Insideline: FR-S vs. '85 Corolla GTS (AE86)

[poormans_LFA]

FT86CLUB Homepage Featured Story

That Toyota's 1985-'87 Corolla GT-S is a cultural icon and a destination car for an entire generation of enthusiasts appears, on its surface at least, to be a mere accident.

It is not.

Nor will it be for the 2013 Scion FR-S. Mechanically, the two cars share nothing. Spiritually, however, their similarities run deep.

There are powerful reasons the humble Toyota Corolla GT-S — or AE86 as it's known by enthusiasts — remains a highly coveted machine nearly 30 years after entering production. Those reasons have nothing to do with the car's speed, its amenities or its complexity. Rather, it's the 86's fundamentally sound design, low cost and massive potential that give it profound desirability as its third decade approaches.

It's these simple, potent core values on which Scion and Subaru intend to capitalize with the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins. Here, then, is a look at how Toyota got the simple sports car right the first time and how it intends to get it right again.

more here:
http://www.insideline.com/scion/fr-s...olla-gt-s.html

[Fussy08X]

thanks for sharing, was a great read. I never got to experience the apparent fun that comes from owning an ae86. Hopefully i will b able to experience it with this modern day 86 wen it comes out.

[Future]

The review I was waiting for As much as I was uncertain of buying a car I never drove, this is pretty much what I wanted to hear/read about the car I've been waiting for.

The best part:
"Yet we find the modern Toyota (Scion) to be among the most engaging driver's cars available at any price. There's no greater marker of success in automotive design than making a slow car fun. That's precisely what the AE86 did in the '80s and what the FR-S does today."

[mandm177]

great article. i hope to compare the FRS/BRZ to my AE86 one day

[Turbowned]

I've always wanted an AE86, but never quite made it. I looked at 2 or 3 for sale that were all clapped out, and finally bought one late last year, that also turned out to be clapped out once I got into it. I've pretty much resigned myself to knowing I'll never own a proper AE86, so the BRZ will be it's worthy substitute. I think it looks a lot sexier, anyways

Very cool article. Anyone remember when Josh Jacquot used to write for Sport Compact Car? Those were the days! That magazine got me into Japanese compacts and fueled my passion like nothing else!

[brillo]

I wish someone would instrument test the FR-S. I'm curious to see how it compares to the BRZ.

[pastuch]

Terrific article...

"considering the FR-S's double-wishbone rear suspension. MacPherson struts — good enough for every Porsche 911 ever built — remain in the front."

[Exhaust]

That was a fantastic review

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by brillo

I wish someone would instrument test the FR-S. I'm curious to see how it compares to the BRZ.

I'm sure someone will. Maybe C&D is doing that already - I find it intriguing that of the major car rags they are the only one who has not released a review of the production BRZ.

There has to be an embargo on full road tests of the GT86/FR-S because there have been none published to date. Should be lifting soon, they won't want the BRZ getting all the accolades.

[ZetaVI]

Awesome article. Glad it finally happened. Thanks alot.

[Boxer 86]

I have driven a friend of mine's (now in the Army) '85 GT-S and man what an awesome and lively car. Apart from the handling, the sound was one of the greatest factors.

[Rampage]

Originally Posted by Scion FR-S

I'm sure someone will. Maybe C&D is doing that already - I find it intriguing that of the major car rags they are the only one who has not released a review of the production BRZ.

There has to be an embargo on full road tests of the GT86/FR-S because there have been none published to date. Should be lifting soon, they won't want the BRZ getting all the accolades.

Car and Driver, Road and Track and Motor Trend will be waiting for production versions of the car before performing instrument test and evaluations. Up to now everyhing in the US has been pre-production models and all three of the magazines reported on driving those in Japan or Europe. As soon as the real thing hit our shores the test will come. I would think that they would be timed to come with the actual availability of cars at dealerships so most likely the June or July issue of the mags.

[Ryephile]

Great read, and it's refreshing to hear about the feel of the car below the limit.

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by Rampage

Car and Driver, Road and Track and Motor Trend will be waiting for production versions of the car before performing instrument test and evaluations. Up to now everyhing in the US has been pre-production models and all three of the magazines reported on driving those in Japan or Europe. As soon as the real thing hit our shores the test will come. I would think that they would be timed to come with the actual availability of cars at dealerships so most likely the June or July issue of the mags.

I'd be surprised if they didn't already have their hands on production versions, or have been at least taken to locations to drive them, much as Subaru took reviewers to Spain. Why would a production version of the BRZ be available to press many weeks before an FR-S?