I guess you're really going to be disappointed by the price..... but I also guess you don't really understand the focus of the BRZ/86/FR-S do you? It's main inspiration is the Toyota AE86. Which is a legend in it's own right. It was light weight and a great handling car with just enough horse power. That's exactly what the BRZ/86/FR-S is meant to emulate.
I also think you are underestimating the BRZ/86/FR-S just a little bit.... It's about 500-600 pounds lighter than the Mustang and Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Not only that but the BRZ/86/FR-S will fit inside both those cars. It's not all about horsepower. As you should know owning a Mazda 2.
The Subaru will be the more premium model which supposedly will start at $24k, which includes a Nav system as standard, plus other premium interior amenities. ) The Scion FR-S will most likely start around $21k to $22k.
Sigh.
I'm aware of the AE86. Its status as a cult car is way overblown. A stock AE86 was nothing to cheer about. The warped past perceptions of the AE86 has really twisted reality. I've had a few friends with modded AE86's and they're fantastic when they're track stars, but most of them aren't.
The FR-S isn't really that lightweight of a car. I've read it weighing in at around 2,800. Not that it's a terrible weight, but when people try to put it in the category of true featherweight cars, it just isn't so. My CRX HF was around 2,080 lbs. My Civic DX was 2,281. Hell, my P5 was just barely over 2,600 lbs. I don't know what my 03 Miata weighed, probably 2400-2500, never weighed it at the track. Just for fun, my 08 Mustang GT weighed 3,350-ish.
If you're trying to imply I don't understand the virtues of lightweight/low horsepower cars, the few I've listed above should indicate otherwise. My main issue with the FT86 is the INSANE hype for a car that looks completely average on paper, and the pricing rumors. If they can make a decent base model from right at $20k, it would be perfect. Something tells me that won't be common and most will float above $25k which rapidly diminishes its value. I'd rather look for a used PRHT Miata instead. The reason I mention power at all is because the FT86 isn't terribly light, and I have the impression it's going to have a premium price for what it offers.
Side note: downplaying the extreme value of the current V6 Mustang is a bit silly. It's a fantastic little car that's super affordable, and if you're feeling generous, the added GT suspension package makes it handle really well.
Lol I know I just couldn't buy a V6. I'd have to save up for the V8 because there is always buyers remorse when you don't get the best thing to start with.
I used to think that too, but it's a sweet deal. Although I have a friend that just picked up a base GT for $27k. With drag radials and a tune it was banging out 11.8's @ 114 at the track. Wow.