Keiichi Tsuchiya talks about the FT-86 test drive!!

[import_nation]

Chief Engineer, Mr.Tada of TOYOTA wrote to me today.
I'll roughly translate the message:
---

We had a chance to have Mr.Keiichi Tsuchiya test drive our production car today, and he commented as follows...

"The car (FT86) is not only FUN to drive, but in terms of quality and precision of handling, the car has very much surpassed any expectations I had. More easily put, if you had blind folded me and told me this was a new creation by BMW's M department, I would not even hesitate to believe you. It's that good."

---

Happy now? I'm thrilled because I just sold my own BMW M3 a few months ago in preparation to buy an FRS.

Interesting that they are comparing this to the BMW M3. Power levels are so different I don't even know how you can compare the handling characteristics. The only way I can see this is that the M3 is very easy to handle at its limits thanks for all the computers keeping you on track. I guess the FR-S FT-86 is easy to handle and predict as well at the limits. I am excited to test drive one.

[8-SiX]

Making such a claim that the production model FT86 performs just as good as a M series vehicle from BMW is something SERIOUS! As BMW is known for serious performance.

Keiichi Tsuchiya has gained the trust of tons of people in the scene as well as myself so i'll take his word on it. If the FT86 really turns out to be like this we will be getting some crazy bang for our buck!

[hatchi]

BMW performance with the awsome feed back and just the over quality and build of the ride, and i guess also the shorter low end gears making the car more torquy as well..

now its going to going to sell my car and purchase one of these!

[Alfie]

Im reading into the BMW M refference in terms of QUALITY, and HANDLING FUN, not tire melting performance!

[import_nation]

What tsuchiya is saying is different then what the other test drivers have said about the ft-86. Personally I would rather believe Tsuchiya over those unknown guys.

I am really optimistic about this.

the 86 lives on.

[hatchi]

Tsuchiya words must be extremely true, based on how many Japanese cars he has driven from bone stocks cars all the way to JGTC cars well!

If anyone knows the in's and outs about these cars it would be him!

[mynew86]

Cool! Excitement building! Can't wait to see the production model!

[rwdftw]

The production model may be awsome but i shall trust Tsuchiya words as well...!

i remeber watching him on D1GP and best motoring and shows like that as well!

[FR_S_Fan]

What tsuchiya is saying is different then what the other test drivers have said about the ft-86. Personally I would rather believe Tsuchiya over those unknown guys.

I am really optimistic about this.

the 86 lives on.

I agree with you. Those test drivers and car reviews don't focus much on a specific type of vehicle and are usually in it for the money with little passion, some have a lot of passion and will give you a serious indepth review.

But hearing a review of this vehicle from someone like Tsuchiya does say a lot since it's cars like this that he specializes in.

Tsuchiya > all

[import_nation]

[TDotRacer]

Pretty exciting words from the drift king. I really enjoy watching his old ae86 drift videos.