We've Got Stance

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A remarkable step has been taken to make the "parade-mobile" truly live up to it's name.  After all, the only thing worse than rolling on 17's was having the ride quality ruined by the bricks that are known as run-flat-tires.

I was in the market for a new set of wheels for while; from the day we sealed the deal for this car, to be exact.  There seemed to be plenty of options, especially on yahoo auctions, but given the nature of the car and its surroundings my preference lied with JDM style wheels.

So without further ado, I introduce to you: Rays Homura 2x7 wheels sized 19/8.5/+36 in front and 19/9.5/+36 in the rear.

This is what is commonly referred to as "tuner size", which expands the track even further and pushes the boundaries of legal width to the limit. 

Choice of tires was purely "value for money" as I managed to pick up a set of Hankook Ventus K110 with 235/19/R35 in front and 265/19/R30 in the back for a laughable 100 dollars per corner.

 Lowering was executed to perfection by Sunbeam using a set of H&R springs,

while fitment was done by BigFoot Soka-ten.  While the shop specializes in restoring and selling used wheels, they had a set of brand new Homura's just for me.

All around the fitment looked fantastic as myself and the shop staff could not help walking around and taking pictures.

The drop by H&R springs virtually eliminated the annoying fender gap while already present negative camber of stock MSport suspension gave the car a very sporty stance.

The color combination also worked perfectly in my opinion with blue and silver generating an excellent, yet friendly to the eye contrast.

Amazing job by the guys and Big Foot and of course Sunbeam who are known to be excellent suspension specialists for German vehicles in Tokyo.

What came as a pleasant surprise was a significant improvement in ride quality.  Hankook Ventus K110 are known for their somewhat soft side-wall, so despite running a slightly higher pressure as well as decreased profile the ride was soft and smooth.

I did notice a bit of a rub when taking a corner at high speed.  I will need to investigate this ASAP as well as have these wheels coated.  Staying away from curbs is the ultimate challenge in chaotic Tokyo, which is known for its narrow and unforgiving streets.

First Look: Mercedes Benz A45 AMG Edition 1

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Please go here for full review and test drive of A45 AMG

Mercedes Benz is on a roll, and they have no intention of slowing down.  In a surprise move during somewhat quiet summer season they have just unveiled the CLA and CLA AMG for Japan, all that while the world is preparing itself for the S class debut.  What a year it has been for the Stuttgart automotive giant, so in today's post I will do a visual introduction of the phenomenal A45 AMG Edition 1, which went on sale in Japan on July 1st.

 

When Mercedes Benz unveiled the replacement for the soccer mom uneventful A class the whole world froze in amazement as it took a little while to sink in.  Nobody could find anything similar between the old and new A Class, and that’s definitely a good thing.  Once it went on sale, everyone also recognized that it wasn't just looks, the A class was also a great fun to drive.

Then the AMG division came in and said: we'll make it even better! And so they did.  They took the world by storm when the A45 AMG was finally uveiled earlier this year as a lot of skeptical journalists were looking for a flaw, something to criticize... and they couldn't find anything!

Now that I see it in front of me, it is obviously clear how amazing this car is.  Attention to details is phenomenal as it borrows luxuries from other models and shows all other hot hatches how it's really done.

It does feel luxurious inside. The seats are made from top quality leather, central console storage cover is soft and comfortable, and aluminum accents are beautifully incorporated into elegantly curved dash. Red stitches, accents, and seatbelts blend beautifully with all black interior components creating a very joyful but at the same time comfortable atmosphere.

All dials and controls are top quality, just like in any other Mercedes Benz model.

Despite the smaller size of the vehicle there is room in the back for two adults to enjoy a long trip.

And there is plenty of storage space as well.  Rear trunk panel is removable, and seats are collapseble.  This is indeed a perfect family hatch, which maintains its focus on perfomance and fun.

Aluminum paddles behind the leather and alcantara wrapped steering wheel and are same as you would find in other higher end AMG models.

Overall interior is very roomy and nicely designed, definitely appealing for variety of tastes. The only two negatives I could point out is the cheap looking snap-on Command NAV system screen and central console made from hard plastic.

But let's not get carried away with the luxuries.  This is not what this car is all about.

 

It is about raw power, and lots of it.  Delivered from a small 2 liter engine it sends whooping 360 horses to all 4 wheels (most of power goes to front) via 4matic torque vectoring system that allows rear wheels to get up to 50% of torque when needed.  This is very impressive machine, and while I am not new to automotive tuning world, where 360 horses out of 2 liter engine has been done before, never it has been accompanied with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.

What they've done here is show how far ahead of the game Mercedes Benz really is; not only in terms of technology and innovation, but also how the whole corporation functions as a single unit. This car is result of excellent team work, dedication, and progressive corporate culture. 

Engineers at Mercedes Benz have been perfecting diesel engines for quite a while and have achieved very impressive efficiency and performance numbers.  What they haven't achieved with diesel engines however, is an appeal to car enthusiasts.

So what they did here is utilize the knowledge, technology and components designed for high pressure diesel engines and create a brand new petrol engine.  Result is phenomenal power, response, fuel efficiency, resilience and reliability up to Mercedes Benz highest standard.

Perhaps the only evidence of incorporation of diesel engine technology is red line of 6250 RPM with peak power at 6000.   

Priced at whooping 6.4 (over 7 million for Edition 1) million yen, the car is not cheap, but because of these factors it is very reasonable to own.  A bonus for Japanese market is that it sits in the same vehicle tax bracket as Subaru Impressa WRX or Suzuki Swift Sport!

So far this is turning out to what appears to be one amazing car.  It may not be for everyone, but it does raise the bar for all that follow.  I can't drive it yet, because it is yet to be street legal in Japan, but as soon as Mercedes Benz Japan has one available there will be a full review here! 

Thank you for reading everyone.  There will be more A class goodness in the next update as I take the A250 Sport for a spin around Tokyo.

Please go here for full review and test drive of A45 AMG
 

Dream Test Drive: 2013 Maserati Gran Turismo Sport

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My list of desired cars is constantly growing, but there is one that has been sitting at the top spot for quite some time: A Maserati

Today, I present to you the car that I crave like no other: The 2013 Maserati Gran Turismo Sport.
It seems that professional drivers and experienced motor journalists love to rip on the Maserati for its lack of performance, low numbers, heavy weight, and so on.

But I am not either of them, and today I was thankful for that, as all I wanted to do was to enjoy this vehicle and that's something that Maserati can deliver like no other car.

It starts with the looks.  No matter which angle you look at it from, it just looks stunning, everybody knows it's a Maserati, it's shape just screams exclusivity and boyish fun at the same time.  Not a lot of cars achieve that.

Once inside you simply fall in love with the fine leather seats, soft to touch steering wheel, and general finish of the cabin.  Surprisingly there is plenty of room in the rear, and there is even enough space in the trunk for a pair of golf bags.  One significant let down is the quality of the navigation head unit.  I haven't seen anything that horrible since 90's Mitsubishi.

But you simply forget about that as you turn the key and hear the Ferrari Manufactured 4.7L V8 rev up, burble and gently rumble at idle.

Once you I was off  the orchestra from the 8 cylinders in the front accompanied by the bass from the 4 organ pipes of the exhaust in the rear penetrated my entire body with amazing harmony of acceleration and gear changes. Despite 1880 kg of kerb weight and only about 454 HP, it still can still throw quite a punch.  It blasts off the line while throwing the driver in to the seat, brakes are precise and linear while steering is responsive and predictable. 

The car is very easy to drive, and it lets you have a bit of fun too.  Traction control is configured to allow a hint of a wheel spin at corner exits, but still keeps everything stable and in control, the sport button tightens steering, suspension and engine response, it also opens a valve in the exhaust for that extra acoustics and it is indeed magnificent.

As we entered the ultimate orchestra hall, also  known as a tunnel in central Tokyo, I just had to open the windows and let the car sing, and it did so with high variety of highs and lows making me feel alive.

No other car brand can deliver sound like that, and without a bit of noise how can a car generate any kind of emotion in the driver? Just like a musician becomes part of his music as he feels the instrument with every cell in the body, a Maserati driver gets absorbed in the process of driving, enjoying it more than anything in the world.

I don't care that it is slower than its rivals around Nurgburgring, as a matter of fact, that's a good thing, as the longer it takes the more the driver gets to enjoy it.
 

Cost of ownership
1/5
The 4.7L V8 engine is thirsty and it requires maintenance of a true sport car.  Once beyond warranty repair costs can go through the roof.
  

Practicality