FT-86/FR-S: Tailor made to Auto-X?
 

With its small dimensions, wide stance and low center of gravity, isn't the FR-S sounding like the perfect autocross tool?

If it isn't unfairly classed I can see this dominating several categories! Maybe the experienced experts can chime in?

I haven't been auto crossing for several years but you can bet your ass I'll be at the first SoCal/San Diego event after launch, whos with me!?

P.S. Hopefully we get an auto-X sub forum where we can talk about cool stuff like slip angles and scrub radius.

i doubt it but the only real thing i can think of to make a decision one way or the other is the six speed seems like they are more concerned with road course and real world capabilities

I'm intersted to get this for auto x. What is the steering ratio and lock to lock? If it's quick that would make it less effort on the course:).

Depending on gearing and redline, a six-speed may be better in autocross than a 5-speed.

I wouldn't say this car is tailor-made for autocross, since it has McPhereson struts in front, but it still may do pretty well. I'm certainly considering this car as an autocross tool.

I plan on taking it out to autocross, seems like the best place to get a real feel for what it can do.
It seems like C-Stock is probably a likely class, I just hope I can get my hands on one early in the season(which is short here in michigan).

of course these things depend on gearing and redline but i dont know of a car yet that fairs better in an autox because of its six speed. i also dont know why people give so much thought on things like they type of suspension. its a means to an end, they might just be great. i dont think porsche or bmw or evos have any problems

I'll find out how good it is at autocross once I get one. It'll be autocrossed within a month of buying it.

I wonder how much tire we'll be able to stuff on a stock wheel (without suspension/fender interference).

I expect this car to be a hoot at autox, but I'd rather have a shorter wheelbase.

If it is a 17x7 you could get a 245/40 on there most likely, but whether it is more beneficial than a 225 would remain to be seen. Gearing is the next big spec I would like to see on this for autocross use.

Assuming the car comes with 16x7 and/or 17x7.5 wheels, the wheels will be the limiting factor before the fenders/suspension are (unless you go crazy with taller profiles for gearing reasons). That said, a 255/45 is probably going to be the sane limit for either diameter.

I would be surprised if we wouldn't be able to stuff 255s all around.

Unfortunately neither kumho (v710) nor Hoosier (A6) have a 255 size tire in 17 in wheel size. So, it is 245 as the largest. You could fit a 275 on a 17x7.5 wheel (04 STI guys have done it), but I doubt it would be beneficial for this car.

Depends on how much camber can be gotten out of it in stock form, and if is allowed crash bolts/slotting too.

You're right...forgot only R6 in 255-17s.

Lots of fun classing talks going on now but my bet would be CS for at least the first year where it will not be able to keep up with the mx5, then getting bumped to DS where it would be competitive.

PS bench racing is fun :-)

Never watched autocross before... where does one go to see it? Also, where might one go to learn/practice autocross in SoCal? (SGV or OC is nearby fyi)

Thanks!

Check out solo2.com

Autocross is not a spectator's sport, there is no way you can comprehend what is going on by watching it, you have to participate.

Check out www.scca.com/solo plus the Solo2.com site already linked.

I figure CS to start as well, and you never know what it will do until it is out there and in some good drivers hands. CS big cars are the MX5, RX8, 350/370 and Solstice (just won nationals this year). I think it fits in nicely on paper between those cars right now.

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