GTP Cool Wall: 1992-1995 Autozam AZ-1

[Cano]

I'd say it was actually quite good in a way; car makers had to be a lot more creative in how they made a car quick and fun to drive without using horsepower as a crutch to simply fall back on. Little things like creating more efficient turbochargers, slight drops in weight, weight distribution, aerodynamic tweaks, changing the throttle response and so on. Stuff like Skyline GT-Rs, STIs, Evos and 3000GTs/GTOs had various bits of tech to basically throw physics out of the window and have the manufacturers stick their middle finger up at the limit. Although lets not beat around the bush here, practically all of the major players back in the 90s were at least firmly in the 300+ BHP range.

It drove development of other things. To be faster than your rivals you needed more and broader torque, to be faster round a track you needed a better chassis, to sell better you needed better fuel economy and to do all three you needed lots of computers.

When they stopped pretending they were not building cars with more than 280PS, you got great handling, fuel efficient cars that also had 500hp. Well, you got the GT-R. We're still waiting for Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda to respond.

While I totally agree with both, knowing the japanese and their fanboyism for technology and that stuff, specially when all of them were churning out supercar-like stuff like the ones mentioned above, I do think that they would have put all that stuff and 400-500 hp on their cars if that agreement didn't exist. It would have been, as Famine put it, another element to sell better.

And yes, sadly, we're still wating ):

 

[Famine]

While I totally agree with both, knowing the japanese and their fanboyism for technology and that stuff, specially when all of them were churning out supercar-like stuff like the ones mentioned above, I do think that they would have put all that stuff and 400-500 hp on their cars if that agreement didn't exist.

It should probably say something that a lot of the engines in the top tier cars of the era will withstand that with some ease (there's a guy in Australia running a 1,000hp twin turbo version of Mazda's MX-6 engine - radically different internals now, but the same factory block ). That can't be accidental...

 

[Cano]

It should probably say something that a lot of the engines in the top tier cars of the era will withstand that with some ease (there's a guy in Australia running a 1,000hp twin turbo version of Mazda's MX-6 engine - radically different internals now, but the same factory block ). That can't be accidental...

Absolutely. That well-earned fame of the 2JZ and RB26, for example, for whitstanding stupid ammounts of horsepower on the stock internals isn't there for free, I'd guess (: the development was there, but it was never exploited... from the factory, of course.

 

[INEEDNAWZZZ]

Absolutely. That well-earned fame of the 2JZ and RB26, for example, for whitstanding stupid ammounts of horsepower on the stock internals isn't there for free, I'd guess (: the development was there, but it was never exploited... from the factory, of course.

N1-spec racing RB26s in GT-Rs are especially notable. Nismo engineers claimed they got one up to 1,900 BHP on stock internals and did it by simply upping the standard boost and fuel mappings. Whether that's true - and if it is, how reliable it would be - is unknown.

Standard RB26s are good in that regard too though. Nissan themselves said they will accept 450 BHP on standard internals and cooling, and that figure is gained just by (again) upping the boost from the stock tune, so its pretty clear (like Famine said) that they were all designed with much more intended for them.

 

[JMoney]

Yes, because it's so much more important to impress your macho-wannabe teenage friends by getting whatever rednecks consider manly rather than trying to develop your own taste in cars and expand your knowledge.

I don't think you understand what coolness is. It's not what I think, it's about what others think. Regardless, my very not redneck friends and I have similar views on cars. One of them has a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and the other a Buick Reatta, two cars I like. I would laugh at them if they bought such a car as the AZ-1.

Believe it or not, just because I have a truck does not make me or my friends a redneck. You lecture me about being bigoted and making political stereotypes when here you are doing the exact same thing.

The 63hp limit is still a limit regardless because the manufacturer built a car knowing it could not produce 63hp or more. Of course they could have built a car with more power, but due to government policy, they built one with a maximum power limit. That makes it uncool.

 

[White & Nerdy]

@Famie seems to me that guy with the Mazda is living dangerously. The Ford Probe is the same basic car and has gained fame in LeMons racing for turning in a few quick laps and then going WABOOM. The four-cylinder version in the same way, apparently. Modified to several times the stock output, I'd say you're just asking for trouble, though that one is probably a bit better taken care of than a typical $500 hooptie, and it does have internal upgrades.

 

[Famine]

The 63hp limit is still a limit regardless because the manufacturer built a car knowing it could not produce 63hp or more. Of course they could have built a car with more power, but due to government policy, they built one with a maximum power limit.

Only because they wanted to. They could have no built a kei car at all and just gone with whatever else they fancied. Instead they took on a challenge and built a sports car to fit legislation never intended to allow sports cars.

That makes it uncool.

Does that apply to every current car made on the planet, designed to conform to emissions classes? What about 60s, 70s and 80s American V8s, choked by emissions regulations - built down to what the law said at the time?

@Famie seems to me that guy with the Mazda is living dangerously. The Ford Probe is the same basic car and has gained fame in LeMons racing for turning in a few quick laps and then going WABOOM. The four-cylinder version in the same way, apparently. Modified to several times the stock output, I'd say you're just asking for trouble, though that one is probably a bit better taken care of than a typical $500 hooptie, and it does have internal upgrades.

He's been running it for a decade now as a drag car. I think he'll be fine.

It's actually amusing just how over-engineered the K series V6 is, particularly the block. But the block is all that remains of the original engine in that car.

 

[Furinkazen]

Normal Cool Wall business I see. One member complains if someone disagrees with his opinion (which most do), another says its bad unless it has a V8, and on topic, I think the Autozam is a great quirky little car.

@JMoney689 What about the Nissan Skylines, Mitsubishi Lancers, 3000GT's, and Subaru Imprezas built to 276hp? Are they all uncool?

 

[Harry6784]

You lecture me about being bigoted and making political stereotypes when here you are doing the exact same thing.

Pretty much sums up all the Cool Wall threads...

 

[Azuremen]

How is your opinion on bad:censored:ery ironic? And how are people like me, W&N, and mustangfanatic supposed to "grow out of" political views?

By taking your fingers out of your ears, to start.

Followed by not being so hilariously insecure.

 

[Roger the Horse]

If boarding school taught me one thing, it was that straight people don't actually exist.

The problem with that is, coolness and, for lack of a better word, badassery are quite related.

This is cool, but not especially badass:



This is badass, but most certainly not cool:



This is both at the same time:



I don't see the connection.

"commie cars a liberal would drive"

I assuming that this is a liberal driving a commie car because they have an extreme sense of irony?

 

[JMoney]

@JMoney689 What about the Nissan Skylines, Mitsubishi Lancers, 3000GT's, and Subaru Imprezas built to 276hp? Are they all uncool?

Overall, those cars are cool for other reasons. 276hp is a lot more power than 63, so the limit doesn't affect the car as much.

 

[Furinkazen]

Overall, those cars are cool for other reasons. 276hp is a lot more power than 63, so the limit doesn't affect the car as much.

Kei cars also weigh as much as that F150 in your avatars tyre. You don't need a ton of power and sophisticated electronics to have fun.

 

[Cano]

Overall, those cars are cool for other reasons. 276hp is a lot more power than 63, so the limit doesn't affect the car as much.

So, if a car that follows a power limit has almost 300 hp, it is not uncool, yet if it has 63 it is, even if your main argument against the Autozam is that it follows a power limit?

Dude you're outdoing yourself. Really 👍

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Pretty much sums up all the Cool Wall threads...

Is that why you no longer post? I've only seen a few double standards but most arguments don't boil down to one member being bigoted and then the other member becoming a hypocrite and doing the same thing. It boils down to the overly nationalistic American's in here that were raised in a mainly high strung conservative back ground and take those sometimes inane ideas and try to stretch it around the globe in what defines a cool car. Famine brought up a great point that if Jmoney is going to complain that a car isn't cool because of regulations in that nation, then why not be consistent and also complain about the cars in his own nation that still are controlled by regulation despite political affiliation.

The simplest thing to do as I've said to those that whine they're being picked on is not comment at all. And if the urge is so utterly strong they can't resist doing so then just keep it simple, dont dive into rhetoric that gives people reason to break you down.

 

[JMoney]

Kei cars also weigh as much as that F150 in your avatars tyre. You don't need a ton of power and sophisticated electronics to have fun.

An AZ-1 has a hp/kg ratio of .084. My truck, modifications included, has a hp/kg ratio of .112.

A pickup truck, a vehicle designed for utility use, has a better power-to-weight ratio than this "sports car". And guess what? My truck doesn't even have a V8.

Is that why you no longer post? I've only seen a few double standards but most arguments don't boil down to one member being bigoted and then the other member becoming a hypocrite and doing the same thing. It boils down to the overly nationalistic American's in here that were raised in a mainly high strung conservative back ground and take those sometimes inane ideas and try to stretch it around the globe in what defines a cool car. Famine brought up a great point that if Jmoney is going to complain that a car isn't cool because of regulations in that nation, then why not be consistent and also complain about the cars in his own nation that still are controlled by regulation despite political affiliation.

The simplest thing to do as I've said to those that whine they're being picked on is not comment at all. And if the urge is so utterly strong they can't resist doing so then just keep it simple, dont dive into rhetoric that gives people reason to break you down.

How about no? I'm a member here just like you and I have every right to post my opinion. It takes both of us to argue.

 

[Furinkazen]

An AZ-1 has a hp/kg ratio of .084. My truck, modifications included, has a hp/kg ratio of .112.

A pickup truck, a vehicle designed for utility use, has a better power-to-weight ratio than this "sports car". And guess what? My truck doesn't even have a V8.

You entirely miss the point. You don't need a lot of power or a large car to have fun.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

An AZ-1 has a hp/kg ratio of .084. My truck, modifications included, has a hp/kg ratio of .112.

A pickup truck, a vehicle designed for utility use, has a better power-to-weight ratio than this "sports car". And guess what? My truck doesn't even have a V8.

That is in no way indicative that it will perform on a track better or street because now you have to take in the overall dimensions and the obvious fact your truck is going to have far more body roll than this tiny car. So now we go into balance of all things.

How about no? I'm a member here just like you and I have every right to post my opinion. It takes both of us to argue.

Where do I in my post say you can't argue, you complain during the entire process about being treated unfairly or implying as if we have it out against you. W&N gets as much crap as you and he doesn't do that even. So once again if it's an issue that you feel you're mistreated either report it or just avoid posting and getting into arguments, if you don't care then keep doing what you're doing, but I'm in no way saying "shut up don't post". You might want to re-read.

And now you're just getting defensive for no reason...

 

[Downhill Dino]

This thread is cute. Like the car. Honestly didn't expect this upon nominating the car, not sure why I didn't see it coming.

 

[Famine]

Overall, those cars are cool for other reasons. 276hp is a lot more power than 63, so the limit doesn't affect the car as much.

Good job they aren't limited to 112mph because of legislation.

Oh, wait.

An AZ-1 has a hp/kg ratio of .084. My truck, modifications included, has a hp/kg ratio of .112.

A pickup truck, a vehicle designed for utility use, has a better power-to-weight ratio than this "sports car".

What does power-to-weight ratio have to do with being a sports car?

 

[Cano]

That is in no way indicative that it will perform on a track better or street because now you have to take in the over dimensions and the obvious fact your truck is going to have farm more body roll than this tiny car. So now we go into balance of all things.

But the power dude, THE POWERRRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

[Turtle]

That is in no way indicative that it will perform on a track better or street because now you have to take in the overall dimensions and the obvious fact your truck is going to have far more body roll than this tiny car. So now we go into balance of all things.

Psh, don't you know anything about cars? More power = more fun.

 

[Furinkazen]

Psh, don't you know anything about cars? More power = more fun.

I hope that was sarcasm.

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

Psh, don't you know anything about cars? More power = more fun.

You're right, I'm ashamed I have a lot to learn, I better call up my old man and tell him to quit asking me advice about engines and what not...


*note: Also remember all American cars need to have a V8, maybe the 6.2 Twin Scroll supercharged Hemi Hellcat since that is the American way

 

[Turtle]

I hope that was sarcasm.

Sorry, I forgot my [sarcasm] tags.

Luckily the guy I was being sarcastic with matched my sarcasm with more sarcasm.

 

[Panoz]

Putting this video here, goes along with my previous post here.



AZ-1 and Cappuccino. Sports car K-cars.

 

[niky]

The problem with that is, coolness and, for lack of a better word, bad:censored:ery are quite related.

And we're back to the 70's hairy-chested gold chain rhetoric. Come full circle. Tell me, you do you have a pirate hoop ear-ring, by any chance?

I don't think you understand what coolness is. It's not what I think, it's about what others think.

Wrong.

It's about what everyone thinks.

You and your small subset of friends don't define cool alone.

Me and my small subset of friends don't define cool alone.

If this were the case, Bieber would be the coolest thing on Earth, because he has a very big subset of fans.

Coolness is arrived at by consensus.

And currently, the consensus is leaning towards cool.

Good job they aren't limited to 112mph because of legislation.

I laughed so much harder than I should.

 

[RDF97]

Seriously uncool. The most undignified sports car of all time - provided that you can call it a sports car at all.

 

[McLaren]

Pretty much sums up all the Cool Wall threads...

As if it wasn't like you contributed to it at all yourself, right?

Not surprising to see all you do now is like every silly, Pro-'Merica posts boasting about power>all. But, that's better than you adding in your worthless 2 cents.

 

[Tornado]

Is that why you no longer post?

Something about ironing, I think.