FIRSTLOOK: Subayota & Toyobaru
Meet the jointly developed BRZ and GT86 sports cars. Which one looks better at first sight?
The BRZ has a different front bumper design.
- When are they going to stop teasing us?
No, my friend, the wait is finally over! These are the first official pictures of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 in production-ready trim after a series of concept cars, facelifts, teasers, preview shots and leaks the past two years.
While the BRZ hasn't been exactly faithful in appearance to the skeleton car that previewed it, the GT86 is much closer in looks to the minor-change FT86 II.
- Has the cars' concept changed?
Not at all, and this is the key recipe: Fun to drive and affordable in price. And by that, we're talking about rear-wheel-drive chassis and prices in the range of 2.5-3 million baht in Thailand when they go on sale before mid-2012.
Both brands are acknowledged under the bonnet.
The BRZ and GT86 sit on an identical 2,570mm wheelbase, indicating to a rather compact package, and the 2+2 seating layout could mean quite tight space for rear occupants, although we are pretty sure that won't be a big concern for potential buyers.
What they would be more interested in is the engine, whose flat-four cylinder arrangement is obviously courtesy of Subaru and the D-4S direct-injection from Toyota. It produces 200hp at 7,000rpm and 205Nm at 6,600rpm.
- Oooh, that sounds quite peaky...
Quite, for a non-turbo engine with a 12.5:1 compression ratio. But with the use of twin injectors per cylinder, Toyota says torque is evenly distributed throughout the engine speed range.
In fact, the high-revving nature is supposed to add up to driving fun, apart from that rear-drive (with a limited diff) factor and the availability of six-speed manual gearbox (six-speed auto is available, too).
And because of the Boxer engine, both Subaru and Toyota are shouting "low centre of gravity" for optimal road-holding. Underpinning the cars are front strut and rear double wishbone suspension.
- Looks like the good old days are back...
You could say so, particularly with those aforementioned technical attributes. While Subaru and Toyota have managed to return to basics with a sports car, BMW's M cars have sadly gone the other way, ditching them and going for lesser-revving turbo'd engines and dual-clutch automatics.
But it's all a matter of appeasing buyers, too. While M fans may need real-world features to satisfy their driving experience, the BRZ and GT86 would also be largely attracting sideway-drifters who need to make modifications based on conventional tech.
- Now, should I go for the BRZ or GT86?
That's all up to you, dude. Take your pick, depending on which styling, brand or (Thai) dealership you like. It's that simple.
But if last month's preview in Los Angeles of the BRZ in STi form is anything to go by, then there's a good reason to wait a little longer for that big rear spoiler and 300hp treatment including turbo and four-wheel-drive.
But if Subaru can do that, then so could Toyota. Don't forget that Toyota's last sports car was the Celica GT4 with a blown four-pot engine spinning all four wheels.
- Will Nissan revive the Silvia?
Now that Nissan has the GT-R and 370Z Fairlady in its portfolio, the time is ripe for them to produce a cheaper rear-drive sports car.
We're pretty sure that Nissan won't be letting it off the leash. And now that Nismo (Nissan's motorsport division) will have a part in developing performance versions for Nissan, a successor to the 200SX Silvia is very likely.
The GT86’s rear is distinguished with a boot lid spoiler.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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