86 BRZ evolution

[ToySub1946]

Slightly off topic, but tires can make all the difference in the world:

I have a 2015 FRS bought new. The original tires were Michelin Primacy HP 215/45/17 >Made in France<, lasted 48,000 miles.


I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport 215/45/17 A/S 3+ Y rated. Hated these tires as the sidewalls were so soft that the steering was no where near as sharp as the OEM tires. (Have to admit, though, they were way better at grip and great in a horrendous rain storm one day.)
Got rid of them after just over 3000 miles...back to Tire Rack they went.


Now back on Michelin Primacy HP tires size 225/45/17 >Made in Spain<. These steer more like the originals, yet go over rough surfaces like I'm driving on rocks. Much much harder riding than the original tires of the same model tire. Hate these tires for the rough ride, still wondering if the size larger makes that much of a difference, yet really think that >where they were made makes the biggest difference.<

LOL. No one talks about just where tires are made. Whole lotta difference it seems.

[nikitopo]

Check attached pictures:
In picture 1 there is an additional bracket to reinforce the structural rigidity of the rear wheel and upper shock/spring mount.

In picture 2 the C-Pillar spot-weld points for jointed sheets have been increased (11 vs 17 points) to improve again structural rigidity.

These changes allowed a different setting of the shocks, giving a slightly more mature and refined feel. Additionally, the chassis can handle more deformation and wear when it is modified to higher grip tires or when used over rough roads for an extended time. As mentioned before, these changes are more apparent over rough pavements.

One more comment:
In the latest models there were a few more structural changes, but they were not documented that well comparing to the above. What is known is that one change happened after manufacturer day Oct. 2017 and one other after Sep. 2018. I believe their purpose were to enhance even more the above improvements.

[God_speed]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! This does support my findings. The difference isn't huge, but the Toybaru has indeed become more enjoyable over long distances. Although I still prefer the look and raw engine note of the early cars. But that's a personal preference.

[God_speed]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Here you go

Wow, that's great info! Many thanks!

[God_speed]

Originally Posted by nikitopo

Do you have a 968cs? Here is a bonus photo at the Continental race track. The 968cs topped at 252 km/h. Not bad for a 26 years old car!

Thx! I do, it's a great car. Much like a GT86 on steroids

[nikitopo]

I wouldn't say that a noisier engine is better. This could mean a shorter lifetime cycle. I am in all with the more refined engine of the revised model. If noise is a priority, then there are a lot of aftermarket exhausts as an option.

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

Slightly off topic, but tires can make all the difference in the world:

I have a 2015 FRS bought new. The original tires were Michelin Primacy HP 215/45/17 >Made in France<, lasted 48,000 miles.


I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport 215/45/17 A/S 3+ Y rated. Hated these tires as the sidewalls were so soft that the steering was no where near as sharp as the OEM tires. (Have to admit, though, they were way better at grip and great in a horrendous rain storm one day.)
Got rid of them after just over 3000 miles...back to Tire Rack they went.


Now back on Michelin Primacy HP tires size 225/45/17 >Made in Spain<. These steer more like the originals, yet go over rough surfaces like I'm driving on rocks. Much much harder riding than the original tires of the same model tire. Hate these tires for the rough ride, still wondering if the size larger makes that much of a difference, yet really think that >where they were made makes the biggest difference.<

LOL. No one talks about just where tires are made. Whole lotta difference it seems.

oh yeah this is true that usually gets overlooked.

My X1 came with Bridgestone Potenza summer tires, and they are rock hard. I switched them over to Continental DWS all seasons (got the car close to wintertime...so we needed some winter traction), and they improved the comfort level by alot because the sidewall is much softer.

So at least in terms of comfort the tires can make a big difference. (all out performance too but i have never had the car in a situation to push them.)

[DarkSunrise]

I got a chance to drive a 2016 BRZ on track immediately after driving my 2013 FR-S. Driven back to back like that, the improvements in refinement were noticeable even with a helmet on. Engine sounded and felt smoother revving and of course the interior was nicer. I liked the changes personally - a bunch of small changes that added up.

[etherdude]

Originally Posted by JesseG

Does the 86 feel more composed mid-corner? There are a few corners I take...ahem....at speed, and my car rotates like a champ and is very quick through the corner, but I have to be careful of upsetting the rear end too much.

And above all else, happy wife, happy life.

Yes, the 2020 86 feels more composed at the expense of perhaps not quite as crisp turnin as the 2015 FR-S. I do NOT drive at track speeds, so I cannot compare either car at the limit. Also, my comparisons are based on the exact same set of Michelin PS4S's rather than OEM tires. The FR-S came with Bridgestone Turanza EL-400s (REALLY AWFUL TIRES) and the 86 came with Michelin Primacy which were a bit better (and went on the FR-S when I sold it on). But my comparison is based on the aftermarket Michelin PS4S's.

And yes, after 43 years of marriage...Happy Wife, Happy Life! is a a great slogan.

[JesseG]

Originally Posted by etherdude

Yes, the 2020 86 feels more composed at the expense of perhaps not quite as crisp turnin as the 2015 FR-S. I do NOT drive at track speeds, so I cannot compare either car at the limit. Also, my comparisons are based on the exact same set of Michelin PS4S's rather than OEM tires. The FR-S came with Bridgestone Turanza EL-400s (REALLY AWFUL TIRES) and the 86 came with Michelins which were a bit better. But my comparison is based on aftermarket Michelins.

And yes, after 43 years of marriage...Happy Wife, Happy Life! is a a great slogan.

I think I would be very happy with a new 86 or BRZ. That slight loss of sharpness and turn in isn’t a big deal on the street. I do love the razor sharp feel of my FR-S, but it gets a little tiring on longer drives, in traffic, etc.
Yes tires are probably the single most important upgrade for the twins, and Michelin PS4’s are as good as it gets for the street. I don’t ever drive at track speeds either. Which is one of the biggest reasons the FR-S is my favorite car ever. It’s so fun even at slower speeds. Corners that would induce a bunch of understeer in my Corolla Hatchback, the FR-S just laughs at.
Congratulations on your 43 years of marriage! Not many people get to experience that, and it doesn’t happen by accident.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by JesseG

I think I would be very happy with a new 86 or BRZ. That slight loss of sharpness and turn in isn’t a big deal on the street. I do love the razor sharp feel of my FR-S, but it gets a little tiring on longer drives, in traffic, etc.
Yes tires are probably the single most important upgrade for the twins, and Michelin PS4’s are as good as it gets for the street. I don’t ever drive at track speeds either. Which is one of the biggest reasons the FR-S is my favorite car ever. It’s so fun even at slower speeds. Corners that would induce a bunch of understeer in my Corolla Hatchback, the FR-S just laughs at.
Congratulations on your 43 years of marriage! Not many people get to experience that, and it doesn’t happen by accident.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pretty accurate write up here:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-revie...ference-258124