GTR > Gran Turismo Reviews > Scion FR-S

[eran0004]

I was gobsmacked by the monster that is the R34 GT-R. I drifted mad Alpines. I cringed at the madness of the Cerbera Speed-12. I laughed at the bonkers Espace F1. But nothing, and I mean nothing, is as bad in driving as this thing is.

Hang on... why are you comparing the Prius to those supercars? It's hardly in the same class as those. It's like testing a Ferrari F40 against a Volvo 245 and let the Volvo win because it has the bigger boot. When reviewing a car you need to think "what is the purpose of this car? What was it made to do?" and then test those aspects of it. The Prius was not meant to be a Cerbera Speed-12 so you can't say it's a failure because it isn't.

 

[Onboy123]

Hang on... why are you comparing the Prius to those supercars? It's hardly in the same class as those. It's like testing a Ferrari F40 against a Volvo 245 and let the Volvo win because it has the bigger boot. When reviewing a car you need to think "what is the purpose of this car? What was it made to do?" and then test those aspects of it. The Prius was not meant to be a Cerbera Speed-12 so you can't say it's a failure because it isn't.

No, he's basically saying that across the broad range of cars he's driven, the Prius is still the worse he's driven. An exaggeration, yes, but still sort of gets his point across.

 

[eran0004]

No, he's basically saying that across the broad range of cars he's driven, the Prius is still the worse he's driven. An exaggeration, yes, but still sort of gets his point across.

Alright... but the Speed 12 and the Prius has nothing in common. I'm more interested in knowing how it compares to other low powered FF cars, that's more relevant.

 

[Onboy123]

Alright... but the Speed 12 and the Prius has nothing in common. I'm more interested in knowing how it compares to other low powered FF cars, that's more relevant.

In Niku's mind, there is. One. Which is…both are dreadful in some respects. I guess it wouldn't hurt (me) to strap Niku into a Prius once more for a comparison against a CR-Z or something.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

In Niku's mind, there is. One. Which is…both are dreadful in some respects. I guess it wouldn't hurt (me) to strap Niku into a Prius once more for a comparison against a CR-Z or something.

Well, I never wanted to compare a Prius to a Cerbera, may that be confirmed. I know those cars have nothing in common. Like Onboy said, I was telling that I have driven a lot of cars, both good and bad, supercars and Kei cars, and still the Prius was the worst handling car I have ever driven.

If you guys wish, I'll strap myself into a normal CR-Z and clear any doubts on how the Prius compares to low-power FF cars.

 

[Onboy123]

If you guys wish, I'll strap myself into a normal CR-Z and clear any doubts on how the Prius compares to low-power FF cars.

No, no. You, sir, are going in the Prius.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

No, no. You, sir, are going in the Prius.

Oh well, I guess I have to do it, right? Either way, I have fixed a few things in the review, based on the feedback shown by some people. Thanks for pointing my dumb mistakes. 👍

 

[uMadson?]

Or the Insight.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Or the Insight.

Well, that is a similar idea, except it's done a bit better.

 

[VTiRoj]

The Insight kills the Prius, let alone the CR-Z which has a proper manual gearbox at its disposal. What you want to compare it to is a Kei-car like a Suzuki Cervo or some other economical hatchback that isn't a Honda.

 

[Onboy123]

The Insight kills the Prius, let alone the CR-Z which has a proper manual gearbox at its disposal. What you want to compare it to is a Kei-car like a Suzuki Cervo or some other economical hatchback that isn't a Honda.

💡 What's better as an investment…a MX5 or a Prius? Obviously, practicality tests are out, as we can't fill the boot of either with much ease…but long range economical-ness could be tested in a race with no pit stops…I suppose. And then…we can try other things to fill the gaps.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

The Insight kills the Prius, let alone the CR-Z which has a proper manual gearbox at its disposal. What you want to compare it to is a Kei-car like a Suzuki Cervo or some other economical hatchback that isn't a Honda.

I guess in your mind, Honda owns Toyota, right? But a Cervo has a 7-speed gearbox!

 

[VTiRoj]

💡 What's better as an investment…a MX5 or a Prius? Obviously, practicality tests are out, as we can't fill the boot of either with much ease…but long range economical-ness could be tested in a race with no pit stops…I suppose. And then…we can try other things to fill the gaps.

With the money you save from buying an MX-5, you don't need to worry about the added fuel costs.

You could do an economy test, but that would take hours would it not?

I guess in your mind, Honda owns Toyota, right? But a Cervo has a 7-speed gearbox!

No it's just straight up fact. No but seriously, the Insight and CR-Z are in a whole other league compared to the Prius. The Cervo also has 63bhp.

 

[uMadson?]

Economy tests on Route X is a go for me.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

With the money you save from buying an MX-5, you don't need to worry about the added fuel costs.

You could do an economy test, but that would take hours would it not?


No it's just straight up fact. No but seriously, the Insight and CR-Z are in a whole other league compared to the Prius. The Cervo also has 63bhp.

Well, I do love the Spoon CR-Z, it's the only hybrid I really like in this game. I have yet to drive the Insight.

 

[Duck]

Well, I do love the Spoon CR-Z, it's the only hybrid I really like in this game. I have yet to drive the Insight.

It's slower than the Toyota
The engine is 1.3 vs 1.8, and about 30-40CV apart. Drive feeling is almost the same.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Smooth Moves: Nissan Skyline Sedan (V36)

Skyline. A name that strikes fear and passion in equal terms, a name that shows the best Japan can do in terms of sports cars. But a few years back, Nissan changed the meaning of the name into something else. A people's champ that went to the big city and got fancy, if you say. However, some didn't like the change. Keichi Tsuchiya even called the car, quote, "a (Nissan) Cefiro!", which in car terms, it's kinda of a insult. The newfound luxury turned a sports car into a 5-series, and that's not bad, but with that sort of rival, Nissan should and could do better. And that leads us to this car.

This car is the Nissan Skyline 350 Type SP sedan. But you call it an Infiniti G35, because that is this model is. A 5 door lux filled sports sedan, with a V6 engine and loads of techno. But that doesn't mean this is a IS-F, because the mindset of this car is keeping its passengers calm and peaceful, and not breaking their spines with huge G-forces. A product of modern calm Nissan, rather than the mad high-speed one that created the old Skyline.

But in general terms, this car looks good. The lines don't feel heavy nor out of place, and the whole product feels smooth and somewhat attractive, which helps getting customers. It sure looks better than the ugly duck that was the V35.

When you look into the interior, you see plenty of similarities with the R35, including the button layout and the GPS system, which sadly only knows one destiny, "Nissan". Wonder where that is... But it is a confy looking cabin, which is not too shaby. Everywhere else, it's pretty much like the V35 sedan, so there aren't much shocking add-ons.

So, we then must drive it to see how it goes when you put all the leather and the GPS through its paces. Well, don't expect massive drifts nor amazing sound, this is, like I've said, a calm ride. The engine does its job well, gradually building speed and accel for the yes-man who likes a smooth ride. It does have over 300 hp, but those 300 hp are for bussinessman, not for Clarkson. And the 4WD traction gives you so much grip you need to rip off the wheels to knock it off its train tracks, and that takes a lot of time to happen...

It is indeed a calm ride, incredibly calm. And a bit boring. Yes, boring. If you're looking for a emotional ride, forget this one. This car does everything you want. If you're a yes-man, that is. And I'm not one of them, sadly.

The whole handling part is pretty solid, not much goes wrong when you drive this, because the car never strays far from its calm roots. It ain't that sporty, but it sure feels like one of those cars that you want to drive in a long straight road, with the windows down, cruising along at a reasonable speed. Along with the quiet V6 engine, it is a very easy going type of car, so Mr. Richman will be pleased with it when he buys it.

It's a good sedan, a calm ride that helps you relax after you had to race that nerd in the X2011 online. But then Madson will pass you by in his M5 and laugh at you, while speeding away into the sunset. Comparing to the V35, it is a better pick. But if you're looking for fun, nah, I'd pass. Even Nissan themselves sell the coupe version, which is basically a R35 that is RWD and doesn't look like a car that was smashed with a hammer. And then you have the RS4, the C63, etc...

So, it's not that fast nor is it a powerslide machine that smokes more than a AC\DC member, but you have better cars for that. If you wish for a sporty Japanese sedan, you buy a IS-F, even if a M5 can easely smoke it. So where does this car fits? Well, it fits in the... Ok, it doesn't have that much competition.

But in the end, it does its job well, regardless of the lack of emotion in its driving. And since the closest thing, the normal IS, isn't that good, its a good lux barge. It's kinda boring, though...

I do like this car, though. It's a relaxed drive, and I'm the kind of person that likes relaxing stuff. But when I race, I pick a Merc, thank you very much.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Sorry for the double post, but the review I just did is a bit incomplete, I will add more when I return from my quick trip to a boring place. So don't complain it's short, ok?

 

[uMadson?]

now that ain't how you do it. if it's unfinished yet released, call it a part 1 and then publish part 2 later on. and I lol'd at the M5 thing

also, a few things I want to point out. It's a V36 generation so that means it's a G37. and isn't this car an FR?

 

[Onboy123]

Sorry for the double post, but the review I just did is a bit incomplete, I will add more when I return from my quick trip to a boring place. So don't complain it's short, ok?

Then why you post in the first place?! Ah well, it's not like anyone's going read it.

Anyway...too many ideas, too little done. Best way to describe what we are doing right now. But one thing you can be certain of happening. 2 US icons, 6 or so cars between them, duking it out.

Not that it's going to matter to many, of course.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Then why you post in the first place?! Ah well, it's not like anyone's going read it.

Anyway...too many ideas, too little done. Best way to describe what we are doing right now. But one thing you can be certain of happening. 2 US icons, 6 or so cars between them, duking it out.

Not that it's going to matter to many, of course.

Well, I've made a few changes already, so at least it looks a bit more organized. But it ain't 100% done yet, I need to add a few more touches.

Viper vs 'Vette? I sense plenty of smoke coming this way... If you want, I'm down with some good ol' US of A madness...👍

 

[Niku Driver HC]

The cheapest way to have a Gullwing: Mazda Autozam AZ-1

Hello there. Today on G.T.R, we take a look at another piece of madness like only Japan can do, and this baby comes from Mazda.

The Kei class is the cheapest way to own a car in Japan. It's also the reason why you see so many old GT-R's for sale, because there are a lot of laws that benefit those who trade their old ride for a brand new shopping cart with a engine with the size of a pencil-sharpner. But even in such a restrict class, some brands pull their bonkers switch in order to capture the attention. Case in point, this car here.

The Autozam name was created by Mazda in the 80's, in order to identify their smallest cars. In terms of pyramid of brands in Mazda, Autozam is the base, followed by Eunos and Efini. The AZ-1 is, without a doubt, the most unique of all the Autozam cars. It was a Japan-exclusive, representing Mazda's answer to the niche known as "small Kei-cars that look like mini sports cars", that was composed of this, the Honda Beat, and the Suzuki Cappucino. But this badboy had a few tricks up its sleeve.

For instance, it had GULLWING doors. In a car this size? You bet. Not many people could claim they had a Kei car with gullwings on it, I'm sure. And it had MR traction. Kei cars usually had 4WD traction, but not this one, which makes the AZ-1 the cheapest MR car on the Premium market.

In terms of looks, this car is very similar to any 90's sport car, with a lot of square angles. Of course, since this is a Kei car, it does look kinda cute. It's like a small Ferrari, the mouse... It does feel quick like one too, although it doesn't have 300 hp. But the best looks of this car is when you slap a bodykit to it. It goes without saying that coupled with the silly breadvan horn, this car, when tuned, can be quite the cool novelty.

The interior is nothing special, the usual "black everything" kind of interior without a lot of excitement. The gullwing doors weren't only for show, they were choosen to benefit the car's quickness. The outer panels are made of plastic, like a Corvette, to keep the weight low, and with a ratio of 44:56 in weight, it's pretty well balanced as well. It packs a lot of know-how for a grocery getter...

Don't think this is a Clarkson car for a second. Although it may look like a Testarossa, it has to do with a 660 cc engine taken from the Mazda Carol (the 90's one, not the slug from the 60's). It might have a turbo, but overall power had to be restricted to 64 hp, in order to qualify it as a Kei. You will shout "POWAHHHH!", not because this is fast, but because you will struggle to hit 60 in this. Around the mini Autumun Ring, I never had to use 4th gear, the car didn't had the acceleration to reach that. The biggest kick you'll get out of this is when you hit a corner.

Thanks to a lighting quick steering, one that allows a 2.2 lock to lock ratio, you can feel the car cornering about, and the response is super fast when it comes to drive 'round such corner. And since this only weighs 720 kg, you can have some fun and games, even with the puny engine.

That MR traction can help when you want to giggle, because it is never 100% grip, more like 85%. It's kinda like when you drive a MR2, for a instance. Steady speed will get you a good clean pass, but when you go a bit too fast...

You make the f-ing tail slide. In a Kei car! Seriously,this has to be one the greatest fun moments you can have with a car. It's so lightweight, you will never feel bored driving around, because you can feel all the car's sistems working around a track. A Lotus-type experience? Could be.

Sadly, the AZ-1 bombed as a real car. It was too cramped, and too pricey. Couple that with a recession in Japan, and you get a financial fail. Mazda had to create several special Mazdaspeed versions only to shift the unsold stock of cars. Compare it to a Capuccino, and the AZ-1 loses, because the Cap looks cooler and has a RM option (which is kinda pointless, but never mind). And there aren't that many events to use this car properly,either. It's a fun little unique car, but the only thing going for it is the novelty factor.

 

[uMadson?]

good to see someone keeping this active while I'm just slacking off. I'm a bad editor-in-chief

 

[Niku Driver HC]

good to see someone keeping this active while I'm just slacking off. I'm a bad editor-in-chief

Never mind, get some ideas while you're on "vacation". Then, sucessfuly input those ideas on better reviews...

 

[Onboy123]

good to see someone keeping this active while I'm just slacking off. I'm a bad editor-in-chief

Don't get me started with you. I'd end up with a good few infractions if I were to let loose and say what I want to about you.

Also, yea, Niku, you knock yourself out for a bit, the place is yours for now. By the way…It's a Kei car…and do you know of someone who loves a certain Kei car more than he loves his…whatever?

Anyway, I'll join you with an overdue tribute and such in June, when exams and the like are done and dusted with. 👍

 

[jus1029]

Great review! 👍

This made me chuckle a bit.

See the Cappuccino

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Great review! 👍

This made me chuckle a bit.

See the Cappuccino

Haha, it's true. I didn't notice the Cap until I saw the pic better... "I'm staring at you, you filthy Mazda..." And thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.👍

 

[TomBrady]

I think Ongirl's just mad because the GT-R is faster around the Nurburgring than the Veyron.

HAHAHAha NO IT IS NOT. WHERE ARE YOU GETTING THAT FROM? Veyron can do 7:05 laps EASILY, the GT-R can't break 7:20. Get out of here man. You clearly can't drive if you're faster in the GT-R. That's just pathetic and ill informed

 

[DK]

HAHAHAha NO IT IS NOT. WHERE ARE YOU GETTING THAT FROM? Veyron can do 7:05 laps EASILY, the GT-R can't break 7:20. Get out of here man. You clearly can't drive if you're faster in the GT-R. That's just pathetic and ill informed

See here. 7'40 for the Veyron, 7'24.22 for the GT-R.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Hello again! A word of attention before reading this review. I recently stumbled across this great Gran Turismo car review site (Here's the link:http://www.gtcarreviews.com/), and I thought I could do a different style of review to refresh the thread somewhat. Hope you enjoy.

Personality twist: RKM Maserati Granturismo S

Specs

Drivetrain: FR
Horsepower: 648 BHP (@ 188.4 miles)
Torque:---- 65 kgfm
Weight:---- 1337 kg
PP:-------- 581

Exterior\History

So, we have a Masa here today. It comes from one of the most popular tunning garages in GTPlanet world, RKM. You don't know what RKM is? Stop reading. Seriously, don't bother reading. Go see the RKM thread, now! I don't care what you do, open another window, use IE, I don't care! See it!!! Ahem, sorry about that, but can't call yourself a tuner especialist if you haven't driven at least ONE RKM car. It's like Alfa Romeo and petrolheads.

This particular ride comes to us courtesy of Mr. Roj, one of the hardest working tuners in this site. Just check his tune list! He has something for everyone. Want a proper NSX? Call him. Want a rally GT86? Call him. Want a mighy power Audi RS6 to smash a R35? Call him. I had the pleasure of trying out one of Roj's cars, the beautiful Juliet, the proper answer to a Elise that doesn't have a horrible handling. I was more than impressed with that effort, so I decided to check another car of his. And that leads us to the Granturismo. This Maserati is beautiful, probably my favorite in terms of design. But sadly, it was too soft to scare Ferraris and the like. Compared to the rest of the Italian group, the Masa was the nerd that the other cars liked to pick on. So, Roj decided to give this car the proper heart that represents the legacy of Maserati's racing cars. In terms of looks, you get quite a lot of sheer beauty, and the new aero parts don't ruin the beauty at all. That's 500 bonus points for RKM already. You still get those beautiful round smooth angles, that glazing side profile, and the precious front. 5 stars out of 5 in this department.

By the way, doesn't this remind you of the brand new Viper? Wouldn't be totally silly to say so, after all, Viper belongs to Fiat now...

Engine\Drivetrain

The V8 poweplant, in stock guise, had some oomph, but it was too quiet and kind to give you that feeling of greatness you usually feel in other Italian sports cars. Not anymore. With 648 hp, the car can give others a run for their money. You can finally say the GT is fast enough to please you. The tranny was made to ensure you have smooth transitions, while the speed builts up. And that sound! I still remember the day I saw a real Granturismo speed past me in Oporto, and the gorgeous sound that made Pavarotti look like Big Time Rush. And here, you don't need music. Why would you bother to drown one of the best soundtracks in Maserati history? With all the best parts your credits can buy, the GT engine has risen above its previous smooth self. The true potential of this car has come.

Chassis\Handling

Here is the decisive turning point for the Masa. It wasn't a bad handler, mind you, but it was way too worried to spill your coffee to give you any kind of thrill. It was a DB9, and what people wanted was a DBS. And with this setup, you do get your DBS. It has far more feeling than before, it's more lively. You can still cruise along peacefully, but now you can shread some tires too. It has a split personality! And the best part? It's not perfect. You might be asking to yourself "You silly man, HC, what do you mean by that!?". I'll explain. If it was perfect, you would have a 599. And while a 599 is brilliant, it suffers from "R35 Syndrome", that being the lack of excite in driving the damm thing. In this, I can feel happy driving around, without any worries. You can drift along, and the car responds in a amazing manner. It won't kill you, it won't be a dangerous death trap. And it doesn't want to be Mr. Perfect, and thank God for that. If I want perfect, I'll buy a MP4, thank you very much.

It's truly a great car, this. Properly epic in any measure. Roj has done what PD couldn't bother to do, give us the best Granturismo possible, because PD didn't put the MC in here. Roj has. And for that, I thank him. Have a go in this, you won't be disapointed, I promise.