Top Gear (Korea) GT86 Video Review

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by NetMagi

I disagree, and before you also call out my grounding, I'd point out that in addition to the FR-S, I also own a 2011 Audi S4. The S4, while no R8 or "proper" RWD BMW M, is still an amazing car both in numbers and track times.

But you know what. . . I test drove an FR-S, and my S4 is for sale, with only 7k on the clock, because it's about 50% the fun and "sports car" the FR-S is. You can drive the S4 at the limit all day long and it screams back "big deal" at you. It doesn't engage you, it spoils you. I don't want to be spoiled. I want to be challenged. The S4 challenged me at first, but it wore off quickly. The car drove itself. . even with the nannies off (sport diff and center diff torque-vector)

The moment I sit in the FR-S, I immediately feel connected. I feel like the car was setup for "me" to drive it. Not fiddle with the stereo, not call someone cuz I'm bored of driving, just drive. The car somehow manages to make even just driving down my alley at 5mph "fun". I don't even care why. Maybe there's a mind control device, maybe the dealerships brainwash you when you buy it. . The car captures all the things that make driving great for the people that actually like driving.

I could buy more than 2 FR-S's for what the S4 cost me, but at the end of the day, even if money meant nothing, I'd still take the FR-S.

This car was engineered with "zero f__k's" given about what the jones's were doing. They questioned what actually makes driving fun, and gave us a car that checked as many boxes as possible while keeping it affordable.

Rock on Toyota.



-Rich H.

All very good stuff, but none of that relates to what I said.

Econobox as a term has nothing to do with driving engagement or fun or performance figures. It's for describing build materials, kit, and options. And you don't need to sell me on the BRZ/FRS/GT86 coming from the Germans, look at my car history.

[dale.m]

I love the Initial D comparison. They should do a new season featuring the GT86.

[lazyluka]

Originally Posted by frosty86

Manual costs USD $35394 without any options (lowest baseline model)

I don't know what they complain about in the video then, my car is costing me $38,000USD or near that.

[Orthow]

Originally Posted by ft86Fan

I'm getting tired of people complaining about the interior. Its that bad? Really? And the face this guy makes when he talks about the interior. Looks like he wants to puke. I for one loves the interior. It fits perfectly with the sportiness of this car.

To answer your question - Yes, there is a reason why you KEEP hearing about this. Probably the first major change for the 2014 models as a result.

This is my main gripe with the car. At least the BRZ stepped it up but still feels like an econobox interior all around. There is hope though, JPM Coachworks has been redoing interiors on these cars and they look amazing. And if you're into DIY - I've redone my entire interiors in Alcantara ($100/yd material) and while costly, it sure changes the feel and class of the car.

As per the Vid - I'd have to agree with the majority stated.

[czar07]

Originally Posted by Orthow

To answer your question - Yes, there is a reason why you KEEP hearing about this. Probably the first major change for the 2014 models as a result.

This is my main gripe with the car. At least the BRZ stepped it up but still feels like an econobox interior all around. There is hope though, JPM Coachworks has been redoing interiors on these cars and they look amazing. And if you're into DIY - I've redone my entire interiors in Alcantara ($100/yd material) and while costly, it sure changes the feel and class of the car.

As per the Vid - I'd have to agree with the majority stated.

it is a fucking econbox.

[SupraLove]

Oppa Gangnam style?

[Braces]

I would define an econobox: 1. shaped like a box. 2. cheap interior ... yes on the FRS. 3. costs between 10K-15K. 4. No real power. 5. Biggest hint that it is an econobox: HUBCAPS.

[steeloyangster]

Originally Posted by travace

i like hearing the opinions of people from all over... i disagree wtih his view on the interior tho. yea its not top of the line or anything but its far from bad. I bet if he sat in a dodge magnum(what i came out of) then got in the 86 he wouldnt be saying its the worst

Yeah, I really don't understand all of the gripes coming about the interior. I guess it's also because of the base price of where it starts. At 25K I guess they expect better materials or something. I bought a 2003 Eclipse GTS brand new for 25k in 2002 and the interior materials are still not as good as the FRS. If taken into account inflation the Eclipse is still way more expensive. The only thing I do not care for are the knobs for the climate control. I prefer the BRZ Limited or JDM GT86 knobs.

[Akuma]

This video is so hype with Initial D music blasting on the background!!

[dem00n]

Originally Posted by czar07

it is a fucking econbox.

Not really, econboxes don't have chassis specially designed for cornering.
Econboxes msotly share major and minor parts from other cars.
Econboxes don't have high compression engines made for high revving.
Nor do they look good.
Or inspire a whole array of body kits, turbo kits, SC kits and other array of parts made for a car...


Just sayin...

[frosty86]

Definition for econobox:
Web definitions:
An econobox is a US slang term for any of a series of small, boxy, fuel-efficient car with few luxuries and a low sticker price..
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Econobox

frs/brz doesn't fit the 'boxy' term
if this body style is 'boxy', then all porsche vehicles should be considered box cars.

With that said, I'll just leave this here.

[so26]

Originally Posted by Orthow

To answer your question - Yes, there is a reason why you KEEP hearing about this. Probably the first major change for the 2014 models as a result.

This is my main gripe with the car. At least the BRZ stepped it up but still feels like an econobox interior all around. There is hope though, JPM Coachworks has been redoing interiors on these cars and they look amazing. And if you're into DIY - I've redone my entire interiors in Alcantara ($100/yd material) and while costly, it sure changes the feel and class of the car.

As per the Vid - I'd have to agree with the majority stated.

Different priorities, if a "nicer" interior meant losing a performance part like the LSD then no thank you.

[so26]

There are only 3 real issues with the car: the CEL issue, the HPFP noise issue and the rear deck noise issue. Otherwise, I hope Toyota/Scion/Subaru don't change a thing for 2014. Of course, those are real problems and the manufacturers wouldn't want reviewers (like Top Gear) to mention them and if they did it would provide little in terms of entertainment value (insert eye roll).

[czar07]

Originally Posted by frosty86

Definition for econobox:
Web definitions:
An econobox is a US slang term for any of a series of small, boxy, fuel-efficient car with few luxuries and a low sticker price..
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Econobox

frs/brz doesn't fit the 'boxy' term
if this body style is 'boxy', then all porsche vehicles should be considered box cars.

With that said, I'll just leave this here.

So FRS/BRZ/86 are small, fuel-efficient (somewhat), basic (no luxuries a corolla would have more) and has a low sticker price. just because it isnt boxy doesnt mean it isnt an econbox.