just in case anyone would like to play "pronounce that Japanese word!" here's a link to a page that shows the english-equivalent pronounciation of the Katakana character set

http://www.zyx.com/chrisc/japanese/japanesea.html

this is how I came up with the "Su-(p/f)u-ra" pronounciation

and eccles, those car-video.com lap time numbers are SIMULATED numbers, using the (in)famous Cartest software, so they probably used some extremely conservative parameters to come up with those numbers

 

The posted times on that site had the Laguna Seca track at 2.21 miles. So I checked the official Laguna Seca map.

From 86-94 the track is 2.214 mi with record time of 1:09.625. From 96 till now the track is 2.238 mi with record time of 1:07.722. But it hard to say if the improvement in record time is due to track layout changes or race car improvements.

 

the difference in the stressing (between the p and the f sound) is noted with a small tick on the upper right hand corner of the character... my god, i can't remember any of this stuff, i took a crash course in hirigana (and didn't even touch katakana) back last november...

 

thanks alot cylo for hosting the vids. got em all!:D

 

sure thing zoom! :D

 

Thanks, Cylo!

 

This was a really great video of the most interesting car of 2003. Thanks.

 

thank cylo i did really like the 2 videos u posted

 

ok i asked my friend abotu the translation. to sum it up, yes it was a supra that did 1:45. the tester criticized that grip was a little low and that you really have to whine the motor up to get power, but overall, he was very impressed with the chassis :D

 

I don't know about you guys but I am waiting for a Top Gear test by Tiff Niedel.

 

Nah, not old tiff, he drives the cars well, but he LOVES to slide them :D Better if the STIG drove the car to the limits. Hell the STIG proved that the FWD focus RS is bloody fast round that track (lotus designed track, no?), posting a time of 1min 32 (if i recall correctly).

 

Tiff is a great driver, and he's also a smart guy in business.

He knows that in the TV business unless you're able to offer something that other program's dont... you won't get the ratings.

And thus, not the big bucks. Sliding is big fun for him to do not only as a driver, but I'm sure his pockets aren't hurting either.

 

You'll be waiting a long time.

Tiff Needel, however... well he might test the car

 

tiff is awesome. he must have the best job ever. please please please post that test if you ever get it.

 

Maybe, just maybe, it's a North American spec RX-8 that isn't a US spec???? Maybe, just maybe, it's a Canadian spec RX-8? You know, one of the 2 other North American countries, one that uses metric measurements???? :D

Regards,
Gordon

 

Jeez, that Laguna run was awesome! I saw the front tire come about 3 inches off the ground on one curve (1:30 into the vid). I think I'da peed all over some two-tone leather.

 

The BM_Intro at the start has the dash with an engine turn over, if that is TRULY the sound of the engine at idle, I'm going to freak. It's PURE HEAVEN!

 

Cylo,

Any chance you have the Motorweek review and can host it as well?

I couldn't get it, my cable was out.

Thanks,

jtdwab

 

If anyone has time, please record any episodes of the RX8 from different medias, and transform into downloadable formats and upload into this site. MPEG and WMV formats are preferable!

MotorTrend
Car and Driver (already up)
Autoweek
Motorweek...........

 

Sorry, I don't have that one. If someone would email me the file I would be happy to upload it!

 

Cuz eventually we are gonna have to give in and go metric..