Quote:
Originally Posted by Harey
Toyota, Subaru and others say that more power would ruin the twins. With the below caveats I dont understand this??
- additional power/torque stays mostly linear (ignoring torque dip)
- additional power does not add weight (or perhaps very little and that little weight is counterbalanced at the rear of the car)
- additional power is OEM engineered (not wanting to discuss the reliability of aftermarket modifications)
I understand it was not the goal of the car, but I dont understand why it would ruin the car. Yes a turbo with a big rush of torque or a big heavy engine would ruin the handling agreed. But if the additional power/torque remains linear and there is minimal extra weight I dont see how it would ruin the car?
Im not saying necessarily that the twins should have come with more power (separate discussion) I am just questioning the statement that the car would be ruined. Is there something I am missing?
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Long winded answer:
More power would ruin the car because it would need to be accompanied by more of everything.
The engine in this car is unique in that it has had every ounce possible cut out of the parts. You add power to this engine at your own risk. So more power is going to need a heavier engine.
More power from engine is going to need more robustness to every single component down the drivetrain right down to the brakes. So more weight. Since the FRS's one and only superpower is the handling that is possible with low weight, any dulling of this atribute would be like Kryptonite to Superman.
Then lets look at other consequences. Cost. The FRS is priced to be sold to either a young crowd who is pre-family or an old fart who is past kids and pre retirement. Neither is a very rich market. More power increases the cost exponentially, puts the car in competition with more cars, and lowers sales because it really has nothing to offer in the Pony Car market after it gives away the light weight.
A limited edition with more power is possible, but it would be just that, Limited and expensive both to buy and maintain. Talk to any Subaru Sti owner about maintenance cost.
You and I can drop a LSx into the car and only increase the weight by a small percentage. The results are entertaining to watch and arguably safe enough. However, the factory would have to do a LOT of due diligence to protect the driver and themselves against the liabilities of more power. Can you say more insurance $$$ all around?
The FRS is a niche product, niches are great places to sell stuff if you are the first in cause you take up the whole niche. However all niche products, when you take them out of their intended niche, they look kinda silly. If you fix that, you give up the safety of the niche.
Toyobaru did their research, discovered a niche and the math said they could live there comfortably. I expect that any changes to the twins will be to reflect evolution of the niche and not any attempt to break out.