I Just Want to Floor It

WatanabeSo, today we're walking around the Tokyo Motor Show, and I thought we'd check out some cars that catch your eye, Kumiko. But it seems your mind is already elsewhere.


ShimizuAh, you can tell? I'm eager to get over there, but our booth is at the very end this time...


WatanabeWell, it's not going anywhere, so let's take our time and look at the imported cars first. Starting with Mercedes-Benz. While the "Concept S-Class Coupe," unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is here, the main attraction is the world premiere of the "Concept S-Class Coupe". It's their signature top-tier segment push.S 65 AMG". A true embodiment of their commitment to the highest segment.

Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG

ShimizuI drove the previous model for a while, so I was really curious about the new S-Class. But when I first saw pictures, I honestly thought, 'Yikes, it's not very attractive...'


WatanabeWell, I thought it was a bit conservative too, but seeing it in person, it actually feels surprisingly fresh. I was convinced by their masterful touch.


ShimizuRight. It's good-looking. And when you get inside, you really feel that S-Class atmosphere. It doesn't feel out of place at all.

WatanabeBy the way, you drove an S-Class?


ShimizuYes. The size was manageable even in department store parking lots. But the new one is a size bigger, isn't it? Why?! That's my biggest complaint.


WatanabeAh, I see... And this S65, being the top of the AMG line, continues with the 12-cylinder twin-turbo. The torque has finally hit the 1000 Nm mark.

ShimizuThat's what really excites me. I just want to floor it.


WatanabeI understand... Shall we move on to Porsche? They have the "Macan" here, which is practically a world premiere.

Maybe I Can Fit My Golf Bags In This

ShimizuIs this... slightly smaller than the Cayenne? From the front, it has almost the same imposing presence as the Cayenne.


WatanabeIt doesn't feel as distinct in size as I imagined, but the length is quite different. It's definitely smaller.


ShimizuThe Cayenne is popular among women, but it's still quite large. This looks easier to drive, and I think people who hesitated before will jump on this.


WatanabeGiven how its power is matched to its class, it actually feels like it might handle more sportily than the Cayenne.


ShimizuThe interior also has a moderate sense of luxury. It's flawless.

Porsche Macan Turbo

WatanabeLet's look at another world premiere. This is Jaguar's "F-Type Coupe".


ShimizuThe open-top version came out first, right? Isn't that usually the other way around?


WatanabeThat used to be a common pattern, but nowadays most are developed in parallel. The order is likely due to marketing reasons. Also, the F-Type was Jaguar's statement of re-entry into the serious sports car market, so the roadster probably conveyed that message more clearly.


ShimizuIndeed, despite its appearance, it was surprisingly wild to drive. But it's a bit inconvenient not having a place to put a bag...


WatanabeThat's true, the packaging prioritizes performance, so utility is quite limited. That's where this coupe plays an important role. Look.


ShimizuWhoa, maybe I can fit my golf bags in this after all.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe

WatanabeThe coupe version seems to offer about 400 liters of luggage space. It looks like you could easily fit two carry-on suitcases. Given Jaguar's usual pricing strategy, it might be priced slightly lower than the roadster, making this potentially the main F-Type model.


ShimizuThe V8 model has a maximum output of 550ps... That's the same power as my beloved car! So, it's a direct rival, isn't it? Hmm...


WatanabeAlright, alright. Shall we head to the Japanese car booths then...?

Wow, It's Packed with High Technology

WatanabeLet's save the best for last and start with Honda. They announced several new models, but I know you're interested in the sports cars.


ShimizuThe "NSX Concept", has it gotten a bit longer?


WatanabeOh, sharp observation. The engine is now mounted longitudinally. The production model will likely retain this proportion.


ShimizuDoes mounting the engine longitudinally offer any advantages?

Honda NSX Concept

WatanabeFor the NSX, the biggest advantage is likely thermal management – heat control – relative to its power. This suggests they're prepared to push the power output significantly. Some speculate it will reach around 500ps with a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo, and it's expected to be a three-motor hybrid system.


ShimizuThree motors?


WatanabeThere are two motors at the front, allowing for precise torque vectoring to dramatically enhance stability and cornering performance.


ShimizuWow, it's packed with high technology. But I'm more interested in this older car.


WatanabeThis isn't just old; it's genuinely vintage. This is the "S360," Honda's very first passenger car. Based on this, the production models S500 to S800, the so-called Honda "S" series, were born.


ShimizuIt's cute. I wish they'd sell it as is.

Honda S660 Concept

Honda S360

WatanabeWhile they can't sell this one as is, the successor carrying its lineage is scheduled for release the year after next: the "S660".


ShimizuWhoa, it's tiny.


WatanabeIt's currently a concept car, but the size will likely be very close to this when it's released.


ShimizuThey're selling it alongside the NSX, right? So it'll be a large and a small option. I prefer the large one.


WatanabeEven if you prefer the large one, many people in the world will be happy with the small one. Besides the car tax issue, the maintenance costs are completely different for a kei car.


ShimizuWait, this is a kei car? No way.


WatanabeOver 20 years ago, there was a kei open-top sports car called the Beat. This is its spiritual successor.


ShimizuWow, for a kei car, it's pretty cool. I'm starting to reconsider.


WatanabeFor a kei car, huh.

I Have High Hopes for the RC's Performance Too

WatanabeNext, let's look at Lexus. The world premiere here is the "RC". In terms of class, it looks close to the IS, but its chassis seems to be a hybrid of the IS and GS, positioning it against models like Mercedes-Benz's "E-Class Coupe" and BMW's "4 Series", and Audi's "A5". It seems to be a direct competitor.


ShimizuA classic two-door coupe like this exudes a certain sense of luxury, making it perfect for daily driving. And lately, Lexus's distinctive grille has started to look quite natural, so I think this one is stylish too.


WatanabeThe spindle grille... yes. Models that were designed with it from the start are finally starting to appear, and I think their intention is now coming across clearly.

Lexus RC300h

Lexus LF-NX

ShimizuBut this is a hybrid, isn't it? I wish they had something faster.


WatanabeWell, it's being exhibited as a concept model with a hybrid powertrain, but there are rumors that they might create a successor to the "IS F" with a 5-liter V8 in this "RC". The IS F evolved into a truly excellent car over the years, so if they incorporate that know-how, the RC could become a model with high performance expectations.


ShimizuA 5-liter V8... *drools*. But I already have a V6 twin-turbo.

600ps? What on Earth Does That Mean?!

WatanabeShall we finally take a look at what you've been waiting for?


ShimizuOoh, I've been waiting! My top pick this time: the "GT-R 2014 Model". NISMO, you know, NISMO. 600ps.


WatanabeAnd with an optional package, it achieves a Nürburgring time of 7 minutes and 8 seconds? I never imagined it would be this extreme.


Shimizu600ps? What on earth does that mean? It must be fast. I want to drive it.

Nissan GT-R 2014

Watanabe600ps? But you were driving the 700ps GT-R, weren't you? The previous generation.


ShimizuI'm not just driving it, I *own* it. It's just taking a break right now.


WatanabeSo you own the current generation GT-R... But indeed, this 600ps version might be faster than the previous generation's 700ps. The GT-R has the world's best drivetrain efficiency, so if you can put that 600ps to the road without loss, it's truly...


ShimizuExactly! I tinkered with mine a bit recently, and I definitely don't think I could compete.

WatanabeWait, you tinkered with it? It's already insane even in stock form...


ShimizuJust a little bit, a little bit. To ensure it pulls smoothly all the way to the redline.


WatanabeAh, I see. By the way, with the introduction of the NISMO, the standard model seems to have significantly improved in comfort, which is also worth noting. The previous GT-R was a bit challenging for daily use, but this new one seems to have transformed into an all-rounder that's suitable for any situation or weather.

Nissan GT-R NISMO

ShimizuYes, it has a more refined feel. And the way the front and rear lights illuminate has changed, hasn't it? I wonder if I could transplant them onto my car. The headlights seem to be a direct fit.



WatanabeHow do you know that...?