A well-prepped stage car for $20k isn’t a bad deal at all, especially with the list of parts above and if it’s logbooked. NP

Ah, right forgot they started with a Nismo. Yep, I could easily see a $60k price tag then. Again, Cayman.

Same.

Dunno that it would be quite that much, but it’d likely be far too close in price to a Cayman to make it worth buying.

There’s definitely some validity to the point you make. Clearly hot hatches don’t do well in the US, and that’s largely on consumers not buying them. But some blame can be assigned to manufacturers for not marketing them properly. Ford’s messaging with the Edge ST is that it’s a sports car that’s utilitarian, which is…

Except Ford is eliminating all cars, whereas Toyota at least just gave us a Corolla hatchback with a manual transmission. It may not be a FiST or FoST competitor, but it’s better than nothing.

Right, but lots of companies keep on relatively niche low-volume performance vehicles because it’s a branding technique. Appease the enthusiasts, who are the car buyers that other car buyers turn to when shopping because they know their relative/friend/co-worker is a car guy/gal.

Fair point, but Volvo stepped up and actually raced the thing in a number of racing series. Finishing 3rd in the BTCC Manufacturers Championship two years in a row. I highly doubt we will see Ford campaigning the Edge ST in any series.

Right, but lots of companies keep on relatively niche low-volume performance vehicles because it’s a branding technique. Appease the enthusiasts, who are the car buyers that other car buyers turn to when shopping because they know their relative/friend/co-worker is a car guy/gal.

The funny thing is, their main selling point (utility in a sporty car) is something that both the FiST and FoST actually delivered on.

1st, 2nd, and Neutral: I just watched several of the Edge ST commercials on their Youtube channel, and the messaging is absolutely cringe-worthy. It basically equates to, “Want a sports car that isn’t really a sports car?” The only mention of performance is how much HP it has, otherwise the focus is seems to be all on…

Meh, sure the BRZ isn’t as good looking as a lot of $80k cars but I still think it’s a good looking car. At least the refreshed front end, not a big fan of the mustache on the early cars (which is part of why I got an FR-S). And if he’s looking for a unique track car, I can guarantee there’ll be less of Twins with…

From what I’ve read the full swap with supporting mods is ~$80k. Can easily get a used BRZ or FR-S with a blown motor for under $10k, my perfectly fine clean titled FR-S with 100k miles is worth right around $10k. Give yourself another $10 for wheels, tires, and suspension. Could easily have it all for the $100k…

I already suggested a Noble M400, but I will also recommend buying a Toyobaru with a blown motor and swapping in a Synergy V8. While you’ll find plenty of FR-S/BRZ/86s at track days, it’s very unlikely you’ll run into another with this swap. I only know of two out in California.

A Rossion Q1 would be a great way to take things a step further too. Just tougher to find. There was one at my first HPDE at Road America. But the guy driving was creating a conga line in Novice because he’d apparently been off track with the car at a previous event and was afraid of it.

Noble M400 is your answer. They come in well under the price range, which is good because... well, British.

Honestly, won’t be surprised if they pull a Mitsubishi and introduce the new Z, or maybe revive the 240SX/Silvia name, as a crossover.

Make the IDx and I’ll believe that you actually care about sports cars still, Nissan.

They could maybe command that price if they were introducing a re-do of the Typhoon, which I’m honestly kinda surprised they aren’t given the massive amount of member berries that have taken hold in the automotive world as of late, but $50k for a Blazer is pretty ridiculous. The sad thing is, people will buy them.

My exact thought. 2ZZ swap and you’ve got the Poor Man’s Elise.

I really want one.