Common Misconceptions
 

Hello, this is my first post here on the forums; but I have been following this site for quite some time. I have also been following the FT-86 in general since the beginning. Thus I believe myself to have quite a bit of general knowledge about the twins. Why join now, you might ask? I have been in anticipation of the release series to buy the FR-S for my own reasons. I knew the Monogram series would come out sometime along Feb/May as had all the Tc release series. The Monogram was right on time. Now that it is nearly here, I am in the final steps to getting my dream FR-S. So I joined. But this is beside the purposes of this Thread; I have seen many confusions among Forum members here: and this thread is to sum up some of the most common and significant I've noticed. So here is my attempt to straighten and discuss Common Misconceptions of the Twins, Enjoy.


#1 "Glass Tranny"
I've noticed many of the Subaru guys suggest this car may have a "Glass Tranny" as with certain past Subaru's. Fortunately, this has ZERO connection with Subaru. The Twins use a Tranny built by Aisin, a company heavily associated with Toyota. Chief engineer of the Twins, Tada San; admitted himself that the Transmission has headroom for more power. But no specifics were given.


#2 Bespoke, Entune, or Confused?
In the 2013 Model year, Scion FR-S models were limited to an ultra basic headunit with a 14-Segment display: or the optional Bespoke headunit. Though on paper it had very good value; This "Upgraded" unit with a color 5.8 touch screen did have phone connectivity, yelp, Facebook, and Pandora. Unfortunately this unit was quite dreadful in reality, this system was also never created to utilize navigation. But, in 2014 the Scion brand received new standard 6.1 inch touch screens across the line up. This is a very similar system to Toyota's Entune. The Bespoke upgrade option also carried over but this unit was nearly identical to the new 6.1 inch standard touchscreen and merely added full integration of Navigation and Aha; along with other small apps. All in all, the 2014 models are a massive improvement headunit wise compared to 2013 FR-S models; yet still not going to impress compared to the best of the aftermarket.


#3 Suspension differences among the Twins
This subject has been discussed thousands of times and since this is commonly recurrent on BRZ vs FR-S debates, here I will lay a foundation so you can understand it. The Scion uses Softer springs and Stiffer shocks than the Subaru. The easiest way to interpret this is that the FR-S oversteers vs the Subaru's understeer. In essence that is the difference; which is not to say that the Subaru is an understeering car or the FR-S is an oversteering car. But in comparison that is the difference. It has been noted that if you are to retain stock suspension, the FR-S is a fun machine compared to the BRZ which is a fast machine. The FR-S has more of a tendency to "Hop scotch" mid corner braking traction and allowing for a controlled drift. Where as the BRZ stays planted and will not as easily be upset mid corner by a bump or jab at the gas pedal.


#4 Subaru's Paint Quality
I am not very seasoned in the automotive paint section. I will not pretend to act like I know much about this subject. But what I do know is that there have been many, many complaints on Subaru paint quality and durability. Unfortunately the Twins are not void of this issue. I will however say that I know Subaru prides it's self on environmentally friendly water based paint. Which, if your a tree hugger is fantastic but it is widely known that water based paints are not the toughest paints out there. I have searched without success to see how many other manufactures now use water based paints. But I am willing to say Subaru is an early adopter of this method and that the claims over Subaru's less then stellar paint jobs have a shred of truth. In summary, I have seen many horribly chipped front bumpers on the Twins and other Subaru's. Thus I believe that poor upkeep and driving habits could not be the reason all these cars have such damaged paint. And so, I believe mud guards and clear bra's may be in my future.


Bespoke 2013 http://image.importtuner.com/f/featu...-head-unit.jpg


Bespoke 2014 http://i.imgur.com/7Scp4CV.jpg

Different shocks? First time i've heard this....

Springs, yes...shocks?

that paragraph is no joke

As far as the paint, I think manufacturers are required to use water based paints...at least that's what a few dealers told me. Then again, that came from a few dealers...

LOL, I guess. Thanks for letting us know. I can't wait for your input once you actually have one!

You have to use waterbased paint now... something about the environment and VOCs.

Clear bra? You should get it before the car gets driven off the dealer lot. Mud guards.... not so much.

I highly doubt it is an entirely different shock, with such a minor difference in suspension feel and the basic idea of the twins to be affordable: I am more than willing to bet it is slightly tuned or modified shock compared to the BRZ.

I'd rather just get my front bar detailed/resprayed every few years than subject my car to a bra.

I have seen a car with a similar white pearl paint that my FR-S will have. Unfortunately the Clear Bra on this car was quite noticeable. I am debating having only Opti guard but I believe that I may indeed end up with the Clear Bra.

Hello Pegasus and thanks for your informative post .... :clap:

I'm sure you will be pleased with your Monogram when it is delivered .... :w00t:

humfrz

I have a full clear bra on the front bumper, hood and fenders. I guarantee you wouldn't be able to tell.

I see, which Clear Bra did you use? As I understand, some are more noticeable than other's.


Thank you for the kind words humfrz, I am so very pleased my wait is all but over.

3M. Had the car paint corrected, then Opti-coated, then clear bra done. A final coat of Opti-coat sealed the deal (pun totally intended). Anyway, yeah the clear bra is not noticeable at all and has saved my front end over and over.

I'll never buy a new car ever again and not get it done, and I've always had the same reservations you are having.

Impressive, a 2nd layer of opti coat eh. Hmmm, my plan has always been to get all of these in this order ASAP after I receive my FR-S
3M Crystalline window tint for UV protection and to keep the heat out so my interior doesn't bake. Gets upwards of 100F here in Houston.
Then Opti coat, then clear Bra and finally some 3M vinyl bits.
The 2nd Opti coat seems to be a good idea. How much did the 2 opticoats and Bra cost? My only problem now is to find good shops to do all this stuff.