Anybody catch this? Stout Racing SCCA Scion FR-S w/ TRD Supercharger at SEMA

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

This is why you don't run Subaru. I've had countless people tell me if the BRZ was Turbo they would have purchased it over their new WRXs. Many people in my age group buy the WRX STi because it is a great tuner car, not because they need the AWD (I don't live in winter weather climate) and they don't need 4 doors.

In the snow belt I don't think it would hurt WRX sales at all, but places like Cali and other warm weather areas WRX sales would drop like a rock if there was a turbo BRZ... which there won't be.

On a global scale, you are definitely right. Looking at it from that broader perspective--even with a turbo option--I don't think you are going to see a dent in WRX sales because the BRZ gets FI. Why? Because people largely don't compare the two cars. "Does it go fast in a straight line?" is not the usual question asked by Subbie customers, in my experience.

[jadewbj]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

On a global scale, you are definitely right. Looking at it from that broader perspective--even with a turbo option--I don't think you are going to see a dent in WRX sales because the BRZ gets FI. Why? Because people largely don't compare the two cars. "Does it go fast in a straight line?" is not the usual question asked by Subbie customers, in my experience.

I guess you don't know the people I know. Most of my subbie friends are all about straight line performance. The WRX is so popular because it is so tuner friendly and relatively easy to make very fast.

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by jadewbj

I guess you don't know the people I know. Most of my subbie friends are all about straight line performance. The WRX is so popular because it is so tuner friendly and relatively easy to make very fast.

Are the price points similar between the WRX and the BRZ? I guess the debate makes sense then if they are that close. What I am saying is that if they are close in price point, then it makes more sense to go with the WRX if they just want speed. Handling, BRZ (though with mods, the WRX can probably keep up modestly). I just look at the cars and see two different purposes.

[Spartan65]

Originally Posted by BK025

Thank you SEMA

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...sema-show.html

Per SCCA guidelines TRD supercharger will actually be produced and made available for the public.

I have yet to see a picture of this car with the hood open, no pictures it never happened. Reminds me of being disenchanted by wheel manufactures displaying wooden wheels in display cases at previous SEMA events.

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

On a global scale, you are definitely right. Looking at it from that broader perspective--even with a turbo option--I don't think you are going to see a dent in WRX sales because the BRZ gets FI. Why? Because people largely don't compare the two cars. "Does it go fast in a straight line?" is not the usual question asked by Subbie customers, in my experience.

A global scale is all that matters. Subi sells cars all over the world, not just to you.

If you think 18-29 year olds aren't cross shopping these cars you're off your rocker. Are they even close to the same car? NO. Are they being cross shopped? YUP. It never even rains here, so please tell me why all these (young and single) kids need AWD and 4 doors but buy the WRX like it's going out of style.

[BlaineWasHere]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

Are the price points similar between the WRX and the BRZ? I guess the debate makes sense then if they are that close. What I am saying is that if they are close in price point, then it makes more sense to go with the WRX if they just want speed. Handling, BRZ (though with mods, the WRX can probably keep up modestly). I just look at the cars and see two different purposes.

The WRX is literally $200 more when you compare base MSRP. SO exact same price point, on the same damned car lot. SO assume a Turbo BRZ would sit right in that STi price point.

They are two different cars, but idiot kids don't see it that way or don't care. What they would see is two turbo/tuner cars. Turbo BRZ would significantly hurt WRX sales. Just give up, you are wrong.

[lsr78]

I can't see the SC being over $6k. That's what the Tundra kit was priced at and it's not like it was a big seller, so the limited production of the FR-S shouldn't be an issue.

[BlaineWasHere]

I agree with others who say aftermarket systems will be way better for less money. Only thing that a TRD kit has is potential of factory warranty retention.

[Mikes86]

I'd guess $3500-$5000 for the kits them selfs, if it's like most other Trd kits there will be two kits... One with the supercharger and main components and a "fit kit" with various nuts bolts and gaskets for a few hundred bucks.
like preivously stated the tundra kits are about 6k for the 5.7 and they bump the power pretty decently... Rated up to 550hp I believe, and believe me even with the trucks and sequoias weighing as much as they do they will put u back in your seat! When I worked at a Toyota dealership we did quite a few superchargers on trucks and SUVs. Had a few customers let me take theirs out and have some fun and damn were they!
I think if Trd can make a kit for 4kish they will be pretty popular! And yes it will still retain a warranty, it is a Toyota part after all... Now with that being said, if you put it on yourself and something breaks well then it's going to be on u Toyota won't pay for your mistakes...

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by BlaineWasHere

The WRX is literally $200 more when you compare base MSRP. SO exact same price point, on the same damned car lot. SO assume a Turbo BRZ would sit right in that STi price point.

They are two different cars, but idiot kids don't see it that way or don't care. What they would see is two turbo/tuner cars. Turbo BRZ would significantly hurt WRX sales. Just give up, you are wrong.

For young kid buyers, I can admit that you are right. For more mature buyers like myself, I still say that we recognize the difference in overall purpose for the cars.

[jadewbj]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

For young kid buyers, I can admit that you are right. For more mature buyers like myself, I still say that we recognize the difference in overall purpose for the cars.

The WRX and BRZ are almost the exact same price and are not that far apart on what they are good for.

They are both "tuner" cars that can be a great DD and a weekend track or autox car. The only difference in "purpose" is the WRX is more practical.

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by jadewbj

The WRX and BRZ are almost the exact same price and are not that far apart on what they are good for.

They are both "tuner" cars that can be a great DD and a weekend track or autox car. The only difference in "purpose" is the WRX is more practical.

Exactly my point.

[jadewbj]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

Exactly my point.

Almost anyone who is looking at the FRS/BRZ will be looking at the cars I mentioned, including the WRX.

If you are a mature buyer and this will be your only car than the FRS is not really an option for you so turbo would not make someone choose it over the WRX. I will give you that.

If you a mature buyer are looking for a fun second car that could work as a DD and and autox or track car than the WRX and BRZ absolutely are contenders. This buyer either has a family with a second car so the practicality is nice but not the deciding factor. The WRX is plain faster and still handles pretty well so that is why many people go with it. If the BRZ was turbo and similarly priced they would have gone BRZ without question.

If you are a kid you just car about being fast, and fast in a straight line so you can destroy people at stoplights. The WRX is faster stock and easier to make even faster so it is the clear choice. Now add a turbo BRZ and they kid will pick it every time.

So in 2 out of 3 buyers the turbo brz would hurt sales.

[MVJ1975]

I dunno. I wouldn't ever consider a four-door car for a "fun" second car. I'll openly admit that's just my personal preference, though.