[TheDonEffect]

Riddle me this then, there's alot of discussion of people who bought an 86 and then going to the WRX. In my experience, it tends to be the other way, a person buys a WRX, oftentimes their first interesting car purchase, usually used, and they love it. Then they catch the car bug, and want to get something a bit more... dedicated? Now more often than not, they end up buying something else, pony car, other sports cars, etc, but a good amount then buy a BRZ. They quickly realize that these cars arent any faster than the WRX and are left underwhelmed. They either then get back into an Impreza or they move on altogether.

In some people eyes, the BRZ is the more dedicated sports offering, but it's far from the fastest in the entire lineup. I've said before that if this was the recipe Toyobaru went with, they should've done it in a more humble package.

The AE86 was first and foremost, a grocery getting, cheap, humble car, that surprised people by taking advantage of things that cars with those attributes tend to have: light. The current 86 sorta hits those marks, it is decently practical, but it isnt particularly cheap. A Civic SI for instance is significantly cheaper, as is the GTI. While I like the way it looks, it's not a function over form design that the AE86 was. The 86 is more Celica than AE86.

For instance, the WRX starts right around the same price as the BRZ. The WRX also comes with a turbo engine, sophisticated AWD system, and better tires. So in essence, IMO, the WRX is actually cannibalizing sales from the BRZ. Because if practicality ever factors into the equation, the WRX wins. You give up the practicality for a superior performance car feel, and while yes the BRZ has superior handling feeling, and I emphasize feeling, but the WRX is arguably the better performer.

So the BRZ then is neither an upgrade nor a value proposition to the WRX. So in essence, it only appeals to those who specifically want a BRZ, to expound further, only to those who want a Miata but need something more practical/wants a fixed roof.

Now, if the BRZ came with some power. It would give a natural upgrade point to the WRX owners. I often see WRX/hot hatch owners also own a second, more dedicated sports car. Much like Civic owners owning an S2000, GTI owners owning a BMW M or Porsche, etc etc.

Now, the natural hang up would be well if they cram 300hp into the car, theyd have to upgrade this and that and now the recipe is ruined. I totally agree, the 86 has a sweet spot regarding its handling and feel, and when you start adding power, the OEM needs to upgrade stuff to handle the power because of all the plebians out there. Just adding 255 width sticky tires alone can change the overall feel of the car. Suddenly, you have a fast car that feels really like any other car until you take it to the track.

What I wish the OEMs would consider is that we aren't necessarily asking for a factory tuned monster, but rather just the raw material. Why not offer it with the Ascent motor, and just detune it to say... 210hp-220hp? I'm sure some of the feeling will be lost with the heft of a turbo system, as if many of us will really notice any significant change. Sure, maybe the Youtube echo chamber will say oh golly I could feel the extra 20lbs having over the nose, oh god with my superior driving skill that just shaved off .7274 seconds off my track time. But for the rest of us, it'll be fine... and oh what a great starting point to build something great.

You effectively appease the "purists" since you didn't spoil the package, and you definitely appeal those in the know by giving them what they want. 220hp, great, keeps the car cheap, keeps 95% of the characteristics people love about the car, and it draws in larger crowd. From an OEM strategic stand point, it also allows you some flexibility with the car. I mean, you could even offer it with a smaller turbo to achieve the detuned nature but have a more quick spool characteristic to try and emulate NA as best as possible, but a simple turbo swap (which on these cars shouldn't be too difficult given the location of the turbo) will allow owners to get all the power the desire. And the OEMs could take advantage of this by offering truly hotter variants in the future.

The OEMs should understand at this point that the magazines like Car and Driver are sorta out of date with the new consumer. The Youtube reviewers end up influencing purchase decisions more when it comes to these types of cars. Send out a 210hp 86 with the usual package, Motorweek with their game show voice will say it's just lackluster. Give it to youtube bro reviewer and in a few months they'll be saying omg bargain of the year, we got 350whp with bolt ons! It's frankly what sells WRXs to enthusiasts, the potential.

So a WRX owner will see the value of paying more for what seems like less with the BRZ, it's the same potential but in a lighter, more dedicated platform, and you captured a sale that would've went to a pony car, german sports car, etc etc.