Do you think there will be a second generation FRS?
 

Just as the topic name suggests, do you think the FRS/ BRZ twins will have a second generation. I know Toyota will try to update the car each year to keep interest in the car, but considering how almost all sports cars have been axed: Honda S2000, Nissan 240sx, Mazda RX-8, Acura NSX, Toyota Supra, Toyota MR-2, Toyota Celica GT-S.. Which was similar to the FRS because Yamaha worked with them on the engine and it and it only weighed 2500lbs ... I seriously doubt it but if they do, I dont see them doing anything to the engine as they have already put loads of money into R&D for this thing.
Discuss I'd like to see what you guys have to say.

All depends on how well the first gen sells. If after 2 years they are sitting on the lot, then probably not. If they keep selling as soon as they hit the lot, then for sure.

Pretty sure even they don't know since they have to see how the sales go and if there is enough of an interest of buyers. As far as the yearly updates, they will be small things. I remember in an interview with the Australian fans it was mentioned that all the modifications they will make for the car will be applicable to the older cars (urging people to buy it now, rather than wait because they are afraid their cars won't get some of the new goodies). But to answer your question, I think it's too damn early to talk about a second generation just yet.

I think the price point of this car and the interest in it makes it much more likely to get a 2nd generation. Heck, they're already planning the convertible which speaks well to the potential. There's all the rumors about a 4-door as well.

There was more than 1 generation to a lot of those cars...

But it's all going to depend on how well it sells. With that said, I can't see why there wouldn't be a second generation if the car is anywhere near as good as all of the reviews have made it out to be.

I could see this car going through a 10-15 yr production cycle. How the model updates go in between then will be on the Toyota/Subaru designers.

They could make it even nicer the current FR-S/BRZ or make it worse.

Thats true it might get worse with emissions and crash tests getting stricter they might even make less power or heavier. I see what you mean with the longer production cycle since they will update it yearly.

It all depends on demand and competition. It's not even worth thinking about right now IMO as this car is just now coming out. It's hard to say how popular it will be and how long it will sell. Manufacturers are keeping models around for much longer now adays though. Back in the 90's they had a 4 year cycle for most sports cars and motorcycles but now they are at least 6 years with minor changes in between. So I'm sure we'll see some changes and variants of it over the years but as to a completely new successor, it doesn't matter ATM. This car is great for modern day standards. If technology changes enough in 6-10 years, and if the demand is still there (and the world hasn't blown up), then they will likely make a new one.

I think this car will last for at least 7-8 years and get a refresh a la S4/S5 FC or AP1/AP2 S2k a little more than halfway through. They did R&D on a fresh chassis so I would think they'd want to make some money on it.

Questions like these as previous posters have mentioned all depend solely on sales. I would rule out the competition aspect, but if competition were to arise that creates demand for improvement. Think Apple & Microsoft. I could see this car going on for a very, very long time.. but it also depends what is released later on down the line that may be a whole new beast altogether swaying BRZ/FRS fans entirely.

If they do, it should be after 5-6 yrs. Use the current chassis as the platform and make a new body, interior, and tweaks to chassis and drivetrain. I think doing just refreshes a la S2000/RX8 won't be enough and people will view them as 8-10yr old technology and styling, while their competition has all new models.

Most definitely yes, but how much better depends on your definition of 'better.'
I would suspect more power as they refine the engine more with future technologies, and in keeping with driving pleasure,
and with safety in mind, and any other regulatory things that may need to be updated.
But like any car and any era... Better can mean a lot of things. We miss the old AE86 for the same reasons,
in that it is worse in performance, less efficient, more archaic, but is simpler, cheaper to maintain, and nostalgically has charms that will never be achievable in today's much more strictly regulated automotive rules.

Waiting for a better model might seem like a neat concept, but in all that time, one will miss out on the opportunity to drive one of the most fun car TODAY. :D

Definitely. Why wouldn't they?