I wouldn't say America always gets shafted. If they sell the Japanese spec GT86 here they would have to sell it as Toyota and the price will be a bit more than the BRZ so around$30K.

I would say that if you want the extra features like leather seats, butt warmers, NAV, push button, etc, go with the BRZ. If you don't want any of those features or just want to add a couple aftermarket to keep the price low, go with the FR-S.

I have the FR-S, which I love but it has no extras. There are some things that would have been nice, but I will probably be adding what I want as I go (like a new stereo, NAV). I basically didn't want to spend too much for a whole bunch of extras that I don't need. I would say if features are important wait for the BRZ. If you want to add stuff later and don't mind the basics, the FR-S is great. I definitely don't regret it as I probably saved maybe $4-$5K that way. The FR-S appears to be very customizable.

Would the bumper really just swap over to a BRZ from an FRS? Always wondered that.

I don't see why not. Saw another thread in the exterior section that a BRZ with a HKS gt86 front carbon bumper and fenders

My previous car had HID's...they were a constant headache...I was more than happy that the FR-S had standard headlights...