People need to remember that the twins are manufactured at a Subaru plant, so it only makes sense for Subaru to stamp their name on as many components as they can. But stamps on sheet metal don't change the fact that the project was initiated by Toyota, and in fact it took 6 months of negotiations for Subaru to be willing to co-develop a dedicated RWD platform with Toyota. I think the end product truly reflects a mindful, detailed consideration of what makes a great driver's car. I give more credit to Toyota for taking the initiative with the project, the design, advanced injection technology, and transmission.
But to give one company all the credit would, IMO, simply be misguided.
I find the build quality to be higher than Subaru typically is in my experience, and the new boxer engine is a real gem in my book. I know people talk shit about only having 200 hp, but when the electronic nannies are fully off - the smell of burning rubber and the thrill graceful cornering slides throws all that hp talk right out the window.
Last weekend I went up to Miller Park in Milwaukee to see a buddy and drive a Ferrari F430 (thanks to Gotham Dream Cars offer on Living Social). Just three laps. Just $99. Just 3 straightaways hitting the 8250 redline in 2nd gear @ 85 mph. But I was speechless afterward - a physical and mental high.
When we were done we took my FR-S to an empty lot at Miller Park, turned off the nannies, and slid all over that lot. It was the first time I've had the chance to safely fool around without ANY of the nannies, and my love of this car grew tremendously as a result. It's so much damn fun. I can't wait to autocross it next summer with better wheels and tires.
Anyway, a bit off topic but had to share!
