What would your ultimate OEM FR-S/BRZ be?

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by RaceR

I love the M Roadster but it does not have any back seats. So misses out on the practical bit..

Originally Posted by wbradley

That is basically the BMW M coupe from a few years ago. It is possible to get a car like that for similar or maybe a bit more money! Second hand, if you can locate one for sale. Reminds me of the "Harold & Maude" Jag.

Editing from "Roadster" to "Coupe" still doesn't add back seats Last MY for both was 2002. RaceR, you already know that you can have the same engines in the E36 and E46 M3's *with* back seats ... but also more weight.

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by danthemann5

I look at this car from the point of view that as a performance car, anything that does not contribute to the performance of the vehicle is an unnecessary luxury that increases cost and weight. Gadgets and buttons, in my humble opinion, tend to be a distraction from driving and the pleasure I derive from it. More stuff in the car is more stuff that can break or malfunction. I like it simple, spartan, and clean; I love the car for the car, not the comfort.

But seriously, WTH is up with no armrest?

I was about to hug you until I got to the armrest part. Serious question - why are so many people so adamant about an armrest in a sports car? Your hands belong on the wheel.

[wbradley]

Originally Posted by einzlr

Editing from "Roadster" to "Coupe" still doesn't add back seats Last MY for both was 2002. RaceR, you already know that you can have the same engines in the E36 and E46 M3's *with* back seats ... but also more weight.

Yeah realized later the M roadster would be the Z3 and didnt know if they made an M variant. So, changed the word appropriately to "coupe".

[DarkSunrise]

Things I'd like to see:

- lighter curb weight (2600 lbs)
- addition of variable lift and a 9k rpm redline. With revised intake manifold and exhaust, I think 250 hp would be within reach
- shorter gearing

Basically a lighter, faster 2+2 hardtop S2000.

[cf6mech]

Originally Posted by danthemann5

I look at this car from the point of view that as a performance car, anything that does not contribute to the performance of the vehicle is an unnecessary luxury that increases cost and weight. Gadgets and buttons, in my humble opinion, tend to be a distraction from driving and the pleasure I derive from it. More stuff in the car is more stuff that can break or malfunction. I like it simple, spartan, and clean; I love the car for the car, not the comfort.

But seriously, WTH is up with no armrest?

Exactly my sentiment,...more performance less gadgetry,... but alas just like the 2012 to 2013 Boss Mustang prepare for more gadgetry for next year.....gaurantee it,...this was the feeler car,...it went over big,.... so next years car will be less of a pure drivers car and more of neato gadgetry car....with an option of more power....I would of optioned for crank window handles if I could with no radio....but thats me.

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by wbradley

Yeah realized later the M roadster would be the Z3 and didnt know if they made an M variant. So, changed the word appropriately to "coupe".

It's all good I figured you changed it because the twins are coupes, not convertibles. The Z3 came as roadster and coupe, each in M and non-M versions (see my sig - I have one each of all except the non-M roadster). Ditto the Z4 starting with MY 2002/3. The Z3 coupe was an afterthought. They basically put a roof on the roadster, and something like 90% of the parts are the same.

[danthemann5]

Originally Posted by einzlr

I was about to hug you until I got to the armrest part. Serious question - why are so many people so adamant about an armrest in a sports car? Your hands belong on the wheel.

I agree, your hands belong on the wheel, when you're driving. My biggest gripe about the armrest or lack thereof is that it makes the interior look incomplete. It's all about the cleanliness of the interior. From a symmetry standpoint, the left side door armrest puts the interior out of balance with the lower console on the right. I also like the idea of a place to put things where I have access to them, but they are out of sight and don't feel like clutter. And sometimes, when I'm at a light or not actually in the act of driving, I want somewhere to put my arm, dammit.

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by einzlr

Editing from "Roadster" to "Coupe" still doesn't add back seats Last MY for both was 2002. RaceR, you already know that you can have the same engines in the E36 and E46 M3's *with* back seats ... but also more weight.

Whoops.. I meant to say coupe Just took the word from wbradley. Not that into the roadster.
I use my car a lot in my work. Having a "new" reliable car is a must, so older cars are not an option at the moment. Need some space, and usable rearseats are really nice to have.
A fuel efficient RWD hatcback FR-S with a little more back seat space would be just perfect for me!
Otherwise BMW F21 is the closest thing at the moment.

[danthemann5]

Originally Posted by cf6mech

Exactly my sentiment,...more performance less gadgetry,... but alas just like the 2012 to 2013 Boss Mustang prepare for more gadgetry for next year.....gaurantee it,...this was the feeler car,...it went over big,.... so next years car will be less of a pure drivers car and more of neato gadgetry car....with an option of more power....I would of optioned for crank window handles if I could with no radio....but thats me.

I think you've made a very good point here, and I have to agree. If what you predict comes true, I will be happy to own the first year model, in spite of all the "quirks".

I would've been happy with crank windows, and probably could have lived without a radio. I drive with the radio off 90% of the time anyway; the car makes its own music.

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by cf6mech

Exactly my sentiment,...more performance less gadgetry,... but alas just like the 2012 to 2013 Boss Mustang prepare for more gadgetry for next year.....gaurantee it,...this was the feeler car,...it went over big,.... so next years car will be less of a pure drivers car and more of neato gadgetry car....with an option of more power....I would of optioned for crank window handles if I could with no radio....but thats me.

Minimalists unite! :happy0180:
My '05 Accent has hand crank windows. And manual door locks. And no a/c. It does have a radio, but with cassette player, no cd. I always kinda figured it's gotta be one of the last cars from any car maker to come off the line with this degree of "holdoutness"

[danthemann5]

I would not be OK without A/C. When it comes to things I can live without, I have to draw the line somewhere, and A/C is on the other side of that line.

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by danthemann5

I agree, your hands belong on the wheel, when you're driving. My biggest gripe about the armrest or lack thereof is that it makes the interior look incomplete. It's all about the cleanliness of the interior. From a symmetry standpoint, the left side door armrest puts the interior out of balance with the lower console on the right. I also like the idea of a place to put things where I have access to them, but they are out of sight and don't feel like clutter. And sometimes, when I'm at a light or not actually in the act of driving, I want somewhere to put my arm, dammit.

Haha fair 'nuff and thanks for explaining! Somehow I've never not known what to do with my right arm, but I'll admit that sometimes it would be handy to have a little more in the way of storage cubbies in the BMW's.

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by danthemann5

I would not be OK without A/C. When it comes to things I can live without, I have to draw the line somewhere, and A/C is on the other side of that line.

I'd feel the same way if I lived in the midwest. I'm a complete wimp when it comes to summer humidity. But around here the climate can best be described as "year 'round mild" so even in the bimmers I almost never use the a/c. I'll admit, though, that the seat heaters in the Roadster are sweet, and for sure increase the number of top-down days

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by RaceR

Whoops.. I meant to say coupe Just took the word from wbradley. Not that into the roadster.
I use my car a lot in my work. Having a "new" reliable car is a must, so older cars are not an option at the moment. Need some space, and usable rearseats are really nice to have.
A fuel efficient RWD hatcback FR-S with a little more back seat space would be just perfect for me!
Otherwise BMW F21 is the closest thing at the moment.

Haha I was kinda wondering about that tbh (coupe vs roadster). And yeah, I hear you. Toyobaru needs to do a Clubman sort of thing.