This page describes my thoughts on customizing cars, focusing on two interfaces that I, Rikutsu-Kone-Taro, pay attention to first, as well as my thoughts on the GR-DAT specification 2024 model GR Yaris.
Please note that the following content reflects my subjective opinion, filled with my usual arbitrary and biased views, so please proceed with that in mind.
Though I attempted to use Rikutsu-Kone-Taro’s style of expression, the essence boils down to the driver position and suspension.
As a premise, I must confess I’m an amateur driver. For an amateur driver to handle a car proficiently, improving the interface between the driver and the car should be the first point of focus.
In other words, customizing aspects such as the seat, shifter, and steering wheel surroundings to achieve a comfortable driving position. It would be even more appreciated if visibility could be improved (Photo 1).
Simultaneously, attention should also be paid to improving the interface between the car and the road surface, namely, the suspension. This includes aspects such as tires, wheels, spring rates, shock absorber damping, and alignment.
Fortunately, the GR Yaris RZHP had a reasonably decent car-to-road interface right out of the factory, so I could concentrate on the driver-to-car interface.
Regarding the car-to-road interface, recently, I installed adjustable suspension both front and rear (Photo 2 & 3).
So, the customization of Rikutsu-Kone-Taro’s GR Yaris RZHP reached a level that passed inspection and achieved a certain level of completion (Click here for details).
Now, I’m pumped up and ready to enjoy driving it to the fullest.
But then, right at that moment, the GR Yaris received a minor update announcement, which included significant improvements in the driver-to-car interface, such as redesigning the dashboard and lowering the seat position (Photo 4).
Furthermore, the car itself has been upgraded by approximately 10% in engine power compared to the 2020 model GR Yaris, and the strength of the chassis and shock absorber mounting points has been increased. Additionally, a high-speed multi-stage automatic transmission specification called GR-DAT has been added (Photo 5).
If a novice like Rikutsu-Kone-Taro were to drive it, the 2024 model GR Yaris GR-DAT specification would probably be significantly faster than the 2020 model GR Yaris I’ve lovingly tuned so far.
When technological advancements and improvements in product performance are considered, it should naturally be that way. Engineers wouldn’t tolerate maintaining the status quo.
But, somehow, it’s a bit frustrating… isn’t it?
So, I’ve decided to somehow purchase the 2024 model GR Yaris GR-DAT specification through various means, and challenge myself against the times and performance I achieved with the 2020 model + customizations + driving technique.
I want to take on the horsepower difference from the manufacturer and the refined AT with my own wisdom, ingenuity, and driving-teckniques.
If I’m the driver myself, the conditions will be just right.
If, with the skills unique to manual transmission cars and the customizations I’ve done so far, I can surpass the horsepower difference and GR-DAT, wouldn’t that mean I’ve reached the pinnacle of driving, in Rikutsu-Kone-Taro’s own style?
This way, I think Rikutsu-Kone-Taro’s driving skills will be honed to a certain extent.
It sounds intriguing.
I’m a little nervous.
If we’re only comparing the pleasure of the usual beautiful winding roads, nothing has changed from what I’ve been doing.
But if we want to quantify and compare, I’ll have to go to the circuit or something, which seems a bit troublesome and gloomy, but if that’s the most appropriate method, then there’s no helping it, so let’s give it a try.
The mileage of my other beloved car, the Nissan Note e-POWER 4WD, is steadily increasing, so maybe I’ll be able to purchase the 2024 model when it’s time to replace the Note.
Well, let’s think about it when the time comes.
In any case, it seems like I’ll end up owning two GR Yaris RZHPs in the future.
For some reason, I’m a little puzzled as to why I feel slightly burdened, but since I want to try it, I’ve decided to give it a go.
That all for now.
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