On “OgiYahagi’s Car History”

Previously, on BS Nippon TV’s “OgiYahagi’s Car History NO CAR, NO LIFE!”, Masataka Matsutoya, well known as the host of Car Graphic TV and a passionate car enthusiast, appeared. He’s not only a music producer but also a motor journalist—a truly multi-talented person.

In the show, Matsutoya’s beloved Porsche “911 GT3 (996.1 MT)” was featured.

*Image source: OgiYahagi’s Car History “Masataka Matsutoya”

This 911 GT3 was known as the “911 closest to a race circuit” because it was equipped with the engine used in the car that conquered Le Mans. It was the first model to switch from air-cooled to water-cooled engines, launched in 1999 as a limited edition of 1,400 units. Due to its huge popularity, production was increased, and eventually, 1,889 units were made. It inherited the position of the Carrera RS from the air-cooled era, and car enthusiasts who felt “normal Porsches just aren’t enough” eagerly bought it.

Also, this car is praised as the “first generation, manual transmission, with excellent suspension”, and among the many cars owned by Masataka Matsutoya, it ranks in his “Top 3.”

The Golden Rule for Porsche (Manual) Drivers

While watching, thinking “Wow, this Porsche is truly a classic,” Matsutoya began to talk about “the golden rule for Porsche (manual) drivers (those who have driven since the 930 model).”

Apparently, Porsche drivers “do not press the accelerator when starting off.”

First, you release the clutch, and the moment the car starts to move slightly, only then do you press the accelerator. According to Matsutoya, “People who immediately rev the engine at the start don’t really know Porsche.”

That’s totally me… ((；ﾟДﾟ)

Because Porsches have plenty of torque, it’s okay not to rev the engine at the start. At driving school, with a Comfort car, you actually had to press the accelerator to get moving, so I thought “manual cars require some throttle at the start.” But even among manual cars, the driving method varies greatly depending on the model. (Though comparing a Porsche to a Comfort is a bit unfair!)

By the way, next month, I’m planning to ask my mother-in-law to babysit again so my husband and I can practice driving the Boxster GTS (manual). I can’t wait to drive smoothly through the city in the Boxster.