I see on “what car” web site that the GT86 rag top is not going to be made…I expect Mazda are delighted!
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/toyota-gt86-cabriolet-cancelled/1214782
maybe waiting too see what the new MX-5 is like first ? Check out the main competition then beat it…!
Or they came to the same conclusion as VW.
http://www.carscoops.com/2012/01/vw-bluesport-roadster-production-on.html
(though VW has recently changed its tune, slightly).
Remember, the Mazda MX5 ND (Mk4) cannot be built on its own. Thats why Mazda forged a partnership with Fiat. I doubt Mazda is making any money on the current NC3, given global sales of about 10k, and no RX8 to help subsidise component prices.
Other manufacturers with advanced roadster designs put on hold; Kia and MG. Kia has some experience of sportscar manufacture, through its manufacture of the Lotus Elan M100 (fitted with a MX5 engine. MG has apparently progressed some way with a FR design, but put on hold while they redfine the segment, and launch an SUV (Alfa Romeo are also bringing out a SUV).
I don’t view though the new Celica droptop as a direct competitor for the MX5, anymore than, say, a Peugeot CC. The old Celica convertible never was.
Shame, I was hoping it would encourage some GT 86 coupe owners to trade in their cars (and prime the used market)!!
However I have yet to see a 4 seat convertible that actually looks good at the back.
Its a real shame as I had been waiting for that, however when I heard the news about two weeks ago it finally made me decide, so I went and bought this…
Its getting a little crowded on my drive now!
Very nice too, I bought my GT86 in June - great cars aren’t they ? I have kept my Arctic for top down motoring though.
I didn’t feel nearly as connected to the GT86 I test drove twice before buying an NC for a quarter of the price which is far better thought out and executed.
Its that noise… (i know its gimmicky but I love it!)
I’ve booked a GT86 drifting lesson at Goodwood (on their new low grip area).
The other day I had some passenger rides around Goodwood including in a GT86 as well as some MX5s (thanks to the kind owners in question).
The GT86 was fantastic but it did feel a bit sealed in compared to an open top. I suppose the ideal would be a removable roof panel like the Porsche 944 had, just to give it some exposure to the outside without losing structural strength.
Nevertheless I can feel the draw of the GT86 getting stronger - perhaps only the mx5 mk4 can tempt me in a different direction!
That’s a nice Subaru especially in that colour. Nice choice.
Before I bought my NC I was thinking about this car or the Toyota version or even the BMW M135i but eventually stumped up for the MX5 as it was cheaper and I could mod it up with more power etc and still be in pocket. Also being a convertible an easy sell for my two ladies to sit their bottoms in.
I’m glad I didn’t buy the GT86/BRZ though, I am having enough trouble getting to grips with RWD after all these years of FWD, The GT86 has a lot lower c of g so I assume even with it’s normal tyres it hangs on well and you have to be going fast to get it to start getting lively. It’s interesting the c of g is so low, next to an MX5 it is taller and has a metal roof, but I guess that flat four makes a difference.
If you want to mod it Fensport i think are the best at the moment. Adrian really works out the best bits to do for both track and race.
Andy
The GT86 has deliberately limited rear grip and it slides around very easily, much more entertaining that a standard MX5 in that sense, although what it’s like in the wet I do not know.
In terms of mods, these will be available for the GT86 - Litchfield already have an ECU and exhaust tune for 10% more power and have announced a supercharger modification for even more.