Enchanted by the GT-R's Wheels──RAYS Wheels

Our tour of parts booths, where Watanabe and Shimizu delve into deeper automotive discussions, begins. We start near the center of the East Hall, where tire and wheel manufacturers have their displays.

The two are at the RAYS WHEELS booth. Shimizu, an amateur racer with driving skills that belie her slender frame, drives a 2007 GT-R (the first in Tokyo!) and is knowledgeable about car tuning.──

WatanabeIt's the GT-R wheels, of course!

ShimizuThese new wheels adopted from the 2011 model! Wheels born to be fitted on the GT-R! I want these on my GT-R too.

WatanabeThese must be genuine parts with optional paint.

ShimizuThey're so beautiful... is that bronze?

WatanabeWhy don't you get a photo with them?

──What about performance?

ShimizuThey're lightweight, I assume.

WatanabeAnd wheels supplied as OEM to car manufacturers undergo rigorous strength tests. So they're strong enough not to bend even if you hit a 3cm square timber.

ShimizuThey're so cool...

WatanabeWhich tire manufacturer do you like?

ShimizuFor tires on the 35 GT-R, I'd say Dunlop or Bridgestone, who supply the genuine ones?

(Currently, only Dunlop is the genuine tire supplier.)

However, shortly after starting their walk, they discover a new product and dive into the Yokohama Rubber booth!

Beauty and Eco Tires──Yokohama Rubber

Having heard about a new product, the pair rushes into the Yokohama Rubber booth. They immediately begin talking with a representative in an area showcasing the "BluEarth" series of eco-friendly tires, themed around "Environment, People, and Society."

RepresentativeWe're working on a design study called "Nature Design," and this tire is inspired by fingerprints.

WatanabeDoes this pattern have a functional meaning?

RepresentativeThis specific design isn't going directly into production. However, we believe there's meaning in the designs found in nature. This one is a honeycomb pattern. We also have designs inspired by the babbling of a brook.

WatanabeI see... the patterns on studless tires are incredibly complex. Those molds are all carved by hand, aren't they?

ShimizuThat's incredible.

WatanabeIt's amazing. By the way, about how many hand-carving artisans do you have?

RepresentativeWe don't have staff dedicated solely to that anymore. However, of course, the number of staff capable of creating such intricate patterns is limited.

WatanabeBy the way, are there any sports tires you like here?

ShimizuYokohama Rubber's booth this time focuses heavily on eco-friendliness, with the BluEarth series being a major theme.

RepresentativeYou seem to like cars.

ShimizuYes, I do a bit of racing.

RepresentativeWe also have the Advan brand, so please take a look at that too.

ShimizuYes, I'm very familiar with it. I like Advan and I use them!

WatanabeYou know them well (laughs).

ShimizuI prefer the Advan pattern after the redesign.

WatanabeThe one that looks a bit like a karakusa pattern?

ShimizuYes, exactly.

WatanabeBy the way, when is the next model change for the Neova?

RepresentativeIt was released in 2009, so it's only been about three years. We hope it will continue to perform well for a while longer.

──Could you explain about the Neova here?

WatanabeThe ADVAN NEOVA is the top-grade model of Advan, a sporty tire favored by aggressive drivers.

ShimizuHey! That's rude! Neova is popular as a "grippy" tire! I use Neova too! For sports, it's Neova!

The Brilliance of Japanese Craftsmanship──Kanto Auto Works

Kanto Auto Works prominently displays their concept car, the "FS HYBRID CONCEPT." Other exhibits include concept cars based on Toyota vehicles, such as the "Aqua" and the "GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II."

──Mr. Watanabe, what kind of company is Kanto Auto Works?

WatanabeIt's a Toyota Group company, and famously known for building the "Century." While the Century is a Toyota car, Kanto Auto Works handles its production. This speaks to their exceptional craftsmanship. They likely build them by hand, inside and out, at a pace of about one per day.

ShimizuLooking at this car, you can tell it's meticulously crafted.

RepresentativeHow was it?

ShimizuThe seats are incredibly plush, and the interior feels more spacious and relaxing than the Century. It feels like home!

Kanto Auto Works also offers factory tours for the general public, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the car manufacturing process by Japanese artisans.

The Heart of Clean Diesel──Bosch

Moving on, the pair heads to the back of the East Hall, an area where manufacturers of engine components exhibit.

Before them stands the booth of Bosch, a giant German manufacturer renowned for automotive parts, aftermarket equipment, and power tools.

WatanabeLet's check out Bosch. What comes to mind when you think of Bosch?

ShimizuBatteries!

WatanabeHahaha. Batteries are famous, yes, but that's not what we're looking at today.

ShimizuThese are injectors.

WatanabeFor gasoline engines.

RepresentativeYes, and we have diesel ones over there.

WatanabeThese are used in the Mercedes E 350 series, aren't they?

ShimizuUnlike the parts we use for racing, these are genuine parts, and environmentally conscious ones at that.

WatanabeThis technology for precisely injecting fuel at high pressure has, over the past decade, been established first in diesel engines and then applied to gasoline engines.

ShimizuWhy is that?

WatanabeIt's likely because diesel engines became more widespread in Europe. Not only are they absolutely more fuel-efficient, but they also emit less CO2. Gasoline engines, however, are cleaner in terms of exhaust gas.

RepresentativeIndeed, diesel engines often carry the image of producing dirty exhaust.

ShimizuThe filter is located close to the engine, isn't it?

RepresentativeYes. First, it removes black smoke... although as mentioned, the amount emitted is much less now, any remaining is filtered here. For NOx, within this unit, we use a urea solution, also found in cosmetics, to chemically react with nitrogen and water, turning them into harmless substances. Compared to diesel engines from around 20 years ago, they are now over 95% cleaner, achieving levels comparable to gasoline engines. The urea tank is about 20 liters. With a consumption of roughly 1 liter per 1000 km, it allows for about 20,000 km of maintenance-free driving. Refills can be done during inspections or at dealerships.

WatanabeBMW's clean diesel vehicles, the BluePerformance models equipped with this system, are scheduled to be introduced in Japan next year.

The Small Parts That Protect Cars──Continental

WatanabeWhile the German company Continental might be primarily known as a tire manufacturer, it's actually a major global supplier and a large group of automotive-related parts companies boasting high technological capabilities in areas like brake technology, vehicle dynamic control, and electronic systems.

ShimizuThat explains why their booth is in the area for engine component manufacturers. Oh,
There's a panel introducing the company's operations... 140,000 employees! They have so many divisions.

WatanabeThey manufacture parts that are also used in your GT-R, Shimizu.

RepresentativeThis device controls the brake hydraulic pressure used in the GT-R. To control the vehicle, it's essential to know its status. This is detected by two main types of sensors, which then individually control the hydraulic pressure at each wheel to enhance stability.

ShimizuWow.

RepresentativeThese sensors are part of this sensor cluster, containing a yaw rate sensor and a lateral G sensor. If the steering input and the car's yaw match, there's no issue. However, if the yaw doesn't respond adequately to the steering, it indicates understeer. Conversely, if the yaw is excessive, it's oversteer.

WatanabeIsn't the latter a situation you often find yourself in, Shimizu?

ShimizuActually, I was in a hurry to get here today and drove my GT-R quite fast. It started raining, and the rear wheels slipped a bit. But the car quickly regained its balance, saving me. It must have been thanks to this device. Thank you! It's a small part, but what would have happened without it... Excuse me, where is this located?

RepresentativeIt's located near the center console.

ShimizuSo it's out of the driver's sight.

Haute Couture for Car Audio──Sonic Design

Having ventured to the back of the East Hall, the pair returns to the tire and wheel area. The imposing booth, surrounded by black walls and display cases with small speakers, belongs to Sonic Design, which offers premium audio systems that can be installed as manufacturer options when purchasing Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class vehicles.

Since a listening demonstration is available, they hand their business cards to the reception staff and enter the booth.

They wait their turn while looking at materials next to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class equipped with the sound system.

ShimizuS-Class Sound Suite... Suite indeed!

WatanabeYou're right. Oh, look! There's a plate on the back of the car that says "Sound Suite."

ShimizuYes. I like heavy bass. When I'm driving the GT-R, I focus on the driving, but in the S-Class, it's all about the booming bass!

WatanabeSo you like vulgar sounds (laughs).

──When their turn comes, they proceed to the listening session. The representative sits in the driver's seat, while the two take seats in the rear.

RepresentativeThis system is installed before the car is registered. Unlike typical aftermarket audio systems, it doesn't protrude into the cabin, and the change in vehicle weight is negligible. It's a very compact component.

WatanabeWhat's the best seating position?

RepresentativeThe ability to change the best position is the new feature this time. The controls remain the same as before.

They operate the audio system using the same control panel as a standard S-Class. Then, a high-pitched female vocal begins to play.

ShimizuThe sound is so clear.

RepresentativeThis is currently set for the driver's position. Now, if Mr. Watanabe fastens his seatbelt, the position will shift to you.

WatanabeIt syncs with the seatbelt?

──As Watanabe fastens his seatbelt, the sound momentarily cuts out, and the sound localization shifts.

RepresentativeNow it's set for your position, Mr. Watanabe. If Ms. Shimizu also fastens her seatbelt, it becomes a two-person listening space.

WatanabeWhat?!

ShimizuIncredible!

RepresentativeThe same applies to doors and sliding roofs. Why do we go to such lengths? Because the speakers themselves are enclosed in aluminum boxes. Even though the sound doesn't leak out, opening a window would ruin the experience. You mentioned the sound is clear; that's because the speakers are housed in aluminum boxes. Normally, speakers are mounted directly to the car, so sound waves from the back of the speaker can resonate or mix with vibrations, creating unwanted noise and compromising clarity.

WatanabeSo, to prevent resonance from the doors and other parts, you don't use damping or soundproofing materials?

RepresentativeNo, we don't.

WatanabeThe S-Class uses Logic 7, doesn't it?

RepresentativeInstead of Harman Kardon's Logic 7, we have Sonic Design's digital amplifier installed, which allows for this kind of sound production. We analyze the acoustic characteristics of the cabin and use signals from seatbelts, etc., to automatically adjust the sound settings.

ShimizuGiven this level of customization, is it difficult to install afterwards?

RepresentativeWhile it cannot be installed as a manufacturer option, Sonic Design plans to offer a retro-fit kit in the future.

ShimizuWhen you say 'in the future'?

RepresentativeVery soon.

ShimizuOh, I'm looking forward to it!

──The music shifts to pieces centered around string instruments.

WatanabeIt feels like we're being taken to a state reception hall or something.

RepresentativeBecause the sound is so clear, it's pleasant even at high volumes. This reduces fatigue on long drives.

WatanabeIt's like receiving a sound massage.

ShimizuExactly like that.

WatanabeFor example, is it possible to set it for the passenger seat as well?

RepresentativeIf requested by the customer before delivery, we can program it accordingly. This includes preferred sound characteristics or ensuring the sound doesn't fade when a window is opened.

WatanabeIt's like haute couture for the world of sound.

ShimizuAnd the price?

RepresentativeIt's 2.95 million yen plus the price of the car.

Conclusion

Toshifumi Watanabe
Automotive critic. After working in editorial roles for motorcycle and car magazines, he became a freelancer. He contributes to numerous publications, including this magazine.

Kumiko Shimizu
A businesswoman and GT-R enthusiast. She tuned her third-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R and competed in amateur races at circuits like Tsukuba. She also participated in drag races at Sendai Highland. With deep knowledge of tuned cars, she had a two-year serialization in "Option" magazine. Currently,this magazine's BLOGShe also contributes to the magazine's blog. Her experience includes event reporting and serving as a race queen at Fuji. She owns an R35 GT-R, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and a Toyota Prius, among others.