The Scion FR-S / Toyota FT-86 gets talked about as a Mustang Killer and competition for the Hyundai Genesis and other muscle cars. It really isn't, although maybe the Subaru BRZ will be. But new specs from FT86club make it clear this car will actually compete directly with the Mazda Miata/MX-5, even if it's never marketed that way.
The first FR-S spec drop gave us the weight (2,662 pounds) and power (197 hp/151 lb-ft), as well as the displacement (2.0 liters) and letting us know it'll have an LSD in all but the base automatic model.
A look at the specs shows the FR-S has identical displacement to the MX-5, and, although it weighs approximately 200 pounds more, an extra 30 horsepower in its pancaked boxer engine.
And then came today's pages from the JDM manual. The FR-S/FT-86 has a lower center of gravity than the Porsche Cayman, Nissan GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. The F/R weight distribution is 53/47 and the cD of 0.27 is better than a Honda CR-Z and almost as good as a Toyota Prius.
The suspension graphics show a Macpherson strut up front and a double-wishbone setup out back. If you're thinking that this sounds like the makings of a great track day car, then guess what — you're not alone.
Buried in the pages from the web's JDM Deep Throat is a graphic showing how you can fold the seats down to fit an extra four tires for "track days."
Buyers may not think to cross-shop a Scion FR-S and a Miata, nor will Toyota necessarily make that the first point of comparison.
But if you're looking for the best slow-car-fast option Toyota's clearly built a car with slightly more weight, a lot more power, and more room for track-day essentials than the Mazda.