BRZ review in USA Today

[alluringreality]

Originally Posted by Lighting Red

Is this the first review to actually call the price out at $26,000 vice $25,000?

Insideline also estimated $26k.
http://www.insideline.com/subaru/brz...and-video.html

Considering the BRZ has more features, I'll figure an increase of $1k for BRZ MSRP is a safe bet.

EDIT: I figured since Scion sold at MSRP that they would also have a smaller spread between dealer cost and MSRP, compared to Subaru that typically sells below MSRP. Looking at Truecar the tC and Impreza are actually rather close in the difference between cost and MSRP, which means typically a Scion dealer makes a higher average profit per sale than a Subaru dealer. I have no idea why anyone would defend Pure Pricing as beneficial to customers.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

I'm thinking most complaints are due to the intake tube. It's probably the best and most recent example of factory rice.

If you paid attention to earlier press releases, they had a slideshow talking about the noise tube. It doesn't increase cabin noise before 4000rpm, although it probably changes the sound quality.

[ZDan]

I had no idea this car was getting something as utterly useless and ridiculous as one of those noise tubes. Dumb on a Mustang, dumb on a Porsche, dumb on a Subarota.
FR-S, too, I guess?

[davesrave]

Originally Posted by ZDan

Not this one...

Nor this one...can't wait to own it.

[DEC1]

Originally Posted by davesrave

Nor this one...can't wait to own it.

Nor this one...tired of the stereotyping of +40...
I had a '65 vette...now that was rough riding! Damn I wish I still had that thing...

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

If you paid attention to earlier press releases, they had a slideshow talking about the noise tube. It doesn't increase cabin noise before 4000rpm, although it probably changes the sound quality.

You still hear the engine in the cabin at low revs. It just doesn't really speak up until the higher revs. Pinching off the tube would reduce cabin noise even around town.

[Sport-Tech]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

The ride is stiff, but not abusive. Think "Firmly Attached" to the road. Like a firm BMW.

Have you driven either an NC MX-5 or late 90's 3-series? If so how would the ride compare?

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by dsgerbc

In that case it's gonna be too stiff to be a DD for a 40+ enthusiast too. Nothing a good set of Ohlins can't fix, but still....

Originally Posted by Lighting Red

Interesting. If I can get some seat time with the car prior to taking delivery, I will have to take a hard look at this potential issue. Still, if the rest of the hype is true, then the ride quality would have to be really piss-poor for me not to take delivery of the car.

When asked about how the ride compares to a 2004 STI, which was commonly considered stiff, Myles replied:

Originally Posted by RCE

good question. NOTHNG like that ride quality as it was THE single best example of JDM valving ! The 08+ cars have more of a Euro type valving and this car to have twin tube shocks comes the closest(IMO) to a monotube "feel". With that said the shocks feel FIRM At low speed and "decent" at higher speeds. It wasnt until we installed our springs that the "twinge" of float....and I repeat.."twinge" of float was eliminated. I would imagine with bars and a few select bushings this car would be STUPID fast.

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by Scion FR-S

Have you driven either an NC MX-5 or late 90's 3-series? If so how would the ride compare?

I have only ridden in a BRZ, though I hope to drive it next week. I have driven a NA Miata and ridden in a late 90s 325 coupe.

The BRZ felt more attached than the Miata and firmer. The BMW, if I'm remembering correctly, was a bit more comfortable, but the BRZ conveys the same sure-footedness the BMW did.

If I could relate it to something more recent, it'd be an STI, but without the "bobblehead". Bumps were eaten up with a solid thump through the body, but without the sharp spike that would have made it uncomfortable. By no means does the car float over bumps. You feel them and you have no question what the road is like under the tires. BUT! It's not jarring. Instead, it's more like the suspension is communicating to you what the road surface is like.

I've driven my STI with RCE Black springs and Ohlins struts from OH to MA and back without any problems. The BRZ is not as firm as my STI. I have no worries about driving this car every day.

The BRZ suspension is not about comfort, nor is it about track performance. It's about competence and confidence.