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New Car, GT86

The engine is in the front, but I think the definition is something like having the entire block (or at least some proportion of it) entirely rearward of the front axle line or something.

Quick Google turned up this, not sure how accurate it was, but you get the idea....block is just behind the front axle.
http://wallpaperweb.org/wallpaper/cars/1600x1200/Honda_S2000_09_1600.jpg

Spot on. It's a front mid engine. The latest Chris Harris video on the FF he also states it's a F(ront)M(id-engine)R(WD).

Doesn't matter if the engine is behind or infront of the driver, so long as the majority of it is behind the axle line, it's mid engine.

Most engines sit on the axle line, then there's Audi and Porsche who let them hang out over the front or ass end.


Edit: Wiki link for more reading.
 
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OP probably paid closer to what these should actually cost new.

I test drove one of these earlier this year, and they are nowhere near a 25k+ car.

Why do you say that? I'd say it's better value for money than the majority of 25k+ hot hatches you see about. A ground up developed sportscar compared to a focus driven through halfords... hmmm.
 
Im not sure that's fair.

The engine alone in the focus must be worth a lot more than the boxer in the brz same with the gearbox and possibly suspension etc.

Truth is toyota should have launched a warm and a hot GT86. They usually do both. The gt86 is just too middle ground to have the broad appeal.

It's not like toyota don't have a history of launching na and turbo variants or super charged.

See supra, celica (pre 2000), mr2 (pre 2000).

edit also the s14 uses what 195/205 rubber stock? Should be 225 imo minimum for extra grip.
 
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Nah he is right tbf, Nissan S chassis has tragic issues with traction no matter which way you look at it. I don't have any issues from your list but still it will happily light 'em up in 4th on a wet road. You have to use carefully measured throttle inputs and pro actively manage it.

You make it sound like some sort of delicate balancing act when all it requires is:

a) not booting it when it's wet (not wise in any car, even a FWD with enough power will light up the wheels)
b) not booting it mid-corner (not wise in any RWD car)

It really is quite simple and basic.

Most S Bodies aren't set up properly and have crappy tyres/suspension, add to that everyone is now a 'skidder' and you have a bad rep.


I've got nothing against FWD, I love driving them too. I do recall being beaten off the lights in my R5GTT many moons ago (was trying to 'do' a Clio, I think) as it was wet and I was too eager so just sat there spinning the wheels! Good times :cool:
 
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You make it sound like some sort of delicate balancing act when all it requires is:

a) not booting it when it's wet (not wise in any car, even a FWD with enough power will light up the wheels)
b) not booting it mid-corner (not wise in any RWD car)

It really is quite simple and basic.

Most S Bodies aren't set up properly and have crappy tyres/suspension, add to that everyone is now a 'skidder' and you have a bad rep.


I've got nothing against FWD, I love driving them too. I do recall being beaten off the lights in my R5GTT many moons ago (was trying to 'do' a Clio, I think) as it was wet and I was too eager so just sat there spinning the wheels! Good times :cool:

True enough if you dont want to drive fast. It is simple and basic for me and you I guess, not everyone has the skillset for it though.
 
Why do you say that? I'd say it's better value for money than the majority of 25k+ hot hatches you see about. A ground up developed sportscar compared to a focus driven through halfords... hmmm.


No, no it's not.

It's cheap and looks it inside and isn't all that quick.

There's a reason the dealers can't give them away at RRP and that's because there are better options out there at that price.

It's an 18k car being sold at 25+
 
When the city sleeps, the information stops

[TW]Fox;27393573 said:
The asphalt is calling, Clarkey. No other mode of transport offers that immediacy.

:D

God, that video made me cringe.

No, no it's not.

It's cheap and looks it inside and isn't all that quick.

There's a reason the dealers can't give them away at RRP and that's because there are better options out there at that price.

It's an 18k car being sold at 25+

True to an extent...if what you want is speed and a better interior. Not big on my list of priorities personally though. I know there's plenty of faster hatchbacks on the market that would show it a clean pair of heels. But, call me shallow...I didn't want to drive a hatchback. I'd still rather go for a drive in the Toyota.

I take your point though. It's aimed at quite a narrow market segment of people who want a fun drive and who aren't bothered about outright performance. But I think for most people, big power figures are the be all and end all, so it's never going to sell well compared to similarly priced cars offering better performance.
 
No, no it's not.

It's cheap and looks it inside and isn't all that quick.

There's a reason the dealers can't give them away at RRP and that's because there are better options out there at that price.

It's an 18k car being sold at 25+

It's easily the equivalent in interior quality to cars in the price range... It's of a old school design, but the quality of materials are fine.

It could easily also be said that there are better options to golfs and 1 series as they're all discounted. It's a pretty weak point.

What better new RWD sport cars are there then at that price point?

I find it truly woeful that so many think faster=better. Handling and balance over speed any day of the week. Oh and looks, a tarted up hatchback just looks ridiculous and having such a high seating position feels wrong for a sporty driving experience.

You seemingly disregard handling as a critical aspect of a car?
 
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I drove my friends GT86, he has a supercharger kit, full exhaust, and a few other bits and pieces. That thing was INSANE! Or at least it felt like it to me. :D

350HP or there abouts I believe. :)

The work was pretty expensive though! :eek:
 
No, no it's not.

It's cheap and looks it inside and isn't all that quick.

There's a reason the dealers can't give them away at RRP and that's because there are better options out there at that price.

It's an 18k car being sold at 25+


It's a sheep in wolf's clothing. I remember the disappointment when I saw the power figures. It's a mid-life crisis car for people who don't want a TT or a Boxter.
 
They're still a nice little coupe, it's easy to get all hot and bothered about the lack of power...buy let's face it it's still got 200bhp to call it slow is a bit unfair. On the whole I think the interior is pretty decent when you're actually in it, but crucially there are areas that just look unfinished. I kinda like the clock now....hated it when I first seen it.

The two biggest issues have already been mentioned, it's priced poorly (suspect development costs from when the yen was so strong) and they should have announced a more powerful version from the off, as let's face it whether it be through cosworth type bolt ons or a pretty built car there will be one eventually
 
A 200bhp gt86 for 25k doesn't look too bad to me still when you consider mazda have been selling plenty of NC model mx5s with just 158bhp as standard for £23k, using a design that is essentially 9 years old barring cosmetic tweaks... Yes they are replacing it but to me that is much more of a natural competitor for the gt86 than the hot hatches, proof that there is still a market for this sort of car. As a car with a bit of a cult following though the mx5 seems to largely get a free pass compared to the gt86, as far as the motoring press is concerned.
 
I love these cars, great choice. I've had a couple of extended test drives now - the way you can feel the car pivot around you when cornering is very satisfying and I didn't need to reach license losing speeds to enjoy it on the back roads.

I was very close to ordering one but I just wasn't satisfied with the interior as a brand new car. I also found second gear annoyingly stiff when the gearbox was cold and there's horror stories of detonation damaging injectors on track days (where I would definitely want to use it).

As for the complaints about it not feeling like a £25k car, I agree, but bear in mind that these can be ordered for £20.5k brand new from a broker now for the spec which includes most of the options. Given this I think the residuals on used cars are still far too high. I'm waiting for the market to catch up and once they hit £12k I'll be straight in one.

Enjoy!
 
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[TW]Fox;27393573 said:
The asphalt is calling, Clarkey. No other mode of transport offers that immediacy.

Did you have the skills, when you binned an e39 with the systems turned on?

But no, I'm an idiot of course, totally wrong.
 
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