Quote:
Originally Posted by blur
IMO, this car needs to at least match the GC when it comes out. That way, Toyota can score buyers through reliability and comfort. Also, TBH, this car should be a low volume car that they will lose money on, since it's a halo car for scion. They'll be making dough off the people who come in to see the FRS and end up buying a tC.
that and 19K sounds attractive.
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I think that it's quite possible that the car will be close to the current GC 2.0T stock for stock (210hp/3400# isn't that great of a ratio). I actually forgot how bad those numbers sound.
However I feel that it won't be a direct competitor but rather a bit of a flanking attack: With a (presumably, at least at release) NA H4 and much less length than the GC / Mustang V6, I see the FR-S as a lighter, simpler alternative that's as quick as a stock 2.0T but sells for its purer driving experience. The Genesis is well-composed but a bit uninspiring stock and really looooonnnnggggg.
If the FR-S was, say, 2800# and 190hp, (middle of the road to high power, based on our expectations and middle of the road weight), the FR-S would have a definite power/weight advantage (14.7 vs. 16.2) but the GC can cheaply make power whereas I think the FR-S won't have nearly the power potential; but with springs and dampers and good tires, should handle like nothing else this side of a Lotus (hopefully).
This is evidenced by the GC being tested with the Mustang as a benchmark and the FT mules being handling-benchmarked with a Cayman.
-As far as the supposed 274hp GC to come, well, a 2600hp/190hp FR-S would lose on paper unless the new Genesis gains a good bit of weight.
-It sounds like, with ever-tightening fuel economy scores, the next generation Camaro will be a lot smaller with no V8, at the most a FI V6 on the top trim; and I expect the Mustang will have to downsize as well. Beyond liking the concept of a light, pure car, I feel the tactic of starting small, simple, light, and efficient and then adding a turbo in a few years once it's established is a lot better than starting in 2012-2013 with an oversized chassis that will be obsolete soon. It's a lot easier to add power, length, frame reinforcement later than to make a naturally big car small and light.