DVD Review - Best Motoring Number 6

Best Motoring International 6 (The 350Z Shock)
Running Time:	85 minutes
Rating:	G
Country of Origin:	Japan
Video Format:	PAL DVD
Price:	AUS$38.94 (US$24.75) through the AutoSpeed Shop

The release of a new Best Motoring DVD is a much-anticipated event - it's like waiting to see what's in this year's Christmas stocking. Much unlike Santa, though, the Best Motoring crew never fails to deliver just what you want...

Arguably the most popular go-fast DVD production series in existence, the Best Motoring team - which is based in Japan - have built a great amount of experience and, not surprisingly, their professionalism and production quality stand out like beacons. The latest in the series - Best Motoring 6 - dedicates nearly half of its running time to the new Nissan 350Z; the car that's currently causing a big stir in both the USA and Japan.

With a crisp American voice-over, the Japanese-filmed Best Motoring 6 begins with just over three-quarters of an hour of coverage on the 350Z. Take in some of the history of the mighty Zed and then "take an in-depth look at this awesome car." A so-called "Mechanism Analysis" gets you beneath the Zed checking out its hidden technology and uncompromising approach to handling. Follow the finger pointer (apparently the norm in Japan, but a big laugh for us!) and peer at the undertray, the massive 34mm front swaybar, aluminium suspension components, extensive underside bracing and the GT-R spec brakes - which reportedly give the 100kg lighter Zed superior braking to its ultra high-performance stalemate. That controversial rear strut member - which ensures "you won't be able to pick up friends from the airport" - is also uncovered and the integration into the body structure is illustrated. A discussion with one of Nissan's chief engineers then describes the importance of the weight distribution, "zero lift" aerodynamics, the carbon fibre tailshaft, the extensive cat converter and necessary low emission equipment. A good technical overview here.

The Zed's all-important performance is then assessed by a professional driver in public road conditions and on the track in two separate tests - a high-speed stability check and a drift/VDC check. The winding road test includes comments on the car's feel and response and, of course, it gets flicked around quite spectacularly. The Motegi Speedway then sets the scene for 180 km/h slalom checks and some close-to-the-wall speed.

Keiichi Tsuchiya - without question one of the most charismatic 'stars' of the DVD - takes the Zed onto the track to test its drift-ability and its fun-stopping VDC system. Despite his considerable drift talent, Tsuchiya struggles to get the car hanging it out and comes to the conclusion it's a car that can only be drifted given high momentum (ie you can only get it loose at fairly high speed).

The final assessment of the 350Z is on the Tsukuba racetrack, where it squares off against a Porsche Boxster (not the potent S model), a Honda S2000 and a Japanese-spec BMW M3. The Tsukuba battle shows some very interesting traits in each of the cars; the late-braking Honda S2000 is particularly exiting to watch! The winner of that challenge should come as no surprise, though...

If, like us, you've overloaded on the 350Z by now you'll appreciate the variety through the second part of the DVD.

After the introduction of the "new type assistant", the 2L New Type NAs segment is next to hit your screen; a tuned Honda S2000 and circuit-ready Toyota MR-S (aka MR-2) that just happens to be equipped with a 190hp Celica VVT-i engine do battle against a much more muscular pair of challengers. You wouldn't expect there to be much of a contest against a 280hp Nissan S14 or 320hp S15, would you? Well, the S14s and S15s clearly display why they make such good drift machines as they try to chase down the high revving and more agile NA screamers. You won't believe how hard the MR-S gets driven; brakes are obviously for wimps!

The new type assistant then introduces you to the Altezza, which has been tuned with parts out of the TRD parts bin. Go in-car around a race circuit, watch the tacho needle hit 9000 and keep a close eye on the handling attitude of the car through the bends - as the test driver says, "this car has great footwork."

The push for NA cars is furthered with the 2L VTEC challenge, which sees the modified S2000 (as seen previously) take things up to an EK9 Civic (beefed up with a 2-litre VTEC motor) and a H22 Accord Euro R with a 2.2-litre VTEC.

While the weight of the Accord has an obvious effect on straight-line speed, the cars finish surprisingly close; the S2000 holds a traction advantage on up-hill acceleration, but the front-drivers are able to tackle a couple of corners without need to lift off the throttle; the S2000 driver attempts this same approach in desperation on the last lap and, well, nearly becomes part of the scenery... Only razor-sharp driving catches the wayward rear-end.

The performance-driving envelope gets pushed even further with the final segment - the awesome Gansai Touge Showdown.

For those unaware, the Touge is a closed stretch of road that winds through the mountains flanked by large embankments and drop-offs with wire mesh 'catch nets'. Two cars set off down the 'track' one behind the other, and it really is the perfect controlled environment to push the limits of a car in conditions somewhat like a real public road.

The Best Motoring team love a bit of corn, so it's no shock that the segment starts off with a cheesy acting segment where an "old geezer" (played by the always amusing Tsuchiya) pulls up alongside a V-spec II R34 GT-R in his tuned AE86 Levin Sprinter. After a bit of ribbing, the pair roar off down the Touge and - despite not having AWD, ABS, wishbone suspension, high down-force body kit or monster brakes - the old Toyota somehow manages to cause an upset; but not without some truly spectacular driving! Tsuchiya pours, "this car gets me all fired up!"

Then the real challenge begins. First, its the tuned Honda Integra Type R versus the 280hp Nissan S14, as seen earlier in the DVD, while the second battle sees that awesome Celica-engine'd MR-S up against the 320 horse Nissan S15. Marvel at the left foot braking, the incredible entry speeds and constant steering correction required to get the most out of the little Toyota. A crazed laugh at the end of a brilliant drive confirms Tsuchiya is happy with the result!

And that takes you to the credits of this highly viewable, professionally created 85-minute production.

Available only in PAL DVD format, Best Motoring 6 carries a G-rating and is available for AUD$38.94 (US$24.75) plus delivery through the AutoSpeed shop. Visit the AutoSpeed Shop for details.

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