Quote Originally Posted by Tarmop View Post
I don`t see motorsports selling cars TODAY, except racing. Maybe the brand itself, yes, but that`s also quite hard. People want SUVs, entertainment, economy, long warranty and a low monthly payment- when we aren`t talking about premium car. Also pretty hard to create cars for a petrolhead because of all the safety and eco demands. They all weigh a million because of many airbags and driveraids and cost a lot. Times when RS`s, STIs and Evos were popular from clubman events to grp n. are over, fun while it still lasts and hopefully the "oldtimers" are also maintained not only used and they`re around for some 10 years+.
When I 1st started taking my 15 year daughter to the WRC, she turned to me and said the Hyundai's was her favorite car of the year. Whereas I probably carried favoritism from the 70's and 80's and would look to the Fords and not consider a Hyundai.
Roll on 4 years and now she's just picked up a Hyundai I30N. Granted it is a fantastic car, but WRC had some influence as the only colour option she wanted was the rally blue or performance blue I think they call it. I also after watching the i20 for the last few years would have the I30n on a very short list next car change.
My perception of Yaris has changed and even I was looking at the Yaris GRNM as a possible replacement for the Wife's car but they've all sold out.

The manufacturers don't seem to market on the back off the WRC these days. Fiesta St did get an M-Sport make over but nothing official. Its only the Yaris that is the same model that gets the full treatment.
This is where i could see Hyundai being different and would imagine they'd do something on the back of a driver or manufacturers championship win.

Guess we are niche market these days or poor marketing.