The Aristo and Soarer styling were meh IMO. Put that 2JZ swap in sexier chassis and it will probably sell a lot faster. There was a FD in Dallas with a 2JZ swap and it only took a few days to sale.
If we can get back on topic now, I have only heard good things about the B58. That it is a huge improvement over the N55. I recall on other forums that people were easily making around 550hp+ with just basic performance upgrade and tuning.
I guess this was the car they were talking about.
https://www.supramkv.com/threads/with-the-end-of-gt86-coming-next-year-or-2019-which-toyota-sport-car-you-think-will-come-next.700/
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/new-toyota-sports-car-platform-confirmed-by-head-of-gazoo-racing-120604.html
Even if it was slightly higher, lets say $20k. I think people would still be interested. Yes the car only grow 3.1 inches from concept to production. I think it was also more about the weight as well. If I recall correctly the FT-86's GT5 specs were like 2,200lbs with 221hp. The SF-R isn't that...
Because people liked the hinted starting price point of $16k-$18k. I remember when they unveiled the production 86; tons of people over at FT86Club were whining about how big the car got and how much more the price tag was. This could be the answer to both of those complaints.