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Scott's
review:
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Well, after finally
getting my copy of the BMI video volume II in the
mail I was able to watch the second and even more
exciting video from the Best Motoring International
crew. This time we are shown a broader range of automobiles
than the narrow focus of the BMI V1 video's focus
on Honda-R cars.
Clearly this second
release is made from much newer footage stock from
the Japanese Best Motoring video series. We start
off with the recently released Japanese market Honda
Integra Type-R, which is essentially based on what
is known as the Acura RSX here in the North American
market. Gan san takes the new Type R on the track
and gives it a good run around. It's clear he is kind
of skeptical about the new R's ability as a performance
car, since the new car has been enlarged somewhat
and has gained some weight in the name of comfort.
However after some really no-hold back driving he
discovers that the engineering improvements in fact
make the new R a very capable machine and even is
around a full second faster than the old model around
the track.
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Next up is the New BMW M3
in it's debut battle against some of the European and Japanese
domestic mid level sport sedans. Namely: the BMW 3301 M-Sport,
BMW M5, Toyota Aristo V300 (or a TURBO Lexus GS400 here),
Subaru Legacy B4 RSK, and the Honda Accord Euro-R. This
battle was the M3's chance to prove itself against the other
machines and move onto the more challenging battle against
some of the world's super sports cars. Needless to say the
new E46 M3 ran away from the pack, even in wet conditions.
It's very interesting to see how the other cars placed in
the end, because my expectations were quite different from
the actual outcome.
Next is a short section with
Tsuchiya san's technique and display of the new M3, NSX
Type-S, RX7 RS, and the Porsche 911 Carrera's ability to
be drifted through corners with ease. Some might wonder
what the point is of this as it's not the fastest way around
a course. However, I did see the point which Tsuchiya san
tried to illustrate in that by drifting these cars he was
able to discern which cars responded well to driver input
and how they were each individually balanced and controlled.
Next up was the new E46 M3's
battle against some of the top sports cars that the world
has to offer. Battling the likes of: the Porsche 911 Carrera,
the NSX Type-S, RX-7 RS, Lancer EVO VII, Skyline GTR Vspec
II, and the Subaru WRX STi. This segment was one of the
most exciting battles I have viewed so far and the outcome
was somewhat of a surprise for sure. The conditions were
wet and favored the 4WD cars, however it's quite surprising
to see the 2WD cars as well as the new M3 hold their own
and give the 4 wheelers a hard fight to the finish. I won't
spoil the end for you, you'll just have to find out by watching
it. ^_^
Finally we are taken to the
mountain roads for a showdown between the 2WD kings of the
Touge and the new challengers, the EVO Empire (4wd beasts).
There is a series of three battles played out in "Initial
D" style. Initial D is a Japanese cartoon (or "Anime"
for you Otaku out there) in which the characters take their
modded out cars in down and uphill battles where the winner
is decided by whether or not he can pull away and stay ahead
of the chasing car while driving blazingly fast on twisting
roads. An interesting concept for sure and although it can
sometimes be hard to tell who really won, there are times
when it's clear that one car or the other has a distinct
advantage and is either being held up or left behind.
With the second edition of
the Best Motoring International video series we can see
how the English voice dubs are going to increase in quality
over time. It is apparent that there are the distinct voices
for each driver and they are getting the personalities dialed
in, however I still wish we could here a bit more personality
of the original drivers come through. Especially when there
are close calls and the drivers have some real fun. V3 should
be even better, I can't wait to get my hands on it.
Overall, I think this issue
is a fresh breath, in that it shows a more diverse selection
of cars for those people who are not totally sold on Japanese
performance. Personally I like everything, and have little
preference over where a car comes from, but this issue definitely
has a little more "International" feel than the
first video that was focuesd solely on Japanese market cars.
If you are a motor head of any sort you will no doubt love
this video as well and I would reccomend you picking it
up as soon as possible. You'll watch it over and over and
over and over and...
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Best Motoring International
Vol. 2 is packed with full track racing action, comprehensive
tests, technical highlights, and amazing performances by
Japan's top racing drivers.
Program 1 focuses on the New DC5 Integra Type R (Type R
version of the Acura RSX). M. Kurosawa takes the all new
ITR on Honda's Takasu proofing centre, comparing the car's
new features with the "original" DC2 model at
full throttle. Special interview with Honda's chief engineer,
Yutaka Otobe is a must see.
Witness the head to head
battles in Program 2, which features the new E46 M3, Carrera
(996) and all the JDM Super Sports, such as the R34 Skyline
GT-R, Lancer EVO VII, and NSX Type S. 2 amazing battles
will make you sweat, as the thrilling in-car cameras and
close-up insets of driver's footwork provide excitement
never before available on video. The Drift King takes the
M3, Carrera and NSX on the track for a drift test! Learn
the trick by studying the King's footwork for the ultimate
car control!
"Initial D" style one-on-one battle on the Touge
(mountain roads) is a new attempt on creating a totally
new style of racing entertainment. The Drift King, Keiichi
Tsuchiya challenges the hi-tech equipped 4WD machines driven
by Manabu Orito with under-powered FR cars, including his
own specially prepped AE86. The risky battle of 3 rounds
is more than enough to convince every gearhead across the
world that "Initial D" is more than just an animation.
Featured cars :
Honda Integra Type R (DC5, DC2)
BMW E46 M3, M5, 330I M-Sport
Porsche Carrera (996)
Totota Aristo V300
Subaru Legacy B4 RSK
Honda Accord Euro R
Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII
Honda NSX Type S
Mazda RX-7 Type RS
Toyota AE86 (Tsuchiya Special)
Amuse S2000
BOSS Lancer EVO VII
Garage Kameda Impreza
BRIG OMEGA CPS S15 Silvia
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