KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

This is a fun video to watch. I've had seat time in an R53 Mini Cooper S JCW (210hp stock for all of its light weight) and it's something to watch these two cars go head to head with each other. Note that the R53 Cooper S in this video is likely the 160hp non-JCW version and that the JDM/RHD Soarer V8 came with a quicker steering ratio than our USA LHD-spec SC's came with. No telling if the transmission is the stock automatic or what suspension or differential modifications (or factory differential options) this car has.

The most interesting thing to me is to watch the Soarer driver's racing line throughout the ten minutes. On one turn he very nearly loses it but quickly corrects. The difference between the two steering rack ratios also makes me wonder if common experience with SC steering input applies the same way to RHD Soarers on the track.

LEXXIUM

iTrader: (1)

I find that the soarer was just cruising, while the mini was screaming It's lungs out to keep up
soarer was no punk, the suspension could be a little stiffer, lots of the turns he took were pretty wide that could have been even tighter.
Cool video!!

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Just out for a mind cruise, that's all.



Looked like a frigid day out at the 'ring. I'm sure the tyres and cold concrete weren't playing along.

megamax

iTrader: (9)

so how is it a "soarer" if it's a v8?

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

UZZ30, UZZ31, and UZZ32 are all Soarers.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

^^ Yep. megamax, the 1991-2000 JDM Soarers also came in those above listed V8 trim levels from the first year of production. Same engine the SC400 got other than USA-specific emissions equipment. The Soarer series did not, however, offer the 1UZ-FE VVT-i V8 in later production years. Only we got that engine in the USA. The V8 option was discontinued for Japan altogether (4.0L engines have a high tax bracket in Japan) probably from JDM MY1996 onward when VVT-i 1JZ-GTE and VVT-i 2JZ-GE engines became standard.

megamax

iTrader: (9)

shocker!!!