Fast and Furious - Toyota Supra MkIV

Continue with the launch of the latest Fast and Furious movie, we have the next JDM that appeared on screen. The first iconic car from The Fast and The Furious (2001) is definitely the orange, gravity defying Toyota Supra MkIV. Although apart form the first movie, the Supra was never in the limelight and replaced by the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 as the icon of the series, it appears in other movies as well.

After losing in a pink slip race against Dominic Toretto and trashing the Mitsubishi Eclipse he raced, Brian O'Conner now owes Dom a 10-second car. Brian then brings a wrecked/scrap Supra and says it is Dom's 10-second car. Soon, they rebuilt the Supra with sweat, blood and many shiny parts. When it was all done, it was time to hit the road to test and tune the bad boy. Brian and Dom soon met with a Ferrari 355 Spider and was insulted by the driver. Dom gave Brian the green light and ask him to smoke the Ferrari which of course, he smoked the Ferrari. The Supra continues to see a lot more action and in my opinion the most one single car have seen in all of the franchise. In the end of the movie, the Supra was given to Dom to make his escape.  

The Project Car

First Victim - Ferrari F355 Spider

Next, we see the Supra dressed in gold appearing in the beginning of 2 Fast 2 Furious and we know things are going to get down with a race. It is driven by a character named Slap Jack and in the race, followed Brian to jump a bridge. When he landed, the tire pops and steers him into a billboard. Later in the movie, we see the Supra in the scramble scene again and nobody knows what happened to it. 

One of the cars used to by the team to test in their hideout to slip through the many high speed cameras when they planned to rob the police station in Fast 5 (2011). Few of the characters including Tej, Roman and Rico were having a go at escaping the cameras but clumsy and maybe inexperienced Rico hit a column and damaged the Supra. So, the fun was cut short. 

From this point onwards, there might be spoilers. You have been warned.

I was one of those who thought that they would kill Brian in Furious 7 (2015) because that is the usual and easiest way to bring closure to a character. However, if you watched the movie, you knew that they changed it to make Brian retired instead. The unexpected thing for me was seeing Brian drive a JDM at the ending of the movie and expected a GT-R but when I saw a white Supra, I honestly did not see that coming. It is said that the white Supra used in the movie actually belongs to Paul Walker. It is symbolic to see both cars cruise down the empty road and finally split. Thanks for making this another tear jerking moment. Thank you, Paul Walker for all your hard work. You will be missed.

Fast and Furious - Subaru WRX STI

March 2015 was THE MONTH when it is all about the Fast and Furious franchise, which lasted for 14 long years. This latest installment was already much anticipated by fans but with one of its main character's actor's recent demise, even the non-fans rushed to the cinemas to catch the latest movie, Fast and Furious 7. I was one of the earliest who watched on the first day it was released in Malaysia. Despite what critics said, I thought it was a great movie with everything from action, cars, family values and story closure. This article may contain spoilers. At first I was waiting for the part where they were going to kill Paul's character off and kept guessing when it was going to happen. Luckily, they changed their decision and made him retire instead. Of course some cried when they were watching the ending, which is a tribute to Paul Walker and it showed clips of each of the Fast and Furious movies which brought back memories for every audience. I immediately downloaded all 6 other movies of the franchise and decided to make a TOP 3 list of JDMs that appeared in the all movies. However, the list does not include many cars that appear as background cars in the first 3 movies in the series.

First up, we have the Subaru WRX STI. It is a model that made its debut quite late in the series but maintain appearance in every movie onwards. It made its first appearance in Fast and Furious (2009). Brian O'Conner was driving his iconic Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 through the desert but was later blown up by Dominic Toretto. After that, Brian told him Dom owes him a 10 second car, he smashed the WRX STI's window, gave him the keys and told him they are now even. After a great action scene, the WRX STI was filled with bullet hole and later smashed.

Before all the holes and beating it took.

That is how you buy a WRX STI

Rally Gene Shining

Next, it appeared in Fast 5 (2011) in its Face-lift, sedan form. It was one of the few cars that the team collected and tested in their hideout to slip through the many high speed cameras installed exactly like how it would be in the police station. I think Han thought the WRX STI could beat the camera (I certainly agree to this) but even with him driving, it was not enough. Even though it was only 20 seconds of footage but clearly it is worth the mention. Especially with Han stating that if this (WRX STI) could not get pass the camera, they are going to need invisible cars.

Han: The only way is to get invisible cars.

Talking about short appearance, who could forget the appearance of the WRX STI for 2 seconds in Furious 6 (2013). Dom was in London seeking out Letty and we were shown the racing scene in London. Out come 2 cars that were sideways on 2 wheels and one of them is a hatchback WRX STI. As if you can't tell it is a WRX STI, it even have a STI decal right on the hood. There some other more expensive cars but only JDMs count in this list.

Must be bad for tires

From this point onwards, there might be spoilers. You have been warned.
Last but not least, the WRX STI is one of the main stars (to me) in the latest, Furious 7 (2015) and it is driven by our Brian O'Connor. Clearly if you have watched the trailer before the movie was released, you already know that the WRX STI will be drop off a plane and what will happen to it. It is one of the most difficult sequence to shoot and timing was crucial to land on the ground via parachute. Then, we see a lot of action with the WRX STI and it was the end for it when Brian jumped into the bad guy's trailer. What a waste when I saw it crashed and they certainly could have donated it to me instead (wishful thinking).

Is it me or bullet holes goes well with the WRX STI ?

Drop Time

In action

STI Surfing !!

You'll be missed !!

Here I will reveal a surprise that many of you fans might have missed or maybe you saw it just like I did. Before the "dropping cars from a plane scene", we see the team reunite in an army-like base and were discussing their plans to infiltrate and stop the enemy. There was a sedan WRX STI parked in the base with almost the same color as the hatchback that was used in the drop. It was weird that they had a sedan but used a hatchback instead. I was happy though because I prefer the sedan version and do not want to see it get wrecked.

Also, since this is a Subaru article, I want to mention that there was a surprise Subaru that many might missed out or have forgotten about. In Furious 6, there was a blue Subaru BRZ in the background. In the beginning when Dom pays Brian and Mia a visit, you could see a BRZ when Dom's Dodge Challenger SRT8 drives in. However, a better shot of it would be when Shaw's men were after Mia and Elena. Does this ring a bell to all of you ?

The best shot

Remember to come back for the next JDM on the list: Toyota Supra MkIV.

Reunion

On the day of the Hyundai Veloster Turbo test drive, some Celicas joined in on the occasion. To be honest, I did not expect to have this many Celica to turn up and it was definitely a nice view with all the different colors. I have lost count how long ago was the last time I had an event with the Celica club and I am happy to see them. There were some old members that I have not seen in a long time and there were some new faces along with new rides. It has been such a long time since I had someone to have these car talks with. There were moments with the old members where it felt like the time we were apart did not happen and we were chatting like how we used to. Around the new faces however, I felt very much older being 2 generations of owner before them and was sharing some knowledge I have accumulated back in the days. Definitely feels good to be back in the club and how much I have missed being around motorheads like me.

Among all the photos I have taken on that day, I particularly like the photos that I took below. The reason being it is a rare shot of both the Pre-facelift model and the Face-lift model side by side. I would say nice to see both models being so stock but you can see that the silver Pre-facelift model has skirting from the front all the way to the rear and you may not see it, the grey Face-lift model is sitting on aftermarket rims. For an untrained eye, the difference between these 2 models might be limited to just a re-worked front bumper and new rear lights. I can assure you there are 2 more differences on the exterior. It might not be clear but the Face-lift from lights have a small design change and is now height adjustable xenon lights instead of projector lights. The cover just above where the car plate would be is of different design with a chrome line on top. It is really nice to see them both together side by side. What a sight !

When I was an active member of the Celica Club Malaysia, this is particular Celica was my twin car. Just like my ex-Celica, it is a late Face-lift model and it also shares the same color. This body color is actually a special color called the Thunder Grey (yes, that is the name used in UK) and is made only available for Face-lift models. You might not know it but there are very, very less Face-lift models that could be found on the road especially with this color. So, you could say it is quite rare. I have only seen 3 of them including my previous ride. One of the member present asked me whether it reminds me of the days I had my Celica. Truth be told, seeing one with the same color and also a late model, it does stirred something inside of me.

At the end of the day, it was really good to catch up with the old members and to chat up with some new faces. Is that a sign that I will be coming out of retirement and join club outings more often ? The answer would a NO. I really enjoy this car talk especially about Celica with guys and going out on convoys but I think I am more comfortable to join once in a while for a big event such as the test drive. Maybe when I get a new sports car, I would join more often because right know it feels a little weird being the odd one out. Who knows what the future hold ?

Test Drive: Veloster Turbo Launch

Last Sunday, I went over to my buddy's place to begin a convoy that consist of 3 Hyundai Velosters, 1 Celica and my Mazda 6. It has been a long time since my last convoy, about 2 years I think. While driving, I was surprised and questioning their convoy method because they were making unnecessary moves and forced me to whack my engine to keep up with them. I was also surprised at how my buddy's girlfriend maneuvered her Veloster during the whole convoy. They certainly showed me that a Veloster could go fast if they wanted to and I am not as skillful as I was when I drove my Celica. I found out later that my buddy installed a throttle controller for better power, which is cheating and the Veloster can also handle a corner despite its shape. We went to a Hyundai branch in Setia Alam which is bloody far just to test out the new Hyundai Veloster Turbo. I was told that we had to come all the way here because the Veloster Club knew a guy who could make this event happen and there would be more room to test the car out. I was at the Hyundai Branch with more than 10 Veloster owners and did I mention, that there were around 8 Celicas participating too ? It sure was an exciting event.

Here is the main attraction of the day : The Hyundai Veloster Turbo in the flesh. The first thing you will notice is how it has a different exterior compared to the standard model. I personally like the big hexagon grill and round fog lights in the front fascia. At the back, the changes to the rear bumper is interesting and the twin pipe in the middle really brings out the sportiness out of the Veloster. It has a longer spoiler than the standard model and rims remain the same size but with a different design. I wish that this would be how the standard model should look like and the Turbo should have an even fiercer exterior to really make it shine. Since I am not the designer of Hyundai there is not I could say and if I am a Veloster owner, I would just change my Veloster to look like its Turbo sibling on the outside especially the rear. Another thing that is only available for the Turbo model is the color selection. Although, the standard model has many bright colors to choose from and you can get matching rims and interior color to go with it, I heard that there is a special matt grey and matt yellow reserved only for the Turbo model. I am a sucker for grey cars these days and a matt grey that is sprayed on and not a wrap is refreshing. 

Here we have the heart of the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. It is powered by a 1.6 liter Turbo engine which produces 186 PS and torque figure of 265 Nm. This is certainly much, much more than the 130 PS and 157 Nm figures that standard models have. Although that is a severe increase in engine output, enthusiasts are not happy that the Korean Domestic version that produces 204 PS with the same torque could not make it into Malaysia and that the Veloster Turbo is only available in its 7 speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) without a manual variant sending power to its front wheels. Some of them might even think that luckily we still have Peugeot's 208 GTi and, Ford's Fiesta ST and Focus ST that are available only with manual transmission. There were many that were present on that day mentioned that they could feel some turbo lag even just by revving the engine on standstill. It feels like the engine does not climb aggressively when the turbo supposed to kick in and had to wait a while. From the engine bay, you could not help but wonder, was the engine mounting done properly ? This is because I could see the engine shaking too much and when the engine revs down, you could see it jerking when it hit 2000 rpm. 

On the inside, you could see that it looks the same as the standard model but in my opinion, slightly duller compared to the standard model. I said it is duller because in the standard model, you get a 2-tone interior such as a black and red combination but you only get all black inside the Turbo model. Even the gearknob looks the same although the standard has a 6 speed automatic transmission which is not the same as the 7 speed Dual Clutch. However, the main differences between the 2 models, is the Turbo's more "racy" feeling cluster meter and the slightly more supportive seats. I am sorry but you don't get the blue and black combination which you might have seen online somewhere. Hyundai uses a patterned design on its dashboard plastic that resembles a little like carbon print but it is hard plastic which always feels cheap. If you look carefully on the steering wheel, you might not see it but this car does come with its own flappy, cheap and light plastic made, paddle shifters. It is very short and feels super unreliable. I am someone who uses their paddle shifters often but I would refrain from using it if I drive the Veloster Turbo because I fear I would break it in 2 months. I am also sure that there will be many "Turbo" wordings that could be found in the interior that I have missed.

Everyone was excited to test out the Turbo model and waited patiently for their turn. I too was excited and waited until lunch time and still it was not my turn yet. At the end of the day, I was disappointed because I was the only one that did not test the car due to time constraints. However, I managed to ride back seat while my friend tested the car. Before my ride, I heard from others that you don't feel it is quick from inside the car but from another car's view, it is quick. Also, the very noticeable turbo lag. Having all the feedbacks, I went into the ride expecting. It was exactly as the others have said and I noticed that it had a heavy start. Either the car is too heavy or the power from the engine to the front wheels is not enough. However, there was something else that I did not expect to happen. My friend actually drove the Veloster Turbo until the Electronic Control Program (ESC) or the Hyundai's stability control came up. He was cornering hard and fast and we were sliding with the tires screeching. I thought we were going to hit the curb and with just inches away, the car suddenly went straight. It is the trend right now where people are safety conscious and safety features like this makes a car much more considered. I for one, am thankful that the Velester Turbo has it because of what happened.  I was also very surprised that my friend who usually would not drive above 90 km/h in his limited edition TRD Sports M Celica, drove like a madman that afternoon.  

I wished I could have tested the Turbo too for a better write up but beggars can't be choosers, can they ? Well, based on what I have seen and experienced today, I definitely would not buy the Veloster Turbo. I could easily get another faster, more well equipped and fiercer looking, used cars for either slightly a little more or cheaper than the Turbo's RM 149,000 price tag. In terms of engine, I think the engine is decent because despite being only 1.6 liters, the twin-scroll turbo enables an output of 186 PS and torque figure is more than your average 2.5 liter car. I heard that the brakes were good too and it has good fuel efficiency. So, why am I not liking it ? Mainly, I just don't like the price and from what I gathered, it is under powered and something feels amiss without a manual transmission. 7 speeds is just too much for me and I am not entirely convinced with the reliability of a dual clutch setup. Thus, the verdict is a no. You can also read about the standard model that I wrote about in the past by clicking here.

Honda S660

You and I can all agree that Honda has been really active recently with all the concepts and release of sporty models. First we have the 2nd generation NSX, which we all heard about in 2007 and was cancelled in 2008 and then revived in 2011. When the NSX concept appeared in 2012's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and also driven by Robert Downey Jr. a.k.a. Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Avengers movies, we knew that Honda is really giving us what we want, an heir to the legendary NSX. Next came the 4th Civic Type R which was unveiled just last month at the Geneva Motor Show and everyone was jumping in joy. It is the new Type R that features a first Type R Turbo V-TEC engine with outputs of 305 bhp and 400 Nm torque, all channeled to its front wheels. Well there has been a rumor that the Integra name would be revived too and I hope Honda really does that as I am a fan of both the DC2R and DC5R. Finally, we come to today's main focus, the launching of Honda S660 on March 30th. I have personally seen the Honda S660 Concept 2 years ago at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) and it showed potential. At that moment, being a skeptic JDM fan, I wished the concept would come to life but at the same time, doubt that it will see production Now I am glad to say, "It is alive, everyone !".

Honda have been busy

Honda S660 Concept in 2013

Honda S660 Concept in 2013

Honda S660 Rear

While many are excited about the S660 because it is a 2 door coupe with a mid engine and rear wheel drive. The perfect formula to a perfect sports car but many can't help but be disappointed with its engine. It features a 660 cc, straight 3 cylinder, DOHC turbo engine that unfortunately have a power of only 64 ps and 104 Nm of torque. You might be surprised at the low numbers because the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost have a 1 liter, 3 cylinder turbo engine and produces 123 bhp and 170 Nm of Torque. However, the S660's power are expected to me and if you do not feel the same way, it is either because you did not know that the S660 is a Kei car or you don't know what a Kei car is. Kei (軽) is Japanese for light and Kei cars refer to small compact cars that let owners enjoy lower taxes in Japan. These Kei cars have a strict regulation on its body size, engine size (max. 660 cc) and engine output figures (max. 64 ps). So, there you have it. The reasons behind the small size and powerless engine but we all know that weight is also a factor in speed and luckily the S660 is only 830 kg (manual)/ 850 kg (CVT). I think with its lightweight and superb handling, it is going to be fast. It looks great on the outside with a hint of the coming NSX and on the inside, it bears resemblance of Honda CRZ's interior with the digital meter, smallest steering wheel any Honda has, nice Start/Stop button and aluminum pedals. There is something that not many knows is that there is a 660 unit only, Concept Edition that is only available in white. What is special about this is it has a red soft top and red stitching all over the interior.

S07A Engine - 660 cc, Straight 3 cylinder, DOHC Turbo

Honda NSX Concept (top) vs Honda S660 (bottom) - Do you see the resemblance ?

CRZ (Left) vs S660 (Right)

What's Special - New Sport Mode Button (Left) & Bright Red Type R Style Engine Start button (Right)

Concept Edition - Limited 660 units

Whenever Honda releases a new car, I will immediately head on to MUGEN's website to see what the performance arm of Honda has to offer the S660. I was prepared to see only aesthetic parts as that was the trend but I was really excited of MUGEN's offering. Although the S660 looks great but it lacks the raw feel to its exterior and boy, did MUGEN did something about it. The MUGEN S660 looks fierce and I especially love the dry carbon GT Wing Spoiler and Hard Top (everyone who knows me, know I hate soft top convertibles). I won't be expecting any performance parts that would increase the power of the S660 because that would make it not a Kei car but you still can find parts like exhaust muffler, sport suspension set and sport brake parts (rotor, brake pad, brake line). Here is my verdict. I actually like the Honda S660. I like that it has the perfect formula, coupe + mid engine + RWD + 6 speed manual transmission and it is cheap, affordable and it looks great especially with the MUGEN kit. It does remind me of Toyota MR-S because the MR-S is also a small MR roadster with a small engine that everyone criticizes .What I don't like is the small size, lack of storage and the ridiculous "roll & store" soft top roof. I also don't like the "Ipad stuck on your dashboard design" touch screen and the small interior might be a tight squeeze for me. At the end of the day, I would buy the S660 if I am someone who is into fuel efficiency but want something sporty looking for those weekend drive down the mountain pass, maybe.

Perfect Formula = Coupe + Mid engine + RWD + 6 speed manual

MUGEN S660 Front - Love the Grill and Hood Vents

MUGEN S660 Rear - Love the Hard Top and Carbon GT Wing