The Miata saved Mazda, from a financial perspective... the Boxster saved Porsche, from the very same financial perspective.
The Toyobaru is a huge case of sales success... the 4C will put Alfa Romeo in the map again, so what's the fuzz?!
The only three things they all share are 1) they were built with driving fun in mind above everything else, 2) they have succeeded... and 3) they were and are cheaper than the competition.
Cars and cars motosport is all about passion... and passion will always sell if priced right. That's also the reason why Kobayashi with only 26 years old will drive for Ferrari F1 team in 2014... mark my words!