That’s not the way economy of scale works. The more versions of a car there are, the more target markets they can hit for the same (and most expensive) initial investment in the main platform of the car.

True, but I’m not certain how much of an effect that will have compared to actually fixing the car’s perceived flaws.

Exactly, but the continual minimal refreshes make me think that they’ve got cold feet (or never intended) to release a turbo version.

Interesting point about it being a good reputation builder, and the next generation will tap into the hype from the first car. That’s probably what they’re going for.

Then why the cold feet when it comes to development? I do like that they're meeting their sales targets in the US, but why settle for that if you can make it more?

It’s 100% the 70s. You get the tail end of the best of 60s, plus all the cool angular futurism that was coming into vogue. Add into that there were still tons of automakers offering very varied cars for sale and you’ve got a car for pretty much every possible taste.

Yeah I've heard there are packaging problems with the FA. The EJ is still federalised though, and despite it being a bit antiquated by now is still doing good service in the STi...

Yeah, although I haven’t driven one I have driven a couple of cars around the 200bhp mark with ~1200kg in weight and it’s a real sweet spot. I definitely think the issue is the perception compared to other modern sports cars, which is unfair but exists. It’s like the perception that Alfas are unreliable (I’ve been…

Exactly. You’re one of a number of people who’s said that they were in the market, test drove it and were put off. I get that one car can’t be good for everyone, but if they had even a couple of options either side of where the car is now they could capture a broader market.

There might definitely have been some fears of cannibalising sales there, and from Toyota as well if they’re planning on another Supra.

It would increase the price of the other versions, but not necessarily of the base version (or not by that much).

Agreed. Perhaps that’s what this bump in power will do. Hopefully that 5lb-ft increase belies a meatier increase in other parts of the rev-range. That should sort it :)

Very very true. I can’t actually comment on what the cars are like to drive as I have neither owned nor driven one. However, I can comment on how they’re perceived by the public and the effects of that on their appeal.

That would be something I’d like to see :)

Very true, and cannibalisation of sales is a big problem. However, I can’s see anything in either of their offerings that a Toyobaru turbo would steal sales from. The WRX has enough benefits in practicality and AWD capability that it would draw a different crownd, and Toyota hasn’t got anything unless they release…

I haven’t driven it which would render my opinion meaningless, but I am basing it off the many reviews of the car, all of which mention something about a lack of power. Whether or not it’s actually true, that’s a perception the market has (personally, I don’t see how a 1200kg car with 200bhp is underpowered).

All very, very good points. These cars are meant to get you into a Subaru or Toyota and then into another one once you’ve outgrown it.

Very good points, especially about 200hp being a nice sweet-spot (which it is). Just because they release a turbo version, doesn’t mean they have to do away with the na car. That sweet-spot car would still exist for the younger generation, but the older generation with a bit more buying power would also have an option…

Yeah I remember that. The press loved it, and I’m sure it endeared a lot of people to the car for not much outlay.

It’s not cheap, but limiting yourself to a niche part of a niche market is a losing game. It’d come into a lot of competition with a bit extra on the price tag, but competition that a more powerful version would stack up quite well against (thanks to the lighter weight).