- 622
I was sitting in my office at Powerfox Motorsport Mgazine build paper airplanes when the call came in; One of the reporters had arranged a test session with 4 japanese supercars and, since I was the most experienced test driver, they called on me to test the cars. I had no idea what to expect as the reporter had told me nothing other than "get your cute ass down to the garage now!"
As I arrive at the garage the little ViXeN inside me starts jumping for joy and I nearly fell over. Standing in the midmorning sun were 4 beautiful machines, all results od perfect Japanese engineering and precise design, they were:
Honda NSX Type S Zero '99 (Deep Blue)
Toyota Supra RZ '97 (Silver)
Nissan Skyline GTR V Spec '99 (Canary Yellow)
Mazda RX7 Type RS (FD) '96 (Silver)
I was most excited about the NSX and the RX7, being two of my favorite cars. But the Skyline and the Supra also intregued me. We loaded the cars up onto our truck and drove to our test strip for some straight line runs. On the way over I went over the cars specs.
Honda NSX Type S Zero '99 (Deep Blue)
Engine: 3.2l V6 DOHC
Power: 212kw/7300rpm
Torque: 312NM/5300rpm
Weight: 1270kg
Milage: 48657km
Toyota Supra RZ '97 (Silver)
Engine: 3.0l L6 DOHC
Power: 243kw/5600rpm
Torque: 530NM/3600rpm
Weight: 1510kg
Milage: 43147km
Nissan Skyline GTR V Spec '99 (Canary Yellow)
Engine: 2.6 L6 DOHC
Power: 247kw/6800rpm
Torque: 460NM/4400rpm
Weight: 1560kg
Milage: 54843km
Mazda RX7 Type RS (FD) '96 (Silver)
Engine: 1300 Rotary
Power: 214kw/6500rpm
Torque: 325NM/5000rpm
Weight: 1280kg
Milage: 42746km
The reporter said that getting new cars would have been impossible, so instead he found 4 drivers who were willing to let a lady rip their cars to pieces on some test runs. Luckily for me he got it right and I was about ready to drive the cars.
STRAIGHTLINE TEST
First up the NSX, I climb in and the bucket seats grab my hips like a horny man! I feel like I'm sitting on the floor but the view over the bonnet is perfect. I fire up the big 3.2 V6, my back vibrates and the engine tone rises as I bring the revvs up to 8000rpm. With a fat smile on my face I approach the line for the 400m run, The car's light weight shows as there is no wheel spin, even dropping the clutch from 8000rpm, the NSX rockets away down the 1/4 mile and the gearshifts are smoother than a babies bottom, into 3rd gear and the 400m mark comes up in only 13.369 seconds. Shifting into 4th and powering up to the 800m mark in just 24.236 seconds. The NSX feels smooth on the high banks of the top speed track and the engine notes are pure ecstasy. Down the back straight the NSX tops out just under 290km/h. I can't wait to get this on the track.
Times:
400m: 13.369
1000M: 24.236
Top Speed: 286.4km/h
Next I decide to try to tame the beast; I climb into the Supra and immediately notice a difference. This car is not as sporty inside as the NSX, though I feel safe in it. I fire her up and the 3.0l motor bursts into life, the revs rise quickly on this car and I can feel already that the power will be hard to handle. I pull up to the line and rev the Supra to 5000rpm then drop the clutch. The rear end steps out as the tyres spin like a top. I hit the breaks and reverse back to the line, realising that this would be trickier than I thought. 2nd try and this time I slip the clutch perfectly and get a little chirp from the back wheels as I extend the clutch fully. I can feel this cars power as it desperately chases forwards trying to recover from its slow starting ability. The 400m mark comes up in a slower 14.382 seconds with the 800m mark coming up in 25.193. Judging by the speed on the corner I can tell this car will contend for the fastest top speed. I was right, the Supra crosses the line at 289.2 km/h.
Times:
400m: 14.382
800m: 25.193
Top Speed: 289.2km/h
The beautiful Yellow Skyline awaits, the only 4WD vehicle, this will be an interesting comparison. I climb in and the black leather interior still smells new, I can see by the look of the car that its owner keeps it in good condition. Firing up the 2.5 V6 Twin Turbo brings a sense of calm, the Skyline has a strangely quiet idle. Tap the gas and its a different story, the turbine like noise made by the turbos echos around the straight 6s growl. I approach the line. With the revs at 8000 I drop the clutch, the 4WD helps as the car launches forward like a mouse in a sling shot. Smooth gear shifts see the 400m arriving in just 13.366 seconds but the weight of the car lets it down over the 1000m, this time comes up in 24.486. Judging by the cornering speed I knew this car would disappoint on the top speed run, it broke the beam at 272.7km/h.
Times:
400m: 13.366
800m: 24.486
Top Speed: 272.7km/h
Next up, and this will be a pleasure as its my favourite, the RX7. I fire up the little 1300 rotary and the high pitch whine is immediately apparent. The rotary engine revs easily and I approach the line. The RX7 has a staggering idle pace and almost seems like it wants to cut out. I rev the rotary up to 5000 rpm and slip the clutch out, The RX7 feels almost as bad as the Supra as I fight the wheel spin through first. Into second and the rotary power becomes apparent. Coming into third and the high pitch whine is oh so sweet as the RX7 crosses the 400m line in just 14.028 seconds. Fourth gear shows a small decline in power as the little engine works its heart out to move the light body. The 800m comes up in just 25.029 seconds with the top speed maxing out at 276.1km/h
Times:
400m: 14.028
1000m: 25.029
Top Speed: 276.1km/h
After the acceleration runs we head of for a late breakfast and upon discussing the cars decide that the Honda NSX is tops so far with the RX7 a close second. Based on looks the Canary Yellow Skyline is the most striking, but the flowing lines of the RX7 are just as appealing. We finish lunch and head off to Apricot Hill for some more testing.
TRACK TEST APRICOT HILL
We arrive at the track around mid day, perfect time to get some good runs in as the track temperature will promote good grip. First up the RX7, since it was last on the straight line runs. The Mazda runs smoothly around the track, but its lack of torque is apparent on this hilly track. The brakes feel good but the car seems to have a slight under steer on entry and a slight over steer on exit. None the less the RX7 feels fast aided along by the sweet sound of high revving rotary power.
Time: 1.35.946
Next up the Yellow beast, I expected a lot from this car due to its high torque and 4WD. These features should help it along this type of track. The Skyline feels smooth and the power delivery is instant. The 4WD certainly helps on the slower corners but lets the Skyline down on the long sweeps. The skyline, although not, feels the slowest of all the cars which may be because the 4WD means the car is stable and smooth. The deep drone of the motor also gives you a sense of calm rather that the all out exhilaration of the whiny RX7.
Time: 1.35.081
I climb into the Supra and fire up the beast. The supra launches down the straight and its apparent from the very first corner that this cars breaking ability outmatches the previous two. The run goes smoothly and I start thinking that this car will come out tops on the track until the slow 2nd gear hairpin. The arse steps out and the rear wheels scream, the Supra drifts out of the slow corners eating seconds out of its time. 530NM torque certainly makes this beast harder to control on the slower corners.
Time: 1.35.295
Time for the only MR in the group and this should prove interesting. Once again I feel like Im being taken advantage of as the bucket seat grabs my hips firmly. The cars gears are long taking some corners high in second gear instead of low third gear. Judging by the first split its apparent that this car is going to be a strong contender here. The nose tends to dive excessively under heavy breaking but this doesnt take anything away from the handling. The balance of the MR setup is also apparent and this car is by far the smoothest on all the bends.
Time: 1.34.551
As the day comes to the close I take time to reflect on the four cars: The RX7 is most appealing looks wise with the Skyline a close second. As far as fun to drive the Supra comes out tops here with its aggressive nature, followed closely by the RX7 with a slightly less aggressive nature. Its a tough choice between the NSX and the Skyline for smoothness, so Im gonna tie them. The MR configuration of the NSX and the 4WD Skyline make them an even match in the smoothness dept. As for sheer driving pleasure (sorry BMW, its just such a nice description), Id have to go for the NSX, its fast, well balance and handles like go kart on rails.
Before the day came to an end we took the cars off to a photo shoot at a small temple in Japan.
As I arrive at the garage the little ViXeN inside me starts jumping for joy and I nearly fell over. Standing in the midmorning sun were 4 beautiful machines, all results od perfect Japanese engineering and precise design, they were:
Honda NSX Type S Zero '99 (Deep Blue)
Toyota Supra RZ '97 (Silver)
Nissan Skyline GTR V Spec '99 (Canary Yellow)
Mazda RX7 Type RS (FD) '96 (Silver)
I was most excited about the NSX and the RX7, being two of my favorite cars. But the Skyline and the Supra also intregued me. We loaded the cars up onto our truck and drove to our test strip for some straight line runs. On the way over I went over the cars specs.
Honda NSX Type S Zero '99 (Deep Blue)
Engine: 3.2l V6 DOHC
Power: 212kw/7300rpm
Torque: 312NM/5300rpm
Weight: 1270kg
Milage: 48657km
Toyota Supra RZ '97 (Silver)
Engine: 3.0l L6 DOHC
Power: 243kw/5600rpm
Torque: 530NM/3600rpm
Weight: 1510kg
Milage: 43147km
Nissan Skyline GTR V Spec '99 (Canary Yellow)
Engine: 2.6 L6 DOHC
Power: 247kw/6800rpm
Torque: 460NM/4400rpm
Weight: 1560kg
Milage: 54843km
Mazda RX7 Type RS (FD) '96 (Silver)
Engine: 1300 Rotary
Power: 214kw/6500rpm
Torque: 325NM/5000rpm
Weight: 1280kg
Milage: 42746km
The reporter said that getting new cars would have been impossible, so instead he found 4 drivers who were willing to let a lady rip their cars to pieces on some test runs. Luckily for me he got it right and I was about ready to drive the cars.
STRAIGHTLINE TEST
First up the NSX, I climb in and the bucket seats grab my hips like a horny man! I feel like I'm sitting on the floor but the view over the bonnet is perfect. I fire up the big 3.2 V6, my back vibrates and the engine tone rises as I bring the revvs up to 8000rpm. With a fat smile on my face I approach the line for the 400m run, The car's light weight shows as there is no wheel spin, even dropping the clutch from 8000rpm, the NSX rockets away down the 1/4 mile and the gearshifts are smoother than a babies bottom, into 3rd gear and the 400m mark comes up in only 13.369 seconds. Shifting into 4th and powering up to the 800m mark in just 24.236 seconds. The NSX feels smooth on the high banks of the top speed track and the engine notes are pure ecstasy. Down the back straight the NSX tops out just under 290km/h. I can't wait to get this on the track.
Times:
400m: 13.369
1000M: 24.236
Top Speed: 286.4km/h
Next I decide to try to tame the beast; I climb into the Supra and immediately notice a difference. This car is not as sporty inside as the NSX, though I feel safe in it. I fire her up and the 3.0l motor bursts into life, the revs rise quickly on this car and I can feel already that the power will be hard to handle. I pull up to the line and rev the Supra to 5000rpm then drop the clutch. The rear end steps out as the tyres spin like a top. I hit the breaks and reverse back to the line, realising that this would be trickier than I thought. 2nd try and this time I slip the clutch perfectly and get a little chirp from the back wheels as I extend the clutch fully. I can feel this cars power as it desperately chases forwards trying to recover from its slow starting ability. The 400m mark comes up in a slower 14.382 seconds with the 800m mark coming up in 25.193. Judging by the speed on the corner I can tell this car will contend for the fastest top speed. I was right, the Supra crosses the line at 289.2 km/h.
Times:
400m: 14.382
800m: 25.193
Top Speed: 289.2km/h
The beautiful Yellow Skyline awaits, the only 4WD vehicle, this will be an interesting comparison. I climb in and the black leather interior still smells new, I can see by the look of the car that its owner keeps it in good condition. Firing up the 2.5 V6 Twin Turbo brings a sense of calm, the Skyline has a strangely quiet idle. Tap the gas and its a different story, the turbine like noise made by the turbos echos around the straight 6s growl. I approach the line. With the revs at 8000 I drop the clutch, the 4WD helps as the car launches forward like a mouse in a sling shot. Smooth gear shifts see the 400m arriving in just 13.366 seconds but the weight of the car lets it down over the 1000m, this time comes up in 24.486. Judging by the cornering speed I knew this car would disappoint on the top speed run, it broke the beam at 272.7km/h.
Times:
400m: 13.366
800m: 24.486
Top Speed: 272.7km/h
Next up, and this will be a pleasure as its my favourite, the RX7. I fire up the little 1300 rotary and the high pitch whine is immediately apparent. The rotary engine revs easily and I approach the line. The RX7 has a staggering idle pace and almost seems like it wants to cut out. I rev the rotary up to 5000 rpm and slip the clutch out, The RX7 feels almost as bad as the Supra as I fight the wheel spin through first. Into second and the rotary power becomes apparent. Coming into third and the high pitch whine is oh so sweet as the RX7 crosses the 400m line in just 14.028 seconds. Fourth gear shows a small decline in power as the little engine works its heart out to move the light body. The 800m comes up in just 25.029 seconds with the top speed maxing out at 276.1km/h
Times:
400m: 14.028
1000m: 25.029
Top Speed: 276.1km/h
After the acceleration runs we head of for a late breakfast and upon discussing the cars decide that the Honda NSX is tops so far with the RX7 a close second. Based on looks the Canary Yellow Skyline is the most striking, but the flowing lines of the RX7 are just as appealing. We finish lunch and head off to Apricot Hill for some more testing.
TRACK TEST APRICOT HILL
We arrive at the track around mid day, perfect time to get some good runs in as the track temperature will promote good grip. First up the RX7, since it was last on the straight line runs. The Mazda runs smoothly around the track, but its lack of torque is apparent on this hilly track. The brakes feel good but the car seems to have a slight under steer on entry and a slight over steer on exit. None the less the RX7 feels fast aided along by the sweet sound of high revving rotary power.
Time: 1.35.946
Next up the Yellow beast, I expected a lot from this car due to its high torque and 4WD. These features should help it along this type of track. The Skyline feels smooth and the power delivery is instant. The 4WD certainly helps on the slower corners but lets the Skyline down on the long sweeps. The skyline, although not, feels the slowest of all the cars which may be because the 4WD means the car is stable and smooth. The deep drone of the motor also gives you a sense of calm rather that the all out exhilaration of the whiny RX7.
Time: 1.35.081
I climb into the Supra and fire up the beast. The supra launches down the straight and its apparent from the very first corner that this cars breaking ability outmatches the previous two. The run goes smoothly and I start thinking that this car will come out tops on the track until the slow 2nd gear hairpin. The arse steps out and the rear wheels scream, the Supra drifts out of the slow corners eating seconds out of its time. 530NM torque certainly makes this beast harder to control on the slower corners.
Time: 1.35.295
Time for the only MR in the group and this should prove interesting. Once again I feel like Im being taken advantage of as the bucket seat grabs my hips firmly. The cars gears are long taking some corners high in second gear instead of low third gear. Judging by the first split its apparent that this car is going to be a strong contender here. The nose tends to dive excessively under heavy breaking but this doesnt take anything away from the handling. The balance of the MR setup is also apparent and this car is by far the smoothest on all the bends.
Time: 1.34.551
As the day comes to the close I take time to reflect on the four cars: The RX7 is most appealing looks wise with the Skyline a close second. As far as fun to drive the Supra comes out tops here with its aggressive nature, followed closely by the RX7 with a slightly less aggressive nature. Its a tough choice between the NSX and the Skyline for smoothness, so Im gonna tie them. The MR configuration of the NSX and the 4WD Skyline make them an even match in the smoothness dept. As for sheer driving pleasure (sorry BMW, its just such a nice description), Id have to go for the NSX, its fast, well balance and handles like go kart on rails.
Before the day came to an end we took the cars off to a photo shoot at a small temple in Japan.