GR86 Test drives - Demonstrator registration numbers

mackie said:
I found it firm but not crashy or uncomfortable. What’s your yardstick?
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Mainly quick BMW’s (e.g. Z4 3.0i, E36 M3, Z3MC) - I think only my E46 CSL was firmer but perhaps I’m remembering them with rose tinted spectacles, and I am getting old(er)!

I’ve not really been interested in more modern stuff, so maybe it’s the way of the world now - would be interested to see how a Boxster/ Cayman on 18” compares.

What’s your yardstick out of interest?
 
chopper602 said:
Pre test drive from Stoneacre Darlington
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Well that was good. It's a lot better than I remember my GT86 being (but that was a '12' plate). Can't wait for mine now, although it look like it'll be mid-February now
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They did mention they'd had quite a few test drives and the car had over 1000 miles on - has anyone on here driven it ?
 
danp said:
Mainly quick BMW’s (e.g. Z4 3.0i, E36 M3, Z3MC) - I think only my E46 CSL was firmer but perhaps I’m remembering them with rose tinted spectacles, and I am getting old(er)!

I’ve not really been interested in more modern stuff, so maybe it’s the way of the world now - would be interested to see how a Boxster/ Cayman on 18” compares.

What’s your yardstick out of interest?
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Closest previous car was probably a Z4 Coupe 3.0si which I’d say was a lot harsher and that’s after I ditched the runflats. Current car is an 840i and the GR86 is certainly firmer in terms of primary ride (vs sport damper setting) but has better secondary ride due to the silly 20” run flats on the BMW. In comparison our old Mk2 MX5 simply floats along the road but it’s hugely apparently that the GR has a very stiff structure to support the firm ride, certain imperfections will make the old Mazda shudder badly.

I’m toying with the idea of going for Ohlins Road & Track coilovers when available as this should give it a very compliant ride on road with much better damping overall, especially in colder temps (going by savagegeese comments, but then they’re in famously cold Canada).
 
I also thought it would be better on 17s after my test drive, at least for the roads local to me.

I wonder if the weight of modern vehicles are trashing our roads. Back in the day a mini metro was around 750kg and a big car like a cavalier was around 1000kg, now every other car seems to be a 2-2500kg SUV, some are approaching 3tonnes, add in 4-5 lardy passengers and luggage and you’d technically need an HGV licence for some of them.
 
86GR said:
I also thought it would be better on 17s after my test drive, at least for the roads local to me.

I wonder if the weight of modern vehicles are trashing our roads. Back in the day a mini metro was around 750kg and a big car like a cavalier was around 1000kg, now every other car seems to be a 2-2500kg SUV, some are approaching 3tonnes, add in 4-5 lardy passengers and luggage and you’d technically need an HGV licence for some of them.
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I used to work in the road building industry, TBH even a 2.5 tonne car does negligible damage compared to HGVs with 7.5 tonne per axle. Potholes are a different issue once they open up anything can pull aggregate out from the edges once it loosens so they just keep getting wider and eventually deeper 🤷‍♂️
 
I see Luke has a solution for the lack of suit hook, perhaps Mr Fox could develop a silver version :D

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Had my test drive at Snows Hedge end today. Was given 3 hours with the car on my own and went out across the South Downs to Midhurst. White looks lovely. Observations
MPG 30
Engine exceeded my expectations good spread of torque and sound better than some people had me expect. One of my concerns was that the car could be a little underpowered. This is definitely not the case.
Handling is sublime with really good ride for this type of car a great body control. Broken surfaces are felt in the ride quality but have little impact on the handling.
Brakes are very good with decent feel and power.
Interior was all good although I was surprised how little headroom there is I am 5,10. Also the dash display is not that easy to see in you r peripheral vision compared to a traditional big analogue dials. tried the track mode ok but no great improvement. Gearbox is really good although as reported the clutch action requires some effort for smooth progress in town.
Seats are better than they look.
Overall I am very happy with my choice and looking forward to 06 January when my own car is handed over. If your having to wait for delivery into 2024 hang in there it really is a fantastic value for money drivers car.
 
GRpirate said:
Had my test drive at Snows Hedge end today. Was given 3 hours with the car on my own and went out across the South Downs to Midhurst. White looks lovely. Observations
MPG 30
Engine exceeded my expectations good spread of torque and sound better than some people had me expect. One of my concerns was that the car could be a little underpowered. This is definitely not the case.
Handling is sublime with really good ride for this type of car a great body control. Broken surfaces are felt in the ride quality but have little impact on the handling.
Brakes are very good with decent feel and power.
Interior was all good although I was surprised how little headroom there is I am 5,10. Also the dash display is not that easy to see in you r peripheral vision compared to a traditional big analogue dials. tried the track mode ok but no great improvement. Gearbox is really good although as reported the clutch action requires some effort for smooth progress in town.
Seats are better than they look.
Overall I am very happy with my choice and looking forward to 06 January when my own car is handed over. If your having to wait for delivery into 2024 hang in there it really is a fantastic value for money drivers car.
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I’m taking that one out on Sunday, I’ll be heading out that way too! Did you go up Harting Hill?
 
Willmasmile said:
I’m taking that one out on Sunday, I’ll be heading out that way too! Did you go up Harting Hill?
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Hi willmasile no I did not go up Harting. I did really enjoy the road up past goodwood horse racing stands and up to Midhurst lot of undulating quickish sections. You will love it I am sure plenty of good roads round there to explore the cars handling. I thought it was very generous to get 3 hours in the car. Took 30 minutes to dial in then the smiles started
 
Popped into Derby Inchcape and they have one in their showroom. Didn't enquire about a test drive but was passing by. The interior quality and feel is much better than I thought it would be and very impressed with the proportions of it. Just need this 11:48 order to hurry up... Q4 2023 at best I reckon. Although this will be my wife's car I think I will be offering to drive her everywhere!
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Had a go in Marshalls Bristol North this afternoon. A bit disconcerting when the salesman fills it up with standard petrol and then insists there is no break in procedure. Apparently this wasn't covered in the day at Goodwood which he went on. Not sure what the point of that day was to be honest.
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Getting a go once it defrosts a bit. I fit which is good. Wheel could be closer but I had boots on so I'll go back later with driving shoes on. Noticed these dimples in the rear by the number plate. That on anyone else's? Car was quite clean too, to the point I may just leave them prep it and I'll wait until the weather warms up before doing a full detail. Even my local detailers aren't doing it as it's too dangerous to wash when the water is freezing so quickly.

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well now I've gone back and zoomed in on a photo I took...
 
KobayashiMaru86 said:
Getting a go once it defrosts a bit. I fit which is good. Wheel could be closer but I had boots on so I'll go back later with driving shoes on. Noticed these dimples in the rear by the number plate. That on anyone else's? Car was quite clean too, to the point I may just leave them prep it and I'll wait until the weather warms up before doing a full detail. Even my local detailers aren't doing it as it's too dangerous to wash when the water is freezing so quickly.

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Had a look at that one yesterday, lovely looking thing. Wife said she prefers the GR Yaris but liked the look of the black Supra they had.
 
Don’t like the look of those dimples/holes😬
 
Mounting holes for a more square JDM plate, annoyingly.

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