional options, and the base "club" model is over 26k (both with soft tops). Get a hard top and you're at 27+ and up (again without additional options).
Grand Touring hard top model is over 29k.
All of them still had the 167hp engine.

 

[YSSMAN]

From what I understand, that would only be the case if you didn't prioritize the driving experience above price. Put the experience of the drive over the price and I'd say the brz is the winner.

If we're comparing the hardtop Subaru and Scion, I might be inclined to agree with you, but comparing the soft top Scion (I'm not anticipating a convertible Subaru) to the MX-5, it's going onto Mazda's turf with a bit of a limp. I'm fully expecting the extra weight to put a damper on things.

I often forget about how pricey the MX-5 has gotten as well. The basic model isn't all that bad, but the list of standard equipment is pretty light. It doesn't seem like that long ago that they were just above $20k. Let's hope the next-generation model will take a page from the 6 and be incredibly competitive on pricing.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

The FT-86 open concept looks to have an edge in interior quality over the Miata, as well as having two small rear seats and 30 more bhp.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ But, I won't get my hopes up on the interior since its still a concept car...and you know the transition of Concept to Production cycle.

 

[niky]

The MX-5's engine isn't that much of a handicap. It may lack low-end compared to the 86, but it's lighter, so it feels sprightlier (if a lot softer) and the steering is still much better.

Very hard to say which is the better driver's car. It's been a long time, though, since I drove an NC2. And if I try hard enough, I can remember the car being just as willing and just as composed as the 86 when pushed to the limits. And grippier, even, on standard tires. With the MX-5, there's the sensation that everything is perfectly balanced. Grip, power, composure. On the 86, the chassis composure far oustrips the grip and power on hand. It's feels like a car where the initial purchase is just a starting point, and you have to build it to taste. Of course... the steering is still not nearly as sweet as the MX-5, but then, the MX-5's steering is not nearly as sweet as the old NA and NB, so that's a minor quibble.

One area where the MX-5 trounces the 86. Understeer. The MX-5 completely removes the nannying understeer present in modern production cars, and with a 50-50 weight distribution, it pivots under your butt surprisingly well. The 86 has more understeer in sharp corners. Whether that's due to the stock Premacy tires, the McPherson front or excess rear camber, I don't know... but it is what it is. The 86's saving grace is that you can dial it out with a lift on the throttle or some trail-braking, but it makes it feel just a bit less perfect than it should be. And there's really no need for it... as the 86 is just as intuitive to countersteer as the MX-5... or perhaps even easier to. Fantastic little car.

Then again, this is a car that you're expected to build yourself. The stock car is just the start of your purchase.

BUT: the 86 vert' will likely get a softer suspension, and more weight, meaning it will definitely feel different. Might even be slower and much duller than the MX-5... I guess we'll know when it finally comes out.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Here is the FT-86 Cabrio's top up:

 

[-Fred-]

Or, depending where you're from on the globe, you would find that the MX5 is immensely overpriced, such as is the case in say, erm, Canada and simply decide to go with, I don't know, something that won't make you look like you're driving your wife's car.

The FR-S coupe is 32k fully equipped over here, even if the convertible was a good 4-5k more than that, it would still undercut the MX5 by a good margin.

Regardless, that kind of money over here can buy you a lot more car than either of those two.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

Or, depending where you're from on the globe, you would find that the MX5 is immensely overpriced, such as is the case in say, erm, Canada and simply decide to go with, I don't know, something that won't make you look like you're driving your wife's car.

I have loads more respect for a Miata driver than a Mustang driver.

 

[-Fred-]

I just think it's ridiculous to charge 29k (or 40k CAD) for a Miata. The original one was supposed to be an affordable, fun sports car. Now it's a dated, not really that fun, posh convertible for middle aged women.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

Everything I read says that it's still very fun. I agree, however, that it is expensive and a bit dated. And it needs more power.

 

[Yauma9]

-> Here is the FT-86 Cabrio's top up:

*snip*

Nice.


Overprice isn't the only issue for the MX-5 here in Mexico, as (atleast in the internet site) you can't choose it with a manual trans.

 

[RocZX]

-> Here is the FT-86 Cabrio's top up:

It doesn't look that nice with the top up

And rear window been so small makes it look weird

 

[RACECAR]

Maybe its because I've been spoiled by Convertibles with metal roofs that fold away or detach, but I really do not like the clothe top.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Convertibles that are designed from the start as a convertible = good

Convertibles that are designed from the start as a coupe and then converted = bad

 

[Kamuifanboy]

Convertibles that are designed from the start as a convertible = good

Convertibles that are designed from the start as a couple and then converted = bad

That's the general rule of thumb.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

the cloth top is kind of ugly, but not LaFerrari ugly. It's not awful, and the car as a whole isn't bad.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> ...

Convertibles that are designed from the start as a convertible = good

Convertibles that are designed from the start as a coupe and then converted = bad

^ My Philosoraptor in me is asking what category does the VW Eos & Volvo C70 does belong from?

BT -> By the way Autoblog just did an article on the FR-S Pro/Celebrity spec.

 

[CodeRedR51]

-> ...

^ My Philosoraptor in me is asking what category does the VW Eos & Volvo C70 does belong from?

Both are technically convertibles that were designed that way from the start. I actually like the EOS design, somewhat sporty.

 

[RACECAR]

-> ...

^ My Philosoraptor in me is asking what category does the VW Eos & Volvo C70 does belong from?

BT -> By the way Autoblog just did an article on the FR-S Pro/Celebrity spec.

Finally, a proper sports car for the Pro/Celebrity race. That Tc did nothing for me after the Celicas were retired so this is a welcome change 👍

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> ...

Both are technically convertibles that were designed that way from the start. I actually like the EOS design, somewhat sporty.

^ I also like the EOS very much, its my first pick for cabrios! 👍

-> Especially VW NA can't import the GTI Cabrio.

BT -> ...

Finally, a proper sports car for the Pro/Celebrity race. That Tc did nothing for me after the Celicas were retired so this is a welcome change 👍

^ I would only hope if Scion can make a FR-S Spec like what they did to the tC Spec last gen.

EDIT -> Oh, oh!!! Vid dump!

 

[homeforsummer]

The FT-86 open concept looks to have an edge in interior quality over the Miata, as well as having two small rear seats and 30 more bhp.

Don't get too excited about the rear seats. They're useless. And for me, they ruin the back end of the car on the convertible - not a problem the MX-5 has, with its neat roof arrangement whether soft or hard top.

not really that fun, posh convertible

I'd not agree with either of those. From all the stuff I've driven over the last few years the MX-5 is still more fun than 95% of other stuff on the roads (and I only drove the 1.8, not the 2.0). And if you think it's posh then I dread to think what your take on basic is! The MX-5's interior quality is roughly on par with cars less than half its cost...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

SubieYota Tuner News -> This Italian tuner tries to get a good crack at the GT86:

Toyota GT86-R Marangoni Eco Explorer

Marangoni Tyres has introduced the Toyota GT 86-R Eco Explorer at the Geneva Motor Show.
Designed to highlight the company's technical prowess, the model has been equipped with a TRC Italia body kit that includes a LFA-inspired front bumper, extended side skirts and a carbon fiber rear diffuser. The car also has a ventilated hood, carbon fiber accents and a gloss black roof. Other goodies include a KW suspension (which reduces the ride height by 35mm), Brembo brakes and 19-inch Barracuda Karizzma wheels with bespoke M-Power EvoRed tires.
The interior is instantly recognizable but has been outfitted with Sparco racing seats, alloy pedals and a bespoke gear knob. There's also carbon fiber trim and an Alcantara headliner.
To make the car more eco-friendly, it has been equipped with a Bigas International NH3 engine system that uses ammonia to enable the model to have zero emissions at low speeds. When more performance is required, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine takes over. While it normally produces 200 HP (147 kW), this particular mill has an optimized air intake and a stainless steel sports exhaust system which enables it to develop 220 HP (162 kW).
Source: Marangoni Tyres

^ Full gallery and article HERE!

-> To save a tiny bit of fuel for a tiny bit of performance? I like that idea, but for the price? Ummm...

-> And I like those tires/tyres, it made look like it came from Lego!!!

 

[05XR8]

19s a bit too much for me on this car, but overfenders and a 16x7 front/16x9 rear tyre I could do.

 

[RocZX]

 

[05XR8]

http://www.gtspirit.com/2013/03/12/more-powerful-toyota-gt86-model-could-go-hybrid/
Toyota says 86 could go Hybrid

 

[CodeRedR51]

 

[RocZX]

Tada Wants The BreezeFrees To Spawn Multiple Models

Tada gave a fascinating interview over at Toyota's official UK blog, in which he said it would be his "dream" to see the GT-86 turn into a whole new lineup of cars. Including, he said, a shooting brake so he can take his dogs along for the ride. (God, that guy is awesome.)

During the development process, Tada said that designers investigated the possibility of a sedan and shooting brake version, but were told to focus on the coupe. Here's what he said:

It’s just my personal dream that the GT86 could become a family like what BMW has done with the Mini family. I hope that happens. I also have five dogs myself and I would like to have them in the car, so a sports shooting break would be just right.

As for the GT 86 Convertible everyone is so excited about, Tada said "there’s still some way to go before production. We’ve got many engineering challenges and not all of them are solved yet."

Jalopnik




I like the idea of them making a sedan or shooting brake/wagon but it somewhat goes against the main purpose of the car.