Quote:
Originally Posted by Archer256
I didnt read through the thread, and if what i say has been pointed out already i apologize in advance.
They will compete, not because of specs but because of price. The FT is going to start in the 20's...START. Z is about 35k on a sport package but we dont know what packages Scion/Toyota is going to offer.
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There will be no package in the U.S. Scion does not offer trim levels nor packages, rather, the car comes base standard with certain luxuries and the rest is just options. If you WANT to add every little thing Scion has on the car, then you're a complete moron. Not only are the accessories overrpriced, but a bunch of them are just downright unnecessary.
If what Toyota EU said holds true for the U.S., and other markets, we can expect the LSD differential to come as standard trim for the Scion, meaning possibly coming out to around ~$24k. Even a base 370Z @ $31k is still beyond most peoples price point (And doesn't come with LSD). The FR-S will be available to a broader market of buyers.
Say someone is just in the market for a sportS coupe. They see the FR-S and 370Z. Well, what if they want that aero spoiler on the car, or skirts? To do that on the 370z they'd have to get the sport package, which bumps it up to $35k. For the FR-S, they spend at most $1k (the wing itself is usually only $500) and can get the same aero add-ons the 370Z has(this is something that'll effect an average joe's purchase price, sure). So now $25k vs. $35k, thats not a chump change difference. They test drive both cars and find them both to be very fun, but with the FR-S the savings is just so great, they go ahead and buy it.
Thats why, at price point, they DON'T compete. The 370z is not an available purchase option for the broader market. The FR-S IS. And when it comes down to people who really don't care much about the car, rather than having a sports coupe to have a little fun in, price is a huge factor. So is gas savings, which the FR-S will win in this department too. They'll ALSO see the FR-S is more practical as a 2+2, instead of a strict 2 seater, and THIS will factor into the joe's decision.
Also have to factor in individual state sales taxes. Here in TN, the $35k 370Z adds on $3447 dollars in taxes alone. The FR-S, @ $25k, would be $2462, so really, you're buying a near $38k car against a $27k one. Thats not "just a little bit more money", thats literally adding hundreds onto your monthly payment, or, adding thousands necessary to your downpayment just to make the monthly payments affordable.
And thats using $24k as a starting price point. Honestly, I don't see the FR-S being that expensive in base form. It just can't to compete with its REAL competitors, the Miata, and Gen Coupe, unless said base model comes with certain sport features standard that the other car's don't on their base model.
Damn, I should look into becoming a salesman for this car, lol.