The market is BEGGING....

[G.Irish]

Look at the bike industry... they are pushing technology to the bikes, but the gap between the street bike and the race bike is growing

Because street bikes are getting more advanced electronics, traction control, better breathing/higher revving engines, lighter bits and better suspension... ? Oh wait...

there was at least a 3 year production stop (or longer for suzuki). and yes they are putting stuff into the bikes (now), but the gap between the street bike and the track bike technology grew. how many years did we go with a "face lift?"

where there was a 3 year track to street window... i would guess we are over a 5 year track to street window now.

You're talking about 1 or 2 companies that decided to be conservative. Suzuki is hurting financially and has cut their involvement in motorsports as well as lengthened their product cycle. The other companies in that time have been adding advanced traction control and engine management software, different firing orders, advanced abs, and much higher power engines. Look at the gap in horsepower between street bikes and Moto GP bikes. The S1000RR and ZX-10R make about 200 hp. A Moto GP bike is making around 240 hp. That's only a 20% difference. Back in 2002 the most powerful 1000 cc street bikes only made about 150 hp and the GP bikes were making 250 hp. Granted GP bikes are 800's now, but street bikes are devastatingly fast now. Just because Suzuki dropped the ball doesn't mean everyone else is.

Anyway, back on topic. I'm glad Toyota and Subaru are making the FT86/FRS/BRZ. If it does well, I hope it inspires other manufacturers to get off their ass and make some inexpensive RWD cars. Ideally I'd like to see Nissan bring back the Silvia and maybe BMW offer a nice 4-cylinder 1 series that doesn't weigh 3400 lbs.