They probably would have done if it hadn't been co-developed with Subaru, although the flat 4 has definite benefits when it comes to weight distribution.

Agreed. It's a niche car that's restricted itself to an even more niche market. That's not a recipe for long-term sales success.

100%. I also get the impression that the Asian manufacturers don’t feel like they can challenge for the US muscle car market.

True, but discounting a market just because there’s competition just means you’re limiting your potential sales.

Agreed, and the effects of a good halo car can be enormous. I do think the FRS/BRZ has served it’s purpose of doing that quite well, but the addition of a turbo version would bring the limelight back onto it in a phenomenal way.

Hmmm, if the aftermarket can do it then I’m sure a full-blown manufacturer can. A centrifugal supercharger would do it as well, while keeping the NA throttle response and high-end power.

Haha :) thanks

‘People calling for a power bump should really be looking at a different class’.

The point of this car is to sell cars.

Thankyou :) it’s nothing to do with the car on its own, but everything to do with tailoring that car to the market that exists.

Personally, I don’t think these cars are slow. I daily an Alfa 156 with the slightly more weight and a little less power that feels plenty fast. I also wish that people would accept that a 200bhp lightweight car is bloody quick because it's true!

Interesting, but just google ‘scion frs sales figures’ and there are tons of articles stating a decline in FRS sales.

If heated leather seats and cupholders would bring droves more people into the showrooms then by all means ;)

I don’t doubt that it’s a brilliant little car, but ultimately it’s there to make money. There will be a whole host of people who never even got to the showrooms to find out how good it is because they were put off by reviews saying it’s underpowered.

Hmmm, that is a point. I think the issue is that this car has been crying out for a ‘second coming’ moment, and this is another missed opportunity to pull it off (alongside all of the ‘here’s another special paint colour on an otherwise standard car’ stunts). It would also have fit into their massive hype game that…

Exactly. The lack of torque in the lower version could be used to upsell people into the more expensive turbo. All the people who weren't bothered by the lack of torque would still have bought the cheaper one, but people who were bothered by it would have an option that still involved giving money to Subaru and Toyota.

All true, but the market for an affordable sports car isn’t as big or visible as it was in the 90s.

Gotcha. That's definitely be another good development, but one that I’d like to see alongside a turbo version.

Yeah I get that impression as well. It definitely feels like someone in the chain really pushed for this car against the will of someone higher up, and as soon as the initial sales wave plateaued, they pulled the plug. Right when it would be sensible to continue the hype, given the original outlay on development and…

Personally I’m not in the market for a new car. Not now, not ever really. I don't see it as a sensible way of getting transport.