The Gentlemens Agreement
Discussion
In my view it has been a mixed thing.
As you say, perhaps the NSX was hampered by it.
On the other hand. Although we all know that GTR's, Supra's, EVO's and STi's have been loose in their adherance to the 276BHP limit they have remained reasonably close to it.
Then we have the German cars. AMG Merc's with 300-400-500-600BHP over the last few years and BMW and Audi needing to reply with similar outputs.
All this time the Japanese cars have looked to chassis development primarily for speed gains.
Helps keep a balance and ensured not all cars are just power dependent.
Also I suspect most JDM cars that are near the 276BHP limit are built with the knowledge that owners will soon unplug the bungs that the manufacturer fits to ensure compliance.
As you say, perhaps the NSX was hampered by it.
On the other hand. Although we all know that GTR's, Supra's, EVO's and STi's have been loose in their adherance to the 276BHP limit they have remained reasonably close to it.
Then we have the German cars. AMG Merc's with 300-400-500-600BHP over the last few years and BMW and Audi needing to reply with similar outputs.
All this time the Japanese cars have looked to chassis development primarily for speed gains.
Helps keep a balance and ensured not all cars are just power dependent.
Also I suspect most JDM cars that are near the 276BHP limit are built with the knowledge that owners will soon unplug the bungs that the manufacturer fits to ensure compliance.
i think it was there because not everyone could build a powerful car i think it was to keep it even over the manafacturers.
of course now it's crap cos only jap manafacturers had the agreement, so ferrari and BM and everyone else slowly hiked there power.
i think now they wave the agreement as i'm sure the STi comes out the factory at more than 276bhp
of course now it's crap cos only jap manafacturers had the agreement, so ferrari and BM and everyone else slowly hiked there power.
i think now they wave the agreement as i'm sure the STi comes out the factory at more than 276bhp
I've never seen any evidence of this 'agreement' .. I think it's an internet myth.
The issue was they were compeating in the JGTC, and the rules allowed 2 classes, GT300 and GT500 (300/500bhp in each group).
All the JDM cars were in the lower group, which I think capped the power of the road cars.
The issue was they were compeating in the JGTC, and the rules allowed 2 classes, GT300 and GT500 (300/500bhp in each group).
All the JDM cars were in the lower group, which I think capped the power of the road cars.
Bibbs said:
I've never seen any evidence of this 'agreement' .. I think it's an internet myth.
What other reason would there be to explain why all JDM Impreza STi's, Evo's, GTR's and NSX models from about 96 on had peak power listed as 276BHP?
Certainly not a coincidence.
The issue has been addressed in several magazines and often mentioned on the BMI videos.
i'm sure it does exist, but its gotta be a bit like the German manufacturers agreement to not make a car the does over 155mph... doesnt stop them making a faster car, but it does mean they artificially limit them, and there are the occasional models that are unlimited...
wasnt it all done to reduce emissions or something equally stupid... the idea that less power and/or less speed would mean the manufacturers would use smaller engines etc (which obviously doesnt work)
wasnt it all done to reduce emissions or something equally stupid... the idea that less power and/or less speed would mean the manufacturers would use smaller engines etc (which obviously doesnt work)
Is it not something far more sensible like a tax bracket. There was/is? a similar thing in Germany which resulted in alot of models being capped at 286bhp. My 540i was capped there and the E39 4.4l 540i also has exactly the same bhp despite being a better and larger engine.
May be irrelivent in Japan of course but there are business reasons for these things in Europe.
May be irrelivent in Japan of course but there are business reasons for these things in Europe.
Message Board | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff