Going a little bit of topic here but stay with me. The Germans build cars incredibly efficiently, same platform different body with shared engines throughout the company. Ability to produce loads of cars quickly and very cost effective. However you loose the special aspect of a car and zap character.
The Japanese car culture up until late as we all know key focus is around character and innovation hell they even give cars a face in the design. The gt86 has been such a massive hit for the two companies not because of POWER or lap times or scope for massive power gains, but due to individuality balance and fun. My good friend works for VAG hq in Milton Keynes, with meetings about product line and there is one layout of car they don't have on their books, no prizes for guess what - front engined rwd pure sports car.