FT-86 weight distribution?
 

Anyone read or hear anything regarding the weight distribution of it yet? I'm curious if the FT will be similar to a 370z at 54/46 or if Toyota will aim more for 50/50 ala S2000. I guess it will be a bit different since the S2000 is only a 2 seater (also 370z) and the FT is 2+2. Any thoughts on this?

Oh and by the way, been lurking awhile and decided I would join. So hi everyone. :party0030:

Welcome....and I remember Tada-san talking about the weight distribution being purposely off total balance for exceptional drifting.

I think he said 52/48.

With the boxer engine's lower center of mass (and if they place it behind the front axle) I would be happy if they ended up with a 52/48 split.

they said it's not going to be 50/50, but it's on purpose.

I hadn't read anything about the distribution, so thanks for sharing. I'm sure they are taking everything into consideration as this has been a work in progress. Can't wait!

IIRC 50/50 gives good turn-in, quick direction change, etc., but is generally a bit more unstable than having more weight in the front. 52/48 is supposed to be pretty much perfect for a FR car.

As an example: the LFA; we all know it was designed to have pretty much the best driving feel possible, and guess what weight distribution it has? 52/48 ;)

snaps, you have that backwards. the LFA has 48F/52R weight distribution. ;)

edit: car and driver reports nearly balanced, but they're the first place i've seen where they claim any different from the 48/52. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test

My apologies ;)

Yeah, LFA is 48/52. AS for the FT, Tada said that the static weight distribution is not important to him, rather how the distribution is when the car is in motion.

Seriously, Gotta love Tada-san. :wub: I'll love him more if he show us the real FT86 in action :burnrubber:

optimum weight distribution is closer to 45f/55r for a rwd vehicle. you want the rear tires to stick a little better so that you limit oversteer. that and braking is better with more rwd weight. as you brake the weight transfers forward to the front and this is why ~75-80% of braking is up front. being front heavy is only good for fwd cars and even then, you don't want very much front heavy. this is why the mr2 brakes so good. i tested mine to 104 ft 60-0.

a lower center of gravity is very helpful because in a corner, being as low and centered weight will help with traction. weight up high makes body roll in cornering.

Mine is 50/50 and I just like the way it feels. It's like the car rotates right under your ass. :)

Weight also plays a big part of that.

:sigh:
um this car is MEANT to oversteer, if you read through this forum you whould know tada-san said this car will not be 50/50 because that is not optimal for drifting...