On the subject of drift, are you familiar with Formula D?
I'm interested in it, but you can't find it in Japan.
Are there any plans to include Formula D content on GT-TV?
We want to contact them and see if we can set something up.
As good as Prologue is, what can we expect in the full version of GT 5?
To be honest, I haven't given a lot of thought to GT 5, so I don't have an answer. And it's too early to talk about GT 5 because we still have updates coming out for Prologue.
Is there an ETA on GT 5?
It won't be this year and nothing's scheduled for next. It may be out in 2010, but like I said, we haven't really discussed it yet.
What many people don't know is that you've helped with some of the development on the new GT-R.
Yes. We were involved in the design of the Multi-Function meter, the information system that went into the R35 GT-R. I'm personal friends with a lot of the engineers developing the cars at Nissan, so we always have something going on. But that's not just limited to Nissan; we have contacts with other companies as well.
I heard that you were involved with the design of the body kits for a few of the Nissans.
For the Z33 and the Skyline coupe (G35) we designed some of the aero parts, like the front bumper, rear wing, and the side skirts.
How did you learn design?
I never studied design or anything, but I've liked to draw since childhood. It's the same thing for programming; it was something that I liked to do as a hobby.
How do you like the new GT-R?
I have one. It's a very fine car, but I'm waiting for the Spec V to come out.
What other cars do you own?
I have a Porsche GT3, a fully tuned Z33 and S2000, a Mercedes SL55 AMG, and a Ford GT.
What have you done to the Z33?
Mainly body modifications. It has a rollcage and the body's been reinforced. The sheet metal in the front of the car is twice as thick to increase rigidity. The engine is normally aspirated and puts out 355 ps. What I wanted is a high-performance car that doesn't have body roll, but is very comfortable to drive. It took almost a year for all the chassis modifications to be completed.
Did you ever take it to the track?
Yes, of course! I ran a 1:04 at Tsukuba in my fully tuned Z33, and a 1:01 in my carbon-fiber S2000.
Wow. What's been done to the S2000?
A lot. All the body panels are now made of carbon. It weighs 930 kg (2,050 pounds) and puts out 280 ps, and is really easy to drive. Opera did all the work.
So, will we be able to win a Kazunori-spec Z33 or S2000 in Prologue pretty soon?
The Amuse GT1 aero kit is in the game already. I designed that body kit. The body kit I designed for the Z33 is also in the game.
Are there going to be any cars from Japanese tuners in the game?
We have plans for the HKS time attack car.That would be pretty damn cool. Do you have a favorite racetrack?Nurburgring. It's the most fun to drive. I ran a 9:40 in the rain in the new GT-R. I want to go back in dry weather. I think I can knock off another minute.
Besides GT, are there any other games that you play?
No, not really.
Not even other driving games?
No. It's more fun to drive real cars.
If you had one car to pick to keep in your garage what would it be?
The Ferrari F430 Scuderia was a nice car to drive. It was almost a full race car. It's hard to say, but I'd have to say the new GT-R.
We couldn't agree more.