Subaru BRZ Places 4th in 2012 Best Driver's Car Competition by Motortrend

[czar07]

Still waiting for the 991 Turbo and GTx's. God I <3 Porsche

[Coaster]

It seems if Mclaren scales back the computer to do less then MP4 would likely take this comparison test. It would also help if they change the name to something like "F2" or anything decent sounding.

[Sev]

So apparently anyone that tracks their BRZ is "out $1,000 for new rotors"?

[Coaster]

Originally Posted by Sev

So apparently anyone that tracks their BRZ is "out $1,000 for new rotors"?

Probably so if they drive it at winding and undulating Laguna Seca and at Pobst's level of driving it.
After a while it likely will happen.

[neutron256]

Not bad for the most afforadable car in the group by far. Also if they were running on stock BRZ tires even more impressive.

[drifter]

I thought 4th place in this class of cars was pretty damn good, especially after he made this comment;

"Going uphill from turn 5 to 6 felt like being on a roller coaster: You're just waiting to get to the top"

[MiguelAE86]

4th Place for a 1st-year BRAND NEW production car that has had zero continuation in models and refinement?

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: AMAZING Job done Subaru + Toyota!

Mr.Tada-san should be more than proud.

[whitejdm]

That porsche sounded amazing, and I LOVE the little "brrrap" in between upshifts.

[Deslock]

Since we're not worrying about spoilers in this thread (emphasis mine):

4th Place: Subaru BRZ

The little engine that almost did

Let's get the obvious bits out of the way. Compared with the other eight contenders, the 200-hp Subaru BRZ is woefully underpowered. As Lago pointed out several times in our BDC planning meetings, the BRZ shouldn't even be in our epic nine-car drag race. Going uphill from turn 5 to 6 felt like being on a roller coaster: You're just waiting to get to the top. The brakes, while better on the track than those of the Lambo or the Shelby, really aren't track-day material. It's a $28,000 car! There are going to be compromises. And, again, this is not Best Numbers Car, but Best Driver's Car. Our hats are off to Subaru (and Toyota).

With the exception of Mazda's Miata, has any car ever punched above its weight like this? Mortara, for one, doesn't think so. "If price were a factor, the BRZ would win this competition hands-down. This car, like the Miata, proves you don't need a monster engine to be a great driving car. The clutch and shifter are perfect. I really can't find any faults with this car. Everything about it works great. After the driving loop, I had to laugh about the BRZ going out last because it was deemed the 'slowest.' Maybe out of the gate, but once you're in the turns, this Subaru feels just as fast as the rest." Adds Evans, "Man, this little thing is good. Chassis control is fantastic. Pedals are perfect for heel and toe. Great, super-precise steering. The throttle feels like it has a cable. Just so good. Anyone could learn a thing or two driving this car." MacKenzie concurs, noting, "The BRZ will teach you the most about driving fast. You'll learn not to waste momentum, to be economical with the brakes, and be precise with your lines. Be fast in this car and you'll be fast in anything."

The biggest thing I noticed when jumping out of Supercar X and into the BRZ is that, qualitatively, there's no letdown once you're inside the Subie. The important stuff -- the steering wheel, the shifter, the pedals -- all feel as good, if not better, than the other cars in this test. Subaru got the major things right, especially the weight -- at 2754 pounds, the BRZ is the lightest in this group by 575 pounds (the next-lightest, the Porsche, weighs 3329 pounds) and, boy oh boy, does that pay huge dividends both on the track and the street. The sense of control you get is astonishing. Back to Evans: "When it loses grip, the BRZ slides so nicely. It's so composed that you barely have to correct a slide." Kiino piles it on: "Such great balance. Makes you feel so totally connected to the car. Confidence-inspiring, which makes the limits easy to explore. Just like the Miata, a great learner's tool and expert's toy." Speaking of experts, a certain Mr. Pobst picked the BRZ as his second car overall.

I fully expected the Carrera to get 1st and the AMG 2nd. Beyond that, I figured it'd be the GTR, McLaren, and BRZ, but I wasn't sure of the exact 3rd-5th order.

Still, even though I'm not surprised, it's impressive to see the BRZ take down so many more expensive cars.

[industrial]

Well although I feel like there are some very worthy contenders missing (boxter, 458 at least), this was a great read and awesome video. Randy Pobst is great at explaining stuff while driving! The 911 and GTR were no surprise. The AMG kind of reminds me of my 04 sti in a way with it's ridiculous wing and giant fenders. Well, like my sti on serious steroids. I'm a new fan of the AMG anyways, what a cool car! The BRZ did pretty respectable considering price was not a factor. If price wasn't a factor for me, I'd probably be driving a Porsche too.

[hyper4mance]

I think we can all agree we had very similar reactions
best 30k I've spent

[Chauntalei]

Originally Posted by industrial

Well although I feel like there are some very worthy contenders missing (boxter, 458 at least)

If they do something new for those models for next year, MT will include them. They weren't in this one because they're still the same models as last year (or the year before).


Was hoping the BRZ would make it into the top 3, but I think their conclusions are fair, and 4th place is still pretty awesome for a 28k car. Still zero regrets on my purchase!

[industrial]

Originally Posted by Chauntalei

If they do something new for those models for next year, MT will include them. They weren't in this one because they're still the same models as last year (or the year before).

Well, from Motor Trend themselves:

The 2013 Boxster is the first all-new model since the Boxster's introduction in 1996. While previous models received aesthetic and mechanical upgrades, they were still based on the original structure shared with the 996 Carrera. As with the newest 991, the Boxster has grown in wheelbase and track width, but has shrunk just slightly in height. Porsche has built a car with better performance and more comfort while also making it lighter and more efficient.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz24OROhNN5

Of course, there's always next year. As the defending champ, the 458 will be coming back, and we hope in some sort of Scuderia form. But it's the new metal that has us looking forward. Like the 991 version of the Porsche 911. And the Lamborghini Aventador. There will also be some iteration of the McLaren. And the new BMW M5. Let's not forget the ZL1 Camaro, either. Even, maybe, a new Miata, just to keep the big boys honest. Excited much?

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/p...#ixzz24ORg4Hxz

I'm just saying... It was still a great comparison test.

[Chauntalei]

Originally Posted by industrial

Well, from Motor Trend themselves:



I'm just saying... It was still a great comparison test.

Not sure then, I know they said that certain cars weren't in this test because they were the same as last year, which might be why the 458 didn't make it back. Maybe Porsche just wouldn't give them another car this year?