Recaro Car Seat - Super Street Magazine

ASM doesn't limit themselves to just aerodynamics and bolt-on engine components; they've also developed their own adjustable ASM SRE suspension system. The 3-way adjustable dampers feature Hyperco springs which help to keep this S2000 planted firmly as it exits the corners of the Tsukuba Circuit. Housed under the dry carbon wheel wells and rear over-fenders are aggressive 18x9.5-inch British White Prodrive GC-07J wheels. Sticky Bridgestone RE-11 rubbers are the tire of choice and also the tires that ASM employees recommend to their customers. The performance vs. wear rate is what makes them the better choice compared to other, more race-bred units.

The cockpit of this S2000 also carries an ASM-influence. A single Recaro ASM Limited RS-G racing seat and Takata safety harness keep driver Hiroki Kato firmly in place as he tears through the track. The ASM version of the RS-G seat is a reupholstered, limited-edition run of the Recaro seat with only 500 units produced. Like the exterior, the door panels have also been replaced by dry carbon pieces. An Alcantara suede-wrapped dashboard adds a touch of class to the raw, gutted interior. All engine meters and warning indicators are displayed on the Mugen ASM Multivision display.

What's truly remarkable about the ASM No.1 S2000 is not limited to the impressive 1'01"587 it ran at the last RevSpeed Tsukuba Time Attack. Think about this: without the graphic livery, this roadster is a street car assembled with parts that are easily accessible to the general public. It's exactly what ASM set out to do. Sure, you may not have the expert engine builders at TODA Racing at your whim but the parts are definitely available to build towards the output of a TODA-spec F20C.

The combination of function and gorgeous form is what makes I.S. Design so popular among ASM loyalists. Dry carbon isn't exactly cheap or easy to come by however. To make their line-up accessible to all S2000 enthusiasts, they also offer a more affordable option by producing their parts in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP).

We may never own such a wonderful piece of machinery or ever have a chance to set foot on the legendary Tsukuba Circuit-it just isn't realistic. Even if we could, most of us would probably get laughed right off the track. ASM gives S2000 owners the reassurance that if were at all possible, they could have comfort in knowing that their cars would perform competitively on the track. The heir of attainability is what makes this build so great.