Tetsu's Tales
NSX-R V6 NA motor produces 280ps. R34 GTR inline 6, twin turbo motor produces 280ps. RX-7(FD), rotary turbo motor produces 280ps. I don't miss type it. Different company cars, different motors produce same horse power in Japan. Why? Because Japanese government enforced one regulation for Japanese car companies until 2004 which was the 280 ps regulation. Japanese government afraid the drivers make over speed on the street and make traffic accident that's why Japanese government didn't permit for selling over 280 ps cars as enforcing the 280 ps regulation. But Japanese government didn't enforce the 280 ps regulation for any imported cars. Why 280 ps? Because Nissan 300ZX (Z32) in 1990 was producing 280 ps and was top horse power car in Japan. The 280 ps regulation started in 1990. That's why Japanese government decided 280 ps was maximum in 1990. If Z32 produced 300 ps, may be it would be 300 ps regulation. In 1993, Japanese government would reconsider 280 ps regulation but the number of car accident had been increasing and Japanese car companies were focusing mini vans and SUV in 1993. That's why the 280 ps regulation didn't make trouble for any Japanese car companies at that time. After 2001, the 280 ps regulation was an obstruction to sell cars in high class cars market. The traffic accidents had been decreasing because the cars have safety devices and Japanese government and any Japanese car companies were thinking about the world standard that's why Japanese government abolished the 280 ps regulation in 2004. Now, any engineers of Japanese car companies don't need think about the 280 ps regulation that's why super sport cars are coming to Japanese and USA car market. The first and second one are Lexus IS-F and R35 GT-R. IS-F produce 423ps and R35 GT-R produce 480 ps (Japanese spec). I can't wait to drive Lexus LS-F and next generation NSX. Maybe they will produce over 500 ps? I welcome go up horsepower but I don't welcome go up gas price.www.myspace.com/oted15
Say What?
This month's theme is 'Web sites sure to peeve our hard-line reactionary totalitarian feminist copy editor.'"
The Male Chauvinist Staff
On reviewing race queen Internet sites. ("Cyber Street," Super Street, August 1998)
Hot Audio On The Horizon
Pioneer Electronics has just launched a ton of new gear for you audiophiles, including this hot nav unit that not only features basic features like Bluetooth and iPod connectivity (Can you believe this is basic? Who remembers auto-reverse?), but can connect to MSN Direct to receive real time traffic, weather, gas pricing and movie time info. To see all the latest inaudio sex, check out www.pioneer-usa.com.
He's Baaaaack
Japan welcomed one of its biggest drift heroes back to the circuit when Nobuteru "NOB" Taniguchi announced his return to the Japanese D1 series after a two-year break. He's teaming up once again with HKS to slide the 600-horsepower HKS/Yokomo Racing Performer IS220-Z and IS220-R Altezza drift cars, which are reconditioned track cars from HKS' stable of performers. Could we see NOB at a round of Formula D? Our fingers are double crossed!Source: www.noonebetter.co.jp; www.hksusa.com
Office Space
RAYS Japan opens a new private office in Japan. Shocking! Local reports say that this is actually a private retreat/massage house for Mackin big dog, Eddie Lee. If that's the case, we demand a "private" tour of the facilities.
Super Autobacs
USA Launches Second Retail OutletAfter the success of its first store in the U.S. market in Stanton, CA, the Japanese mega auto parts/service outlet Super Autobacs has opened up shop again with their second location in the Los Angeles area. Fitted with 12 service bays to handle your general maintenance or aftermarket needs, Super Autobacs reps and service mechanics can do the job. There are tons of products carried at Super Autobacs, from billions of JDM air fresheners to GReddy exhausts; if you can name it, they probably stock it. The address for this location is: 1480 N. Azusa Ave., Suite B, Covina, CA 91722.Source: www.autobacsusa.com, 626.967.7744
Our August '98 Issue
Well, well, how about that? Make monster power. The world was shocked when Skunk2-then known as Skunkworks (please don't sue us, Lockheed)-launched its first all-motor Integra, a former road racing car, into the 12-second range (it later became the first to dance into the 10s and 9s). HKS ran 8s in its R32 dragger and we treated random Super Street readers to a totally awesome prize package of (drum roll): Dunkin' Donuts. Yep, a whole dozen even. It's time to bring back the Super Street Prize Patrol, we thinks.