My favorite "road feel car" was an 86 VW (non power steering), could feel the road/asphalt with my knuckles. Had lots of vehicles since and nothing matched that feel (80's 3 series BMW's felt great too). There was less "stuff" between the steering wheel and the tires. I welcome any suggestion on how to improve that visceral feeling" except disconnecting the power steering", Polyflex bushing etc.

 

I see from your signature that you already have the JCW Pro suspension, which is a big step in the right direction. Tire choice also has impact on road feel. What are you using?

 

Tires are definitely your next bet, I switched mine to a more performance tire, and now it's a "love/hate" relationship.

 

I knew you guys would know what I'm referring too , road feel is a lost art.
Pilot Super Sports- they did help but they do make contact with the front strut and just nick the rear subframe/swing arm. My last option is the polyflex bushings but haven't mustered up the courage to do them.

 

Suspension geometry, alignment, steering rack... There are many things that play into steering feel. I highly doubt you’ll be able to make a big change with whatever you end up doing. Modern cars have gone to ease of driving, rather than driver engagement.

 

I can relate because I lament the lack of feel on my R53 with electronic throttle, it creates a sort of disconnected numbness.

Modern cars are increasingly like that though as njaremka pointed out,
but I'd add ease of manufacture combined with less parts too.

Drive-by-wire throttle in combo with electric power assist steering rack is a recipe for insensate feedbacklessness.

One possible solution would be having Quaife to make one up, it'd have to be bespoke as they don't offer one off the shelf, so it might be pricey, and it'd be manual no-assist also,
but I bet it would feel very very good for the most part, except maybe during parking maneuvers.

https://shop.quaife.co.uk/quaife-com...rhd-quick-rack

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The Quaife rack seems interesting (if it exists) & back to dropping the subframe. True, everything is going soft now but the upside; dashboards don't rattle at idle.
Glad I posted this rant and it wasn't just me feeling this.