Feedback to TMS/SOA Management

[FLIPs_FR-S]

I have the AT and I really enjoy using the tip-tronic shift paddles. BUT, they should have been put in a stationary location on the steering column. When I drive out to the twisty country roads we have here it is very aggravating to have to make sure I'm about to shift properly entering or existing the turns. Taking my eyes off the road to do so is not safe.

[Grateful Dave]

Originally Posted by VZ86

2.) I drive an AT, and I think it'd be nice to see what gear the car's in w/o having to switch from full-auto to manual mode.

just click the paddle and you will see

[Moshpit37]

Originally Posted by Grateful Dave

just click the paddle and you will see

But that will shift gears. Unless I'm missing something I'm pretty sure you get a gear shift every time you touch the paddles.

[Texas BRZ]

I have approximately 600 miles on my 6 speed manual FR-S thus far:

• Steering could be improved for more feel (compare to RX-8 / R3, last generation Evo)
• Exhaust note could be a bit more aggressive
• Keyless entry for doors and trunk would be useful
• Homelink garage opener should be standard
• Front seats could be more supportive (more aggressive bolstering)... Regardless, the seats are still great.
• Wouldn't mind a metallic appearance for the Firestorm exterior paint

Already mentioned issues that I've also encountered:

• Engine chirp at idle
• Big 'thump' noise when when going into gear from neutral (at stop light), and I hear a similar thump when short-shifting under 4k RPM (rear differential?)
• The portion of the dash which has the carbon fiber appearance is sensitive to scratches
• Exterior paint is thin and sensitive
• 5th to 4th downshift is not as precise, but I've learned to adapt... I suppose.
• A/C blows some warm air if I push on the gas for acceleration (the cooling is not as good, but maybe it's just that the Texas heat is very intense?)
• Exhaust tips could use a better apprearance / more aggressive look
• Slightly more rear seat room would be beneficial for the kid's car seats

I may run into further issues / concerns, but this is from my experience after putting 600 miles on my brand new FR-S... Other than that, great work Toyota / Subaru!

[AhoAmeko]

I love this car very much. I like everything about it, but I do have some minor issues with it.

I own a Scion FRS manual trans.
My issue is with the transmission.
Below 4000 RPM the transmission is super clunky and sometimes hard to shift even, especially 2nd gear being the worst.
Above 4000 RPM the transmission is buttery smooth.

[AhoAmeko]

My other small minor issue is with the wheels.
Why make this car, an important enthusiast sports car, a 5x100!!!
Modern Japanese sports car do not even make this bolt pattern, not even the Civic has this pattern anymore. Why Subaru Why!!!

Other than that, I love the car, no other issues other than the ones mention.

[Mach V Dan]

MT BRZ

I love the shifter! It's crisp and precise. I feel like I know exactly what it's doing. The throws are short, too. The knob is exactly in the right spot.

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by project_zn6

Please rebrand the car as in Japan & Europe. I think North America deserves to get the 86 and not the so juvenile scion brand. I have been waiting to buy this car since inception and I was highly disappointed as many others to see it branded as scion. We want the 86 with TOYOTA badging. Please Toyota consider this at least as an option. I have driven toyotas my whole life and am proud of the brand - scion has no meaning and soul!

To quote Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear... The last line of his universal praise for the FR-S/BRZ/FT-86 is:

"Of course, you'd have the Subaru so your don't have to tell your friends you drive a Toyota".

They could have put a Pontiac badge on this thing and called it the Feriet and I would buy one anyway.

I picked the Subaru not for the badge but the superior lights. Brands mean nothing.

FEEDBACK:

My biggest complaint after 1600kms in my BRZ Premium 6MT: Uh, ummm, errrr, oh, the little straps that hold the seat belts in place sometimes come undone. I'm not getting the advertised MPG yet but the engine is still warming up and who gives a shit really! The metal is crazy thin on this car and the paint isn't terrific but we wanted low weight so and paint quality is poor on everything these days. I've seen a 120k Mercedes with brutal orange peel.

What I love: I've driven almost every sports car under 40k in the last 15 years including some RHD imports from Japan. This is my favorite. I love the transmission more every day. I love the engine note. I love the lack of torque than makes you work for it. I love the seats. I love the cloth quality and durability. I love the Canadian BRZ Pioneer HU (It's different than the US one). I love the steering. I love the hilarious amount of attention it gets. I love the way the lights actually have 4 different levels and all of them actually do something. I love the HID DRLs. I love the basic HVAC settings. Blue is cold, red is warm. It blows my G35, Miata and WRX out of the water in every category of enjoyment. Its kind of got the best from all three. I love this car.

[Napoleon]

I own a BRZ.

EXTERIOR
I enjoy the subtle design of the front end bumper. The trapezoid shape opening is beautiful, but the plastic (crash beam?) bar running across looks out of place. There must be some other solution that could make it look less like a focal point. It does not need to look like the FRS but, if the metal edge (near the Subaru badge) hovered over the plastic bar just a little bit it would look nice.

[ngabdala]

Seat belt issue? I bought these. They also have them TRD branded and Toyota too. Seatbelt neck cushion. Now I just need a BRZ to put them on

Originally Posted by FR-S/GT-86

When the seat is all the way down (how it should be) the seatbelt rubs my neck raw, even with it in the silly snap holders. I am sure this was a design compromise, but it deserves attention.

[pastuch]

Originally Posted by Napoleon

I own a BRZ.

EXTERIOR
I enjoy the subtle design of the front end bumper. The trapezoid shape opening is beautiful, but the plastic (crash beam?) bar running across looks out of place. There must be some other solution that could make it look less like a focal point. It does not need to look like the FRS but, if the metal edge (near the Subaru badge) hovered over the plastic bar just a little bit it would look nice.

I agree for the most part I prefer the FRS/FT86 bumper but how to mount the LED DRLs on the FRS bumper...

[ParangWala]

I drive a Raven 6MT FR-S @ 3000kms, there have already been comments of what I have issues with but I might as well re-iterate for the sake of having it on record.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, the annoying chirping noise from the engine bay! Also I feel that the clutch is slightly numbing, I would prefer a little bit more feedback from the clutch although I've learned to adapt.

That's it for now....

[CircuitJerk]

Originally Posted by FLIPs_FR-S

I have the AT and I really enjoy using the tip-tronic shift paddles. BUT, they should have been put in a stationary location on the steering column. When I drive out to the twisty country roads we have here it is very aggravating to have to make sure I'm about to shift properly entering or existing the turns. Taking my eyes off the road to do so is not safe.

I agree, but when I'm driving like that I switch over to manual so I can use the stick. It's the most natural thing for me anyway as that's where your hand would be in a manual. I just gotta stop going for the clutch pedal that doesn't exist. Sounds crazy, I know...

[Saber_TRD]

Sell it as/Release the Toyota 86 with all the trims/options available in Japan, in North America. Especially the GT 86 Limited; List of options/features seen here: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8954 I don't care if they keep the Scion as the low spec version, I refuse to buy the Scion and will only purchase the Toyota, preferably the GT 86 Limited.

EDIT: At the very least allow dealerships to order in the parts listed above, in my link. My dealership has refused to order the parts claiming they are not able to or are not allowed to, even though they are parts for a Toyota vehicle. If I have to I can tolerate registering it as a Scion but it better be equipped with all features/options from the GT 86 Limited and Toyota and 86 badging with no sign of Scion anywhere on it other than that registration.

Seven years without a Toyota sports car, then having the President and CEO of Toyota give his word a Toyota sports car will be sold, then not following through is a major piss off.