As to the FRS/BRZ/GT86 triplets, I've been following the gestation of this car since 2009 when it was unveiled as a concept car. If you have any questions about the car I probably know the answer.
The platform is a modified Impreza chassis. The 2.0 liter boxer engine is a brand new design that utilizes Toyota's direct fuel injection system. However it also has conventional port fuel injection. The compression ratio of the engine is 12.5:1 and the bore and stroke are both 86mm, making it perfectly square. Peak horsepower is 200, peak torque 151. Redline is 7400 rpm, which is unimpressive for a 2.0 performance engine, but to it's credit the torque is quite usable (though there is a very noticeable dip in the torque band from 3000-3500 rpm). Weight distribution is 53/47 and the engine is placed too far back under the hood for any variation of Subaru's AWD system to be feasible. In making this car light weight and good handling were the focus. The handling target was the Porsche Cayman. That being said it's curb weight is just over 2700lbs and it's center of gravity is lower than almost anything you can buy (about half an inch lower than the Cayman).
The FRS is the "low cost" version that has fewer standard options and fewer available options than the Subaru. Visually the only big difference is the front bumper and the headlights. The Subaru has HIDs standard - HIDs are unavailable on the Scion. Performance-wise the engines and transmissions and brakes are identical. As to handling the Scion has slightly softer front springs that makes controllable oversteer occur easily. Meanwhile the Subaru has stiffer front springs and at the limit is more stable and prone to a 4 wheel drift. The Subaru costs more, but once you factor in the standard features it comes with it's more or less a wash between the two cars.
In 2009 they talked about a price of just over $20,000 and a curb weight of 2600 lbs. So I saw this car as being a possible replacement for my S2000 (I really want a lightweight coupe with a rear seat/shelf, not a huge convertible guy). Sadly this car costs more than promised, weighs more than promised and comes with an engine that in it's naturally aspirated form is pretty tapped out. So my interest has been lost until the day, if ever, they announce a turbo/supercharged model.
