Once more into the breach:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...?__federated=1
I don't expect anyone to quibble with this driver's expertise.
The BRZ is quicker, same day same driver same track.
The ONLY difference is the BRZ has softer rear springs. The suggestion that the dampers are different has been disproved by others posted to this BB I believe.
The driver's comments as to how the two cars feel and why the BRZ is likely faster are interesting.
Even more interesting would be testing the BRZ against itself with just a stiffer front bar. Should be even quicker because it will get its meagre power down a split second earlier.
Note the lap time margin is around 0.8 seconds, twice the margin achieved by fitting a clutch type lsd.
Tire pressures can be used to tweak handling, and the F1 boys do this also. In this case likely increasing the rear tire pressures is the way to go as tire pressure increases grip and does not affect roll stiffness.
Ditto lowering which changes the load transfer effects and in theory at least keeps the inside tire working harder for longer. Ironically, lowering reduces the load transfer which some here seem to think would be bad for handling.
Indeed, although I don't know the camber rise rates on these cars it seems very likely that front camber rise is at a lower rate than rear camber rise. If so then a quick and easy way to get better handling is to lower the car, assuming rear camber rise is at a higher rate but does not pass over the critical point. This would increase rear grip relative to the front and as long as you don't go crazy with spring rates you will improve front to rear balance in favour of understeer and go faster.
Us old guys already have trouble getting up to street level from the driver's seat so lowering the cars is not going to work well for us.