GT350R Surrogate

[DrumReaper]

Well, there’s no replacement for the R, but maybe a surrogate. There’s a few good cars with manuals coming out prior to an all-out electrification:

1) Toyota GR Corolla
2) 2023 Civic Type R
3) Golf R
4) Mach 1

These are in the price range of a surrogate car I’m considering and so far, the CTR and the GR seem to be the most fun of the lot (the M1 doesn’t have the versatility of the others and is likely to be limited and unfortunately ADM-prone).

Anyone got any faves or other ideas of fine upcoming possible GT350R surrogates that won’t break the bank?.. and yes, I know all about P-cars and would love to have a 911 Carrera GTS but that’s like unobtanium given that Ukraine is burning.

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[Stangomydreams]

Z

 

[Performance nut]

Z

Can't get those anymore either... Unless you want to pay an outrageous ADM

 

[Champale]

All worthy choices. Maybe the Veloster N? And of course Scat Packs are still a hoot. Oh, and the new BRZ/GT86 gets superb reviews.

As a 2021 Civic Type R owner, I am looking forward to the next gen one. Also, as a former owner of 3 Mitsubishi Evos and a Focus RS, the GR Corolla is definitely on my list.

 

[Atlas1]

Of that list, I would go with the golf r. All things being equal I’d take the Mach 1 but if you already have a 350r it doesn’t add anything for you. My wife had an 18 gti and it was a great little car. We’ve had great experiences with our vw/Audi’s so they will get my vote. I don’t know much about the Toyota but I definitely wouldn’t consider the Honda. I think it looks goofy.

 

[DrumReaper]

I had a 17 Golf R with a stage 1 APR tuning kit and that thing was a rocket, but it was just blah in character.

That’s what I love about a GT350 is the character, and nothing will compete with that, but the GR seems to be potentially raucous.

Also, the golf has no manual which moves it further down the list.

 

[scoots]

SS 1LE or CT4 V Blackwing?

 

[Champale]

I had a 17 Golf R with a stage 1 APR tubing kit and that thing was a rocket, but it was just blah in character.

That’s what I love about a GT350 is the character, and nothing will compete with that, but the GR seems to be potentially raucous.

Also, the golf has no manual which moves it further down the list.

The US-spec 2022 Golf R is available with 6sp manual. I drove a Mk 7.5 Golf R pretty hard once and liked it more than I thought I would but it was not quite as hardcore as I prefer. The new one is even faster and has a different AWD system but I doubt it's as raw and motorsports-ey as the Type R.

The CT4V-BW is an excellent idea. Base price of 59k with 6sp Tremec.

 

[DrumReaper]

SS 1LE or CT4 V Blackwing?

Sheesh, a Camaro… bout to be extinct. The CT4BW is outside the price range I’d like to stay within, but otherwise certainly looking to be a badass ride.

 

[WCGT]

GR Corolla and the CTR look like fun. I have a GT and haven’t driven an 350R, so I can’t speak to that experience, but I would guess the GR Corolla and CTR are very different from the 350R experience.

 

[Weather756]

Had a 2017 focus RS for 3 years. Nice car. Handled great. Adequate acceleration. Did trade in on my GT350.

 

[Demonic]

Any reason the M2 was left off the list? Upcoming year is supposed to still offer manual transmission. Very different feel from the R but still a ton of fun to drive, nimble and responsive with great low end pick up.

 

[DrumReaper]

Any reason the M2 was left off the list? Upcoming year is supposed to still offer manual transmission. Very different feel from the R but still a ton of fun to drive, nimble and responsive with great low end pick up.

BMW price, BMW problems, BMW costs after warranty is out, BMW blandness… Bland Motor Works

 

[sublime1996525]

Personally I think the GR is going to be overpriced for what you get. I had a Focus RS and loved it. The GR is down 50 hp, 0-60 guesses are mid 5 seconds, and starting price is guessed to be $39k...

Have you thought about a Nissan Z? The CTR would be my choice from that list. I'm in the same boat. I'm planning on selling my 350 and want something to tide me over until Porsche prices return to normalish...

 

[Schwerin]

I'm looking forward to the Integra Type-S. It's shaping up to be a 4 door liftback, manual, 272-300HP and Civic Type-R underpinnings for around 39-40K. Should be a fun car with a nice ride, and Honda quality.

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