The J’s Racing S2000 is one of the quickest cars on the Touge Showdown series. With extensive weight reduction, a frankly-unbelievable 320 horsepower from its normally-aspirated F22C, and plenty of grip from the 255-section tires front and rear, there’s nothing sluggish about this bright, eye-catching Honda. However, going up against the WRC Evo requires something extra in the performance department.

As with all modern WRC cars, the engines are heavily restricted to the range of 300 horsepower. Nevertheless, the stout little motor makes nearly 400 lb/ft of torque at 3500 rpm, and with that engine mated to a quick-shifting sequential gearbox, the acceleration is tough to match. Certainly, the atmospheric four-cylinder in the Honda has no chance of matching the WRC car on the Gunsai Touge’s straights.

300 horsepower and 400 lb/ft of torque give this red rocket a serious advantage on the straights, but it’s only one part of the performance equation.

The touge is about so much more than raw horsepower, however. With both cars running relatively mild setups to absorb the bumpy course filled with cambers and cracks, there seems to be some parity in the suspension department. However, the WRC car’s gravel tires result in sideways, tire-smoking antics. While this might seem to spell the end for the rally machine, the race’s start is preempted by ominous looking rainclouds.

Predictably, the Lancer Evo gets an amazing run on the straighter sections, encouraging the outspoken Tsuchiya to scream in admiration as he pursues. However, excessive oversteer means the WRC car is always within striking distance of the tuned S2000, which is the demonstrably quicker car in the corners. As the windshields of both machines collect raindrops, Tsuchiya in the S2000 begins to slide through the corners, maintaining a surprising amount of speed while moving sideways. The rally car follows in step, and the outcome is surprising, but not before the Drift King has a close call with the trees flanking the edge of the course. There’s no doubt, Tsuchiya was giving that run everything he had.