Has the FT86 changed the sports car industry?
 

I've heard from many magazines and other media sources that in the next few years, sports cars like the 370z, Mustang, and others will drop in price and weight. Is this because they have seen how much of a success this car has been and how it'll boost their sales if this car has more competition?

Discuss.

No. Fuel economy is the main reason.

i don't think it has changed the industry. numbers will always be a tangible bragging point. horsepower numbers will always be increased. i think the only thing is the 'entry level' bracket. so we'll just have to see in the next 3-5 years to see if other companies start plugging sporty cars in the 20-30g range. what do we have there now? focus st, vw gti, mazdaspeed 3, 86 twins, and a few others?

The inspiration originally came from Lotus with their "add lightness" theory.
It will also be interesting if future sports cars will come with low c.o.g. like 86/brz/frs.

Weight has been the enemy of all cars including the mainstream ones. The heavier cars are more prone to consuming more fuel, they need more power over a lighter one to achieve a certain speed, and getting a heavy car to handle well is also more difficult. The 370Z and Mustang all would strive for that goal simply because of the big benefits of weight savings particularly in sports cars. The 86 may have nudge these cars to push a bit further but this goal would've been in place regardless.

As for changing the industry, the only way we can conclude the 86 has managed to change or sway the industry is if it produces similar competitors when none would've otherwise existed. So far none have been seen, only rumours. If we get a new light weight, affordable and RWD sports car in say the form of a Mitsubishi, Kia or Honda then we may be able to conclude such a thing.

NO

Highly debatable topic that will not reach a certainty.

Muscle cars...no...the Mustang, Camaro, Challenger trio will stay big and fast.

The sportscars that have become bloated sportscar/muscle car hybrids (370 and Genesis) yes.

There is already talk about Nissan's Z car going back to its roots as a smaller car. It is more of a grand tourer now.

Don't be shocked if Hyundai follows suit and puts the Genesis on a diet.

But, to really be honest...this has been a long time coming.

Yes the z is dropping 3k in price enough said

Yup, that was my basis for this subject.

You little bitch. :cheers:

I hope it does. I hope people like Ford are head banging wondering why people are buying this car instead of spending a bit more for a GT. And I hope that leads them in the right direction with the mustang.

I don't know about 'changed' it, but it definitely reignited the sports car industry.