A circuit-specification car that focuses on more sporty driving
Osaka Auto Messe (OAM) 2024 was held at Intex Osaka from 10-12 February 2024 and attracted over 210,000 car enthusiasts. Amongst the customized imported cars that graced the event, the Osaka pro-shop Trial booth displayed two Abarth 595s, both of which are track cars. We take a closer look at their circuit-spec cars.
The car has been well received, with plenty of benefits on the street
One is a demo car with parts from VIITS, a brand launched by the well-known HKS for European cars, and made into an all-mighty street-specification car that can be used by any rider or driving stage. Trial produced a circuit-specification car that is more focused on sports driving, while also considering general roads.
The power system is based around an HKS exhaust system, a boost controller, and an original ECU that has been carefully set up. Although the exact power and torque have yet to be measured, the boost has been increased to 1.6-1.7kgf/cm2, and the low-speed torque and boost rise characteristics have been improved.
While it naturally affects circuit times and ease of handling, users who have test-driven the vehicle have commented that it also benefits them on the street. The suspension that receives the increased power and transfers it to the road surface is HKS’ VIITS-R, designed for speed and fun on the circuit. While the springs of the orthodox VIITS are 5 kg/cm2 front and rear, they are 16 kg/mm front and 9.5 kg/mm rear, making them a good match for the high-grip tires.
Machine makeup that does not compromise the high-quality ride quality
While both models share the same specifications of 30-level damping force adjustment, full-length adjustable damping, and pillow-upper mounts, the circuit-spec model pursues further driving performance with features such as the VIITS-R’s exclusive LVS spring and caster adjustment. An OS Giken Super Lock LSD is also fitted for traction, and the car is set up to pull the body forward on corner exits. Toyo Tires’ Proxess R888R motorsport radial tires were selected for the suspension, and the team plans to further refine the suspension through repeated testing on the circuit.
In the cabin, the left and right seats have been replaced with full bucket seats. The driver’s seat is a top-of-the-range Recaro Pro Racer RMS2600A, while the passenger seat is a standard RS-GS. Even though it is a demo car, there is no one-off or special modification at all, only a combination of commercially available parts that anyone can get their hands on, and the skillful machine make-up that does not spoil the high-quality ride is the workmanship of a well-established tuning shop.
By the way, at the Okayama International Circuit, which is our target, the time is in the 1:54s range at the moment, but this is when the suspension was normal VIITS. We await further news on how much progress will be made with the introduction of the VIITS-R and the Proxess R888R.
translated by DeepL