......and the newer Agera R.....
(Photo: Koenigsegg)
At the other end of the spectrum, affordable sporty variations on economy cars blossomed as well, thanks in no small part to the burgeoning sport compact scene. Not only did established marques like the Civic Si and VW GTI continue their prosperity, but new and revitalized brands from Japan, America, and Europe all got in on the growing market.
The Original Hot Hatch: GTI
(Photo: Free-Extras.com)
Apart from the boom though, was a truly unfortunate bust for a segment that eventually seemed all but forgotten; the affordable sports coupe (and in some cases convertible or hatchback coupe). And before anyone happens to say that there are lots of affordable sporty cars, let me clarify again, I know. That's why I mentioned the high performance economy cars. Yes that does include things like the WRX and Evo. They're wonderful cars, I'd love one myself, but they aren't really... sports cars.
In the 90s there was a boom of affordable sports cars. Cars like the MR2, Celica, Prelude, Eclipse, Integra, Miata, and 240SX. Sure some of them might have employed a few bits and pieces from less exciting sources in their respective brands, but they all came in sleek two door wrappers and packed affordable performance to the edges of said wrappers, with a variety of powertrain layouts.
Let us have a moment of silence for the dearly departed
........................................................
(Photos: Edmunds.com)
But by the end of the last decade, nearly all of them disappeared. The only real survivors were the Eclipse and Miata, and only the Miata maintained its relevance and purity. The Eclipse got, well, fat and irrelevant as midsize coupes like the Accord and Altima either matched or exceeded its capabilities. Toyota gave a weak effort with the tC which also fell short of its predecessors, and Honda didn't really have anything at the end save for the Civic Si which as we mentioned earlier, is not quite a sports car, and recently seems to have gotten softer.
It's really unfortunate. These cars have been and still are wildly popular among young people and in the tuner world. The 240SX is a legend in the drifting world with people clamoring to build
SR20 drift machines and replicas of the Silvia and Sileighty to make their cars more JDM. The Integra is the same in many ways. But most importantly, it's just sad that there aren't any sports cars that have the same traits as these since deceased vehicles: stylish, affordable, economical, and most importantly, fun to drive. Yes a cheap fix can be had with a more practical hot hatch or sedan, but do they really have the class and style of these venerable coupes?But now, from the automaker that most abandoned its sporting side, comes what I hope will spark a revolution. Toyota (and partner Subaru) has finally graced us with the production version of the long-teased FT86 concept. The production Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ (and the US Toyota variant, the Scion FR-S) has finally arrived, not only looking quite close to its concept, but also delivering on everything enthusiasts were pining for. It's rear wheel drive, it's an economical boxer four cylinder, it makes 200hp, it's light weight, and according to reviews, it's very fun to drive. In fact, a Motor Trend author compared it to a Miata coupe. High praise indeed.
The Greddy FR-S: Aftermarket... Before Release
(Photo: Greddy-USA Blog)
It seems quite clear to me that there's been a need for another car like this for some time. Already, the aftermarket is jumping on it. When it debuted here as the Scion FR-S, there was a mildly tuned version by Greddy sitting right next to the standard one. While I wouldn't be surprised if it was partly because Toyota has had time to work with Greddy on some of this as a cross promotion, the fact that this collaboration is already occurring is a very good sign. There's even at least one turbo version built for a major drift team.
The Turbo Scion FR-S Drift Car: Brilliance Abounds
(Photo: Speedhunters)
What I hope for the GT86/BRZ/FR-S triplets is enormous success for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it's about time Toyota actually released a fun vehicle that people can afford. The LFA, while amazing in many ways, is amazing for it's eye-popping price tag as well. The biggest reason though, is because I want this to rub off on all the other automakers that have either abandoned the segment, or simply let it grow stale. I want Honda to roll out cars like the Prelude and Integra/RSX again, or even a turbo or high compression naturally aspirated CR-Z would be a start. I want Mitsubishi to have a light, compact, turbo four Eclipse again, and offer all wheel drive for heaven's sake! Maybe make it Evo powered? And Nissan, you've had success with the GTR and the return of the Z. Let's see the return of the 240SX. Maybe you could even experiment with the Silvia name here. I don't think there would be any trouble with name recognition anymore.
For this idea to rub off on other makers though, will require immense success by the Toyota/Subaru trio. Up to this point, the reasons for the growth of hot hatch style cars and supercars have been many. Hot hatches are cheap to build because the basic car exists and the costs are less than developing a whole new car. Beyond that, they're more practical, and the low cost of development means low risk for the company. Supercars are viable because rich people still have money, and can pay for expensive cars, evident by Rolls-Royce gaining record sales last year.
There are hopeful signs. Honda just released the NSX concept at the Detroit show which will likely be very close to production, and it looks sharp, in more ways than one. If they follow Toyota's path with a supercar followed by a cheap sports car, the future looks bright. And even from the States, there's some signs of future affordable sportiness outside of the typical muscle cars we know and love. Chevrolet released a pair of small sporty coupe concepts. The Code 130R in particular looks to have the potential of being a little rear drive competitor to the Toyota triplets. And though it has received criticism of a not so subtle nature, I say to the naysayers, it's a small sporty coupe that we need more of, even if it's not a glittery 50s concept of yesteryear.
The Chevy Code 130R: American FR-S?
(Photo: Autoblog)
The future of the affordable sports car has a flickering light that given some care and attention, could become a raging inferno. However, that's IF this segment if given that care and attention it needs. The affordable sports car segment can be a difficult one, but do it right, and it can be highly successful. Just ask Mazda about the Miata.
