GT5 Transcripts/Honda ARTA NSX (JGTC) '00

During the 2000 racing season of the Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC), the flamboyant No. 8 ARTA NSX was a crowd favorite. The reason: it was piloted by a couple of racing superstars. The team consisted of former Formula 1 driver Aguri Suzuki and "Drift King" Keiichi Tsuchiya. For the first half of the season the duo drove the somewhat outdated 1999 race NSX, but starting with the 4th race at Fuji Speedway, they switched to the 2000 model, which underwent significant changes to improve handling. Honda engineers placed and idler gear between the output shaft and transmission, as well as incorporating thinner and more compact gears, like that of Formula cars, in the gearbox. As a result, the exhaust pipes that once ran under the engine were moved around the sides, allowing the engine to be lowered for improved center-of-gravity.
Suzuki and Tsuchiya praised the new, revived NSX, saying "not only does it just corner better, it feels improved in every aspect, from lowered air resistance to better brakes. It grips more in the front and much more in the rear, which allows it to stick to the surface like glue. It feels just like a Formula car." Their appreciation translated to a win right away. After that, things went downhill as the team experienced mechanical difficulties throughout the rest of the season. When it was over, the ARTA NSX placed 13th overall.
Category:GT5 Transcripts