Quote:
Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo
Even if Subaru were on their own for the new BRZ, which doesn't appear that way, the BRZ shares a TON of parts with the WRX. All the new Subaru engines are based off the FA20 architecture in the twins. The chassis is basically a 2wd WRX. aftermarket sway bars and control arms swap between the 2. The only bespoke things to the twins are the sheet metal, gearbox, and interior.
Even this year the BRZ/86 sales numbers keep up closely with the Miata, which is a younger car. I'm not buying the 'nobody is buying the twins' narrative. Sure the volume isn't high, but it's respectable for the type of car. My dealers (both Toyota and Subaru) don't have any sitting on the lot for more than a week, and good luck finding a used one around here that sits for that long.
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I'll certainly accept that there is parts sharing between the WRX and BRZ. From a corporate perspective, that makes a lot of financial sense and could be the basis for future development apart from Toyota.
You are right about the sales numbers, but the difference is that the Miata uses far more parts from the other Mazda cars than the BRZ/86. The engine and transmission from the Miata is used in the Mazda 6 and 3 as is the steering, brakes, and infotainment systems. The Miata is used as the corporate performance brand and contributes to the overall brand ID while the Subaru brand ID is more related to 4 wheel drive and safety. This category, as a whole, in order to be supported by a profit making venture, needs to provide more to the corporation than its volume would dictate. But then again, I'm talking about corporate management theory here and not necessarily about inside information I don't have. So we'll see.
I'm still buying the BRZ because it is a very good car that fits my psychological needs. I like the way it drives. I like the way it looks. It is a boatload of fun. And it brings me back to my illogical love of true sports cars. Now take that!!!!