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Weight is still an issue but as we move away from simple springs, rollbars, etc., I don't think we'll be talking about how weight is as much of a penalty. Adaptive suspension tech, and active rear steer, differentials and braking seem to be good at masking the weight and size of the vehicle while keeping the experience fun. In time, I think many of those systems will get cheap enough to make available in more entry level sports cars.
Granted, for heavy vehicles that don't have that tech, like the Mustangs and Camaros of the world, you have to compensate by stiffening the suspension and adding 305 section tires to balance it all out. But that comes with its share of problems.
Of course, adding those things creates a buffer that might change the feel of driving, and it's unlikely that the 86 will see those systems anytime soon. So keeping the weight low and the suspension simple is the right formula to making the car feel good.
The only way I see them finding more weight savings in the 86, while keeping costs low, is to ditch the 2+2 design and take 6+ inches out of the wheel base. That might net 2~300 pounds, but obviously a lot of customers want the rear seats so I don't see the 86 getting much lighter in future generations.
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