My point is that what makes a car desirable is a mix of design (engineering + looks), build quality + materials, and performance numbers (straight line + road holding and feel).

So excelling at one, especially one that anyone can duplicate easily, (go mod a subaru for straightline numbers) is not an achievement. Once you get past 170 or even 150 what does it matter?

Desirability of a car mixes all of the above and when it is doen right the car becomes a classic even if its numbers might be bettered. Porsche has done this a few times, some others have done this, Corvette did this in the mid-60's.

This particular body style has been out since 83 as an 84 model. It has looked like a wedge of cheese for some 20+ years, now it has some finish and detail. It's interior I am told is better too, so GM is almost at a point of making a world class sports car again. Just a few more years and maybe all the elements will be there.

You know you are there when you don't feel the need to own the next model year because the numbers are slightly better.