Picked up the R400 yesterday
Discussion
Just thought I'd give you my initial impressions after having the car for a day (pics will follow later). Luckily it was a dry and sunny day yesterday so I was able to feel all of the the 200 horses under my right foot and I have to say the power of this thing is unreal! Being a VHPD lump there's a huge amount of accelaeration under 6000rpm and then after that all hell breaks loose. Seriously, after 6000rpm this thing feels like it will take off. I took it out for a blast around my home territory and the handling is sublime and as for the power in between corners, well, breathtaking is one word for it! To put it in perspective, I was able to overtake 5 cars on a B-road both comfotably and safely with ease. Oh and then there's the noise! On full throttle gear changes there's an explosion from the exhaust, like a shotgun going off by my passengers left leg! The only problem I've found is an exhaust rattle at tickover which I will have a play with on saturday and then its down to Brands on sunday to watch a bit of historic/classic action.
I'd have to say that initial impressions would suggest that the R300 is a 'sweeter' handler than the R400 which is mainly down to the fact that the R300's power delivery is smoother. The kick the R400 produces at 6k rpm is awesome but does make it more of a challenge to get the power down at exactly the right time. However the flip side to this is that when you do get it absolutely right the satisfaction is even greater. I think the extra power will really come into it's own on the track but having experienced the R400 on one of my 'home' backroads this thing really does fly!
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