ForzaTimes

Tsukuba Circuit, Japan-

As the official production model AZT 22b rolled out of the pits, I could see the effort that had been spent since the last visit. As mentioned late last month, this is a serious machine with a serious tune, the only thing not final was the paint. Although I liked the plain yellow model, this one looks much more like a Tsukuba special.

Painted by Hashiriya, he knows something about Tsukuba paint. As the designer of some of the most desired Tsukuba cars ever created, he quickly offered his design help on the first Subaru into the 52-second range. I thought about the paint that it should look original yet simplistic, and the 22b seemed like too big a challenge. Odd body lines make striped schemes difficult at best, and seem to interrupt the flow of the car. Thankfully, Hashiriya had no such trouble. The yellow and black test car had become known as the Killer B around the paddock, and the mind behind the Tsukuba Express took that idea and ran with it. Finished in the same base yellow, he continued the Killer B theme, with honeycomb squares and alternating stripe patterns to add some personality. The brilliant result is a paint that keeps the body flowing even on the starting grid.

Once the flag drops, the beauty of this car switches focus from the paint to the tune. Storming off the line into turn one, you set up the entry, turn the wheel, and hit the brakes way too early. Evo drivers beware, this 22b has almost too much stopping power. The obvious benefit being later braking points, the downside is that you may never look at your favorite Evo the same way again.

After getting used to the outstanding brakes, I turned my attention to the turn-in characteristics. One word describes it: quick. The Killer B allows you to take several different lines for a variety of situations. Turn in too late? Check. Need to pass someone? Check. Miss a braking marker? Yeah right. Even if you should make a mistake, the Killer B has you covered. What makes this car calm and controlled in Hotlap makes it a destroyer in Multiplayer.

Also note that there is also a “real world” track tune that is slightly easier for some drivers and has been very competitive on all but the fastest (think: Stingray) Hotlap tracks.

With several #1’s on the leaderboard, a 52-second Tsukuba lap and a host of top positions, this is a serious contender that now looks as good as it runs. If you see this car coming out in the lobby, watch out. At best, you’ve got a battle on your hands. At worst, you’re about to get left behind.