1st BRZ in New Zealand

[metabrz]

Some of you might have read some of this information in other threads, but I thought I'd put my whole story down and update as things progress.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a car to play with in the weekends for some time. I always wanted a 70's Datsun 240Z and have it restored and turned into a muscle car. I even found a completely mint original condition example down country. The dealer wanted NZD30K. I was pretty keen and my partner OK'd it but she was looking at me sideways....like WTF do you want a 40 year old car for?.

Anyway, a couple of nights later, I literally had an epiphany. I dreamed I was driving a new BRZ and was loving it. I had seen the BRZ online a couple of months earlier but it wasn't even on my radar. Anyway, after the dream I then started looking online. I figured if I dreamed about it I should have a look at it. The things I was reading online were pretty exciting, RWD, LSD, light weight and free revving. Lots of boxes being checked.

I found out that Subaru NZ was only bringing 12 in. I rang my local dealer and asked them what they knew...pretty much nothing other than SNZ had launched a website and people could register their interest. Of course I already new this, had already registered and seemed to know a whole lot more than they did.

Having learned nothing new I decided to call in there in person. The sales guy was pretty much "we don't know anything" and when I asked if I could put money down he was flummoxed and ended up having to get his manager.

The sales manager was able to say that in about 2 weeks SNZ would be launching the car via an online mail out. Those who registered earlier would be sent an email and offered the opportunity to buy the car. I said 'yes yes, been there, done that, what do I have to do to get my name on one?'

I was told they'd ring SNZ and come back to me.

Later that day the manager called and said that they'd convinced SNZ that, if I was prepared to put cash down now, why should I have to take the risk of missing out on one of the 12 when they 'launched' the car. Cool, I put the deposit down and got first choice of personalized plate "BRZ001".

Having originally ordered a white one, I've changed my mind and will get a black one. I'm putting in an order for a set Volk Racing Wheels. Either TE57SL's 18 x 8.5, C34 5 Ultralight or RE30 HBP. A client who owns a chain of wheel/tire shops has said "you pay what I pay" and wants some photos taken for their websites. After 15 years of helping him out he was more than happy to help me out. I'm pretty stoked.







It'll be a tough choice. Anyone of these with some sticky rubber, on a lowered chassis, induction, exhaust and ECU work will be the work done. My partner, having seen the Prova version at the Tokyo Auto Salon 'wants some color'. I figure the red spoke sticker on the TE57SL rim together with a red anodized valve stem will tie into the interior scheme quite nicely.

One pet peeve I have it the front number plate mounting.....I hate it!! We can mount adhesive stickers in NZ as long as they meet statutory requirements and will look at this for the front.

I'll update this as matters progress. SNZ has advised a delivery before 24/12/12 and a price under NZD60K. I'll be keeping an eye on Subaru Australia and their delivery schedule.

Ciao

Metabrz

[raventare]

Don't do it...Don't go crazy on the wheel and tire sizes. Light weight is the key and unless you plan to turbo or even supercharge your car you will regret having wheels heavier than 6-7 kilos and tires heavier than 10 kilos. The OEM wheels are just over 10 kilos and the tires are about the same. Reducing that rotational mass is just free HP. This car, as it arrives, is not a musclecar or even an STi, but a drivers car that begs for a strict diet of titanium, carbon fiber and "unobtanium". Check the Forum section on weight reduction ideas...again, that is unless you are going to boost the air input significantly and then just be sure to have the same or smaller "mounted tire diameter" as to not change the final gear ratio against you.

[gianni@brzclub]

I think an 18x8.5 set up is good. That is what I am looking into on the project BRZ. Although Randy is right about keeping the car lightweight! I have found some Work and OZ that are 18x8.5 that weigh 16 to 17 lbs and don't cost big money.

-Gianni

[raventare]

I agree that the 18X8.5 setup is real cool looking and impressive and the gains in traction and braking would be noticed...on a track. If most of your time will be on a track that may be the correct choice. Being impressive is also good for the show aspect and if your purpose is show, again this may be the right choice. If you are mostly going to be on the street with your car and driving at only 90% maximum of the cars capability (momentary street racing excluded) then the negatives out weigh the positives...cost (almost $300/ a tire) weight (minimum 4-5 lbs per corner) and performance (?????).

just my opinion, YMMV

[gianni@brzclub]

You're right! I think a lot of people will want the look, not just performance, that's just how the world is these days.