Okay I can see you haven't followed this car too long..
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Originally Posted by FRiSson
My impression to date is that Toyota has gained far more from the FR-Z (FR-S/BRZ/GT86) than Subaru. There are a few reasons for this.
1) Visibility and awareness goes to Toyota/Scion.
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This is an opinion, not a fact.
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2) Price: The price advantage goes to Scion. Particularly with early practices of Subaru dealers.
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I have seen FR-S n my area for 35k and BRZ for 30k, so this does not apply everywhere
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3) Advertising: Toyota/Scion has done television ads of the FR-S. Has Subaru done anything. Again, Scion wins the awareness game.
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Subaru lets the Magazines do all the talking really. When people go research the FRS they hear about it's "twin". Also, open the hood and what do we see? Subaru everywhere
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4) Marketing Mix: The FR-S is an enormous boost for Scion's underwhelming offerings in the market. On the other hand, the BRZ fits uncomfortably with its all-wheel-drive heritage. In addition, Subaru already makes powerful, great handling cars. The BRZ doesn't break performance ground for them.
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It's pocket change for Toyota and boost for Scion but Subaru gets a percent of every sale, that being Toyota/Scion and all for BRZ's. Subaru does NOT only make AWD cars, they offer FWD in Japan.
Also it does, because they got 200hp out of an N/A 2.0L engine.
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5) Differences: The differences between the FR-S and the BRZ are not large enough to offer much differentiation of product. I don't believe that the minor appearance differences, and the addition of alcantara, HIDs and Nav make much difference in the market.
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Also YES, these are deal breakers. You are getting better interior, NAV, LED DRL's, and HID's for only 2 grand more. Also, Subaru dealers have more experience with flat boxer engines.
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If you read between the lines of the Toyota-Subaru relationship, one can infer that Subaru is the less happy of the partners. Because of this, Toyota is vastly outmarketing Subaru on the FR-Z.
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Once again unless you know Tada and Akio, this is a complete opinion and complete media hype.
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Please understand I am not saying that people won't continue to value and respect the BRZ, just that most people will associate the car with Toyota/Scion.
My conclusion - unless Subaru significantly differentiates its BRZ soon (I.E. all turbo motors or AWD), the FR-S will dominate market perception of the product. Toyota/Scion will have gained the lion's share of the benefits, both in adding some sporty energy to Toyota's product line and by lifting up the Scion sub-brand.
On a purely speculative basis, I predict that given these factors, it is more likely that Toyota will continue to improve and support the FR-Z product. I just can't see Subaru putting a lot of energy into it. There isn't that much of a payoff for them.
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Most people compare the FR-S and the BRZ and some choose the BRZ over the FR-S and some the FR-S over the BRZ. Why? idk ask them. It's little things that are all in the persons opinion. They are basically the same car.
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If someone can make an alternate argument about this - I am listening.
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Just did
EDIT: Added a few key things and spelling