In Memory: Hiromu Naruse
06-24-10, 10:54 AM
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In Memory: Hiromu Naruse
There will be hundreds of armchair analysis about the LFA accident.
For those fortunate enough to know him or just meet him- let us share in this thread what we know of him- and remember him as one of the Legends of Toyota:
A master car craftsman
Naruse had a near-legendary standing in the top gun world of professional test driving. He was probably the most respected Japanese driver at the Nurburgring.
After joining Toyota in 1963 as a mechanic he was nearly assigned to the accounting division due to his mastery of the abacus. Fortunately Naruse ended up in vehicle evaluation and engineering, where he spent a career fettling cars which were almost at odds with Toyota’s conservative image.
It was Naruse’s move to Switzerland in 1970, where he fulfilled a crucial role in the formative years of Toyota’s motorsport division, which saw his him hone the driving skills that would gain him renown at various European circuits. Naruse was a driving force behind Toyota’s debut participation in the fabled Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps endurance races.
Naruse’s influence on rear-wheel drive Toyota performance cars was all encompassing. From the seminal 2000GT to the contemporary LFA (not discounting all those MR2s and Supras in between) final production approval was only given if the car in question possessed performance and dynamic finesse meeting Naruse’s exacting standards. Naruse always referred to this process of dynamic validation as "automotive seasoning".
Beyond his key role as chief test driver, Naruse was also company CEO Akio Toyoda's personal on-track driver and head of the Gazoo racing team – which runs the Lexus LFA cars that won their class at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours.
For those fortunate enough to know him or just meet him- let us share in this thread what we know of him- and remember him as one of the Legends of Toyota:
A master car craftsman
Naruse had a near-legendary standing in the top gun world of professional test driving. He was probably the most respected Japanese driver at the Nurburgring.
After joining Toyota in 1963 as a mechanic he was nearly assigned to the accounting division due to his mastery of the abacus. Fortunately Naruse ended up in vehicle evaluation and engineering, where he spent a career fettling cars which were almost at odds with Toyota’s conservative image.
It was Naruse’s move to Switzerland in 1970, where he fulfilled a crucial role in the formative years of Toyota’s motorsport division, which saw his him hone the driving skills that would gain him renown at various European circuits. Naruse was a driving force behind Toyota’s debut participation in the fabled Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps endurance races.
Naruse’s influence on rear-wheel drive Toyota performance cars was all encompassing. From the seminal 2000GT to the contemporary LFA (not discounting all those MR2s and Supras in between) final production approval was only given if the car in question possessed performance and dynamic finesse meeting Naruse’s exacting standards. Naruse always referred to this process of dynamic validation as "automotive seasoning".
Beyond his key role as chief test driver, Naruse was also company CEO Akio Toyoda's personal on-track driver and head of the Gazoo racing team – which runs the Lexus LFA cars that won their class at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours.
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06-24-10, 03:25 PM
#9
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His legacy will live on though. In more than just his driving, but in the cars. The LFA isn't the only one. There are rumors on about Toyota introducing his pet projects from GRNM- Gazoo Racing Nurburgring Meister, which was his title; consisting of the MRS hybrid with 400HP in total, and another hybrid rumored to be the new Supra from the FT-HS concept featured a few years back.
They owe it to Naruse to follow through on his ideas. I pray that his legacy lives on in these cars as well as the LFA. I'm sure Akio Toyoda being the man that he is and being trained by Naruse will honor him with these cars.
They owe it to Naruse to follow through on his ideas. I pray that his legacy lives on in these cars as well as the LFA. I'm sure Akio Toyoda being the man that he is and being trained by Naruse will honor him with these cars.
06-24-10, 03:36 PM
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I am sure many in this forum are interested in his many other projects at Toyota. I will have a lot more info about Mr.LFA soon. I have tried to contact some Toyota Motorsport people in Japan- from the original 2000GT Trials Team, the newer GR members, LFA development team members- and other Toyota team principals.....
He was due to be here in the US, a couple of weeks from now- to try and develop LFA parts for the US market. Many were anticipating his visit- but are now in shock.
Although Naruse-san was the "public face" chosen by Toyota and GR, there are others who have the capability and dedication to continue the final development and refinement of the production cars and competition models coming.
Stay tuned.
He was due to be here in the US, a couple of weeks from now- to try and develop LFA parts for the US market. Many were anticipating his visit- but are now in shock.
Although Naruse-san was the "public face" chosen by Toyota and GR, there are others who have the capability and dedication to continue the final development and refinement of the production cars and competition models coming.
Stay tuned.
Last edited by TOYSPORT; 06-24-10 at 03:43 PM.
06-24-10, 09:58 PM
#15
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THANK YOU! My world has been a better place because of Hiromu Naruse. I've owned MR2s and Supras. I've experienced the fun of cars built to drive thanks to this man.
R.I.P. while we continue to enjoy the rich legacy you've left us!
R.I.P. while we continue to enjoy the rich legacy you've left us!