OPENERS CAR Selection 2013: Tatsuya Otani
Five Cars for OPENERS Readers in 2013
OPENERS CAR Selection 2013: Tatsuya Otani Edition
Tatsuya Otani looks back at the automotive industry of 2013. What are the "cars OPENERS readers should pay attention to" now? We also asked him to summarize the automotive industry this year.
Text by OTANI Tatsuya
Eco is a Given; The Essence of Cars is Now Being Questioned
While there's still some variation in hybrid technology, now that energy-saving technologies like downsizing concepts have reached a plateau, the keyword "eco" is used almost as a matter of course by every manufacturer. Of course, efforts to reduce CO2 emissions will continue, but I feel it's becoming somewhat outdated to evaluate cars solely on their environmental performance. In other words, being eco-friendly is now a given. Beyond that, the real test for each automaker lies in what added value they can provide.
One of these values is comfort and quality, and another is driving performance, but I feel the gap is starting to widen between brands that are genuinely striving in these areas and those that are not. Or perhaps, saying they are "not striving" is misleading. It seems more like a division between manufacturers who are effectively utilizing their capabilities and those who, for various reasons, are not able to do so smoothly. It's important for the lagging manufacturers to catch up quickly, as this gap is likely to widen further, so caution is advised.
Nevertheless, it's truly gratifying for us car enthusiasts that improvements are being made not only to cars that require sacrifices for the sake of eco-friendliness, but also to aspects related to the essence of a car, such as driving dynamics and comfort. Before we know it, cars with over 300ps are no longer rare, and models with over 500ps that can be used daily without issue are increasing. In terms of comfort, cars with smoother rides and lower noise levels are becoming more common. On top of that, we're seeing a continuous stream of cars with features that brighten the driver's mood, excellent space utility, and superior off-road capability thanks to 4WD. In other words, the joy of choosing a car is becoming deeper and broader.
In the future, the share of hybrid cars will further increase, and mass production of fuel cell vehicles will begin in Japan in 2015. This means the full-scale electrification of automobiles is just around the corner. I am not at all pessimistic about the electrification of cars; I predict it will simply lead to an increase in different types of enjoyable-to-drive vehicles. Therefore, I expect that the choice will expand, leading to an even more exciting car society.
Tatsuya Otani's Top 5 Picks for OPENERS Readers in 2013
Porsche Cayman
Porsche Cayman (2.7-liter, 6MT)
As I wrote in my impression piece, there are few cars that respond so obediently to driving inputs. This, in itself, is proof of how faithfully and with what high quality the Cayman is built. The way the engine revs, the smooth operation of the PDK, and the low-friction suspension are all truly captivating. Honestly, the naturally aspirated 2.7-liter engine isn't "shockingly" powerful, but I believe that within its limited power output, figuring out how to drive smoothly and efficiently offers a deeply rewarding intellectual driving pleasure. To be honest, if my wallet allowed, this is a car I would definitely want.
Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline
Volkswagen Golf TSI Trendline
While it feels like everything has already been said about this car, what strikes me anew is the passionate dedication to car manufacturing that is embedded in the Golf. Frankly, as Volkswagen is now a giant in the automotive world, I believe it wouldn't be too difficult for them to build the world's best compact car if they set their minds to it. However, there is absolutely no sense of compromise in this seventh-generation Golf. On the contrary, its merits are polished and refined with an almost relentless "can you believe it?!" intensity. It seems to be imbued with a noble aspiration: "What is the best car we can build by bringing together all the technology we possess right now?" rather than "Let's just slightly outperform the rivals" or "Let's make a car that sells." In a stylish way, I feel the Golf is the result of Volkswagen challenging itself. Therefore, it is truly a car that you will never regret buying.—.
BMW 320d BluePerformance Touring
BMW 320d BluePerformance Touring
I've always been fond of diesels, but this BMW four-cylinder is particularly excellent.BMWEven at low RPMs, the moment you press the throttle pedal, you feel the car surge forward. Moreover, despite being a diesel, the engine revs smoothly. It demonstrates powerful performance during high-speed cruising, and of course, the fuel economy is good. And the chassis combined with this powertrain is superb. It possesses both the suppleness to gently absorb shocks from the road and the strength to power up mountain roads. For those seeking a high-quality station wagon in the D-segment, this is a recommended choice.
No matter how diligently German manufacturers pursue quality, they simply cannot match the Italian "prancing horse" when it comes to exciting the driver. Well, it's only natural, as Ferrari is essentially Italy, the land of passion, embodied in a car.FerrariIn this regard, the F12 is no different. Its 6.3-liter V12 engine revs as freely as a motorcycle's, producing a staggering 740ps at an incredible 8,250rpm (!). For your information, while indulging in the pleasure of the engine on a certain winding road, I experienced the rear end becoming restless and entering oversteer as early as the first corner, taken in second gear at its redline. However, even in such a situation, the exceptional body rigidity (which is truly astonishing) and the smooth suspension allowed for complete control without any sense of danger, demonstrating the high level of engineering in the latest Ferraris. It seems to be a Ferrari that stands out not only for its emotional appeal but also for the completeness of its hardware.
Although OPENERS primarily features imported cars, Mazda's recent driving dynamics have reached a level of quality that would surely satisfy those who have owned many European cars. Mazda is known for its SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which comprehensively re-examines technologies for engines, transmissions, and chassis. The Axela, which fully adopts the same SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, offers further improved ride comfort. Particularly the 1.5-liter model with 16-inch tires achieves a comfort level that is not inferior to premium European cars. What also deserves special mention is the thorough re-evaluation of the driving position. The realization of simple things, like the throttle pedal being straight ahead when the right leg is extended, and the steering wheel being directly in front of the body, makes one acutely aware of how many cars fail to achieve this basic setup. The exterior design, which conveys both newness and high quality, is also faultless. If only the interior quality could be elevated one more notch, it would surely be highly regarded in the European market as well.
Tatsuya Otani × OPENERS CAR 2013
Mercedes-Benz A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY
Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible