So I test drove a FR-S (FT86) today

[Threehz]

I would love to drive one, might have to go take a test-drive one of these days.

I especially like them because of this..





Aint those some Z curves?

[Bimmerman325i]

If an STi version comes out, I'm making a beeline for the dealer.

[z31maniac]

Got your priorities in order.

:D

I think this would be a great car to lease, and use to tear it up on the track while under warranty.

Just don't forget track day insurance!

[herbivor]

I think this would be a great car to lease, and use to tear it up on the track while under warranty.

[Holland]

If they come out with an STi version, she's just going to come home and see it in the driveway.

Thankfully the house is in my name.

Got your priorities in order.

[z31maniac]

I think an STi version will likely be supercharged due to the cramped engine bay.

I want one, but the wife isn't cool with me having a track car and something like that as a DD. I keep trying to bribe her with a dog, if she'll let me get one and she can drive the truck, but no dice.

If they come out with an STi version, she's just going to come home and see it in the driveway.

Thankfully the house is in my name.

[cale]

What's the point in waiting? The engines are going to be relatively inexpensive to work on, and you're going to pay a premium for a factory turbo kit that adds maybe 50hp. I imagine by the time you get a factory turbo model or turbo installed you'd have a more powerful one built yourself. Toyota's Trd F/I kits are very expensive and very underwhelming.

[Kershaw]

i've been toying with the idea of trading my rx8 in on one. i think i'm waiting for a turbo version as well.

[GOOBER]

I was supposed to test drive one today up in north jersey for this event sponsored by scion but couldn't make it. :( I've been drooling over this car for months.

[ravenlord89]

Good to hear that someone who enjoys the E30 also enjoys the FT86. I was highly considering buying one until I had an E30 drop into my lap.

[herbivor]

You tried to drift and be a race car driver with the salesman..in the car?

I wasn't racing, just checking out the handling. How else are you supposes to explore the limits of a car's handling that you are considering to purchase? It's a very easy car to control, so snapping the tail out felt almost natural.

[lolcantturn]

I honestly don't know whats stopping me from buying one of those......



College expenses, I guess. Beautiful fucking cars though.

[Edev]

You tried to drift and be a race car driver with the salesman..in the car?

[herbivor]

I drove by the Toyota dealership and saw a FR-S sitting out. I test drove it, scared the shit out of the salesman and have the following feedback:

You can really feel the benefit of the low COG and the mass of the engine being closer to the firewall. The turn is about as close to a mid-engine car as I have ever felt for a front engine car. The steering feel is very precise and has great feedback and low turn to lock , more so than a Mini Cooper if you've driven one of those.
My only complaint is that the low end torque is pretty sluggish. My M50 E30 feels faster even though it shouldn't be. I have a Mk1 MR2 that is only about 115hp and even though the FR-S is faster, I don't feel a huge difference from "the seat of the pants."
The prius tires benefit the fun factor and I was able to easily drift the car (although the salesman didn't care for it). I think stickier tires would have made the car feel even slower. It feels like a car with much potential and I think I will be leasing one when they come out with a turbo.

Compared to a E30 handling , well I've never driven an M3 but I have owned a 318is that was lowered. I would say the FR-S handles better and is more fun. $20,000 more fun? meh.

I also forgot to mention. I've read about the engine noise being on the loud side. Compared to the aforementioned cars I currently own, it wasn't loud at all but was present enough to where it was enjoyable.