As with previous years of competition, 25 points is the highest score that a contestant can obtain within the Gross Display of Horsepower (GDH) test. Unlike other tests, which all use a weighted points scoring system, every point here counts as a full overall point toward the competition. A win here certainly won't define a car but it sure could affect the outcome if the race is close enough.
Some may cry that the GDH test has nothing to do with whether a car is an "ultimate" street car or not. But, let me tell you, we are looking for a monstrous and fun streetcar that can slide and roast its hides at will, if the need may arise. This contest is called the Ultimate Street Car Challenge for a reason and one of our main criteria is that a car has to have that certain mojo. It just isn't ultimate if the car is not willing and able to produce smoke, perform donuts, and slide sideways for a mere 30 seconds. Even F1 cars do donuts as their last dance, so don't give us any lip about how a car is too good for the GDH test. If you think that way then my fellow judge, Scott Tsuneishi, editor of Turbo magazine, will give you a 0 for building such a sissy of a car. I'm a little bit nicer.
The R35 GT-R had very little smoke and not a lot of angle on its sliding. We're not sure if any of the electronic controls were deactivated or interfering, but none of the 400-plus wheel horsepower were to be seen. There was just a lot of understeer, followed by sudden stops, over and over. On the other hand, the older R32 Skyline GT-R showed its younger, but bigger, brother how it's really done. Owner Joe Rigonan, who claimed to have never done this before, had the soon-to-be-deported, white Skyline sliding around the skid pad after pulling the AWD fuse and disconnecting the front wheels.
The V-8-powered Audi Coupe Quattro was the only other AWD that showed any form of potential in this category. Accompanied by a bellowing engine soundtrack, the 034 Motorsport Quattro spun like a top and disappeared into the midst of its own smoke. It put the other AWD entries-the Impreza L, Evo VIII and Evo X-to shame in our book, which mostly displayed futile efforts at fighting gross understeer.
Rear-wheel-drive cars have the definite advantage in this test and hot shoe driver Billy Johnson showcased his drift monkey moves with Cheston Chiu's 350Z. The twin-turbo Z used the entire skid pad to slide and carve off any remaining rubber that had survived the 110-degree heat of the day. There were little expectations for the front-drive Mazda3, but Johnson got behind the wheel and showcased a judicious use of the e-brake. A massive, reverse into Second gear burnout sealed the Mazda's impressive run.
But this competition once again belonged to the madmen from Groma Fabrication. Mirroring their performance from last year, the BMW guys had the 325i's throttle on the floor the entire 30 seconds, with detachable steering wheel waving outside the window. It was obvious that they were on a mission to blow the German V-8 motor right there on the spot. The red Bimmer smoked like Bob Marley and revved so high, most of the crowd lost their hearing. Who cares how they fared in the other categories? They are still the undisputed GDH champs for the second year in a row. The burnt smell of their Toyo R888s, lingering long after the event was over, only proved their determination in this competition. -Taro Koki