Quote:
Originally Posted by tripjammer
I did not know the scion people were so passionate!
There is straight dedication to the cause!
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Yes, we are passionate, especially those of us that have dealt with Scion corporate directly with the car shows, track days, and special events. I bought a tC in April 2006, in December of that year Scion sent me to Miami and put me up in an ocean-view suite for 2 days for the release of the xD and 2nd gen xB release. Originally, all I wanted was a low-cost, practical, fun-to-drive car while I was saving for a Corvette, but I got much more in return. That was the true intention of Scion: introduce people to and build brand loyalty for the Toyota-family brands through customization and social events... and for me and many others it has worked. Granted, the goal of Scion was to move people from entry-level to mainstream (Toyota) and then to up-market (Lexus) as their customers matured, but unfortunately, unless you have a family, there was nothing for you if you wanted something sporty with two doors.
I will admit I'm outside of Scion's age demographic, well above it's price range, and according to Toyota's marketing goals, I
should be buying a Lexus IS-F rather than another Scion. However, due to marketing decisions made in the U.S. and Japan, here I am. I know what the brand is, I know what they are trying to accomplish, I know why they have equipped their version of the 86 the way they have... that has nothing to do with dedication or passion for the brand, it's experience and tempered expectations based on the marketing nameplate; that is why I was able to accurately predict how the FR-S would be equipped.
To me, it doesn't matter what badge is on the 86 whether it be Scion, Toyota, or Lexus, I was going to buy this car regardless of how it was equipped, and I think a majority of the people showing early interest in this car will too. The FR-S is not going to satisfy everyone and it's not going to be
directly marketed to everyone, just a specific target group which doesn't include current drivers of mainstream and up market RWD/AWD cars; Toyota is relying on customers shopping or currently driving FWD (i.e. less expensive) entry-level performance cars to get them ready for what may come in the future... just like the Corolla which led to the Celica and Supra, so shall the FR-S.