======================================================================= Initial D: Special Stage Car FAQ v 2.00 ======================================================================= Written by: GrAyEeWoLf Email: jeffrokkz2k1@yahoo.com FAQ Version: 2.00 For the PlayStation 2 game console Presented by Sega Developed by Sega Rosso Initial D created by Shuichi Shigeno Created on: March 1, 2004 Completed on: August 27, 2014 ======================================================================= Contents ======================================================================= 1. Version history 2. About this FAQ 3. Car FAQ Outline 4. The drivetrains 5. The cars 5.a. About 'Basic Tune' and 'Full Tune' 5.b. About 'No Tune' 5.1. TOYOTA 5.1.a. Trueno GT-Apex (AE86) 5.1.b. Levin GT-Apex (AE86) 5.1.c. Levin SR (AE85) 5.1.d. MR2 G-Limited (SW20) 5.1.e. MR-S (ZZW30) 5.1.f. Altezza RS200 (SXE10) 5.1.g. Celica GT-FOUR (ST205) 5.2. NISSAN 5.2.a. Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR32) 5.2.b. Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR34) 5.2.c. Skyline 25GT Turbo (ER34) 5.2.d. Silvia K's (S13) 5.2.e. Silvia Q's (S14) 5.2.f. Silvia K's Aero (S14) 5.2.g. Silvia Spec-R (S15) 5.2.h. 180SX Type X (RPS13) 5.2.i. SILEIGHTY (RPS13) 5.3. Honda 5.3.a. Civic Type R (EK9) 5.3.b. Civic SiR-II (EG6) 5.3.c. Integra Type R (DC2) 5.3.d. S2000 (AP1) 5.4. Mitsubishi 5.4.a. Lancer Evo III GSR (CE9A) 5.4.b. Lancer Evo IV RS (CN9A) 5.4.c. Lancer Evo VII GSR (CT9A) 5.5. Mazda 5.5.a. RX-7 Type R (FD3SI) 5.5.b. RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3SV) 5.5.c. RX-7 Infini III (FC3S) 5.5.d. Roadster S Special (NA6CE) 5.5.e. Roadster RS (NB8C) 5.6. Subaru 5.6.a. Impreza WRX Sti ver. VI (GC8) 5.6.b. Impreza WRX Sti (GDB) 5.6.c. Impreza WRX Type R ver. V (GC8) 5.7. Suzuki - Cappuccino (EA11R) 6. Unlocking car parts 7. Links 8. Credits and copyrights ======================================================================= 1. Version History ======================================================================= 8/27/14: v. 2.00 FINAL UPDATE! - So... it's been nearly 10 years since the last major update to this FAQ. I suppose I was feeling a bit nostalgic after watching Initial D Fifth/Final Stage. So, seeing as the story has finally reached completion, I've started playing this game again in light of returning to this FAQ to do some major clean up and updated and make it the single most useful FAQ for this game! That included finishing up writing car descriptions for the cars that weren't played with when we started this project! List of updates/changes: - MASSIVE grammatical overhaul for all sections - '4. The Drivetrains' section has been rewritten (with MUCH better relevance to the game than previously written) - NEW SECTION! 5.a. About 'Basic Tune' and 'Full Tune' - MOVED About 'No Tune' to 5.b - ADDED Recommended Shift Points for each car - ADDED Description for Nissan Silva Q's (S14) - ADDED Description for MAZDA Roadster S Special (NA6CE) 11/10/04: v.1.85 - YES!! The first update since the beginning of the summer (yeah, I know. Late, isn't it?) Anyway, I've done a LOT of rewrites and edits to each car description to make it a bit more clear. Also, I added each car's drivetrain and transmission. I hope to put in recommended shift points by my next update. But, for now, ENJOY!!!! Use this guide to your advantage. 5/24/04: v. 1.81 - Well, as of today, I'm officially alone (my girfriend is gone for the summer *sigh*) But, it's given me the time to fix this FAQ. I took the liberty of MANUALLY CONVERTING this document from a Word .doc into plain text format. Anyway that's it for now. Refer to the 5/21 update for the meat of all the updates in this FAQ. 5/21/04: v. 1.8 - Like I said, I'd have the time to do more updates to my FAQ when summer rolls around (my girlfriend is going home to Maui for the summer, =( unfortunately) Here is yet another update. With this update I was able to clean up just about the entire document. Well, here's more car updates: - AE85 Levin (AE85) - Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR34) - Skyline 25GT Turbo (ER34) And... A BRAND NEW SECTION!! Added the 'Unlocking car parts' section. Something that came to my mind late in the writing process =) Also fixed my 'Credits & Copyrights' section. Re-did my 'thank you's. 5/13/04: v. 1.7 - Summer draws closer, and soon I will have the time I've been looking for to give this FAQ the updates it needs. Well, after some excessive experimenting with my current cars, I decided to go back into my FAQ and rewrite what I'd written down for some cars. Basically... I came to a better understanding of the cars I did and was able to say BETTER things about them, lol. So here's the cars that have been updated. - Civic Type R (EK9) - Silvia K's AERO (S14) - Silvia Spec-R (S15) - 180sx Type X (RPS13) - Civic SiR-II (EG6) AND, small edits to: - Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR34) - Altezza RS200 (SXE10) More to come =) 4/27/04: v. 1.61 - It's the end of the month, and well... I've nothing to add at the moment (been busy working). This is just to signify that the following websites are allowed to use my FAQ: - IGN (thanks to Steven Ng) - Neoseeker (thanks to Leo Chan) It's been a long time coming, but I've finally gotten the time to get it to you guys. Sorry for lagging on the forwarding of this FAQ to you guys. Thanks for considering. 4/1/04: v. 1.6 - APRIL FOOLS!! As if there's any way to create an April Fool's joke out of a FAQ update, lol. Anyway... here's what's been updated: - Levin SR - MR-S - Celica GT-FOUR - Skyline 25GT Turbo - Evo VII - Roadster RS And, as usual, I ran through the entire thing yet again and cleaned up some more errors (and you'd think I'd get it right the first time, lol). 3/11/04: v. 1.55 - Added more info to the following cars: - Honda Civic SiR II (EG6) - Impreza WRX STi v. VI (GC8) Edited a bunch of minor mistakes made throughout the FAQ. Also added 'the drivetrains', and 'about no tune' sections. 3/1/04: v. 1.0 - Finally decided to put together some general info and put this FAQ out. I was going to do a much more thorough version of the FAQ outlining the ups and downs of EVERY tune course in the game, but Eskimo Fob convinced me otherwise =) Well, as time goes by more info will be thrown in. But for now, here are general overviews of each car in the game. Thanks to the IDSS message board regulars (you know who you are, you're names are in the FAQ, lol) for the help and feedback. ======================================================================= 2. About this FAQ ======================================================================= If you're reading this FAQ, then I shouldn't have to explain to you what Initial D is. If you are reading this, you are one of 4 people: - You've played the arcade game - You've played the home version - You've played both - You like the anime/manga and you got this game This is only the second FAQ I've ever put together. The other is also on the Initial D: Special Stage board (Mountain Pass descriptions). If I'd been thorough enough, this and the other FAQ could've all been in one BIG FAQ, but this is a little better since the two are very in-depth and focus on one aspect of Initial D: Special Stage's expansive gameplay. Well, if there's anything you want me too add/change, just email me and let me know. Let's begin, shall we? ======================================================================= 3. Car FAQ outline ======================================================================= When I first brought up the subject of doing this FAQ on the Special Stage boards, I wanted it to be like this: Tune course Parts to acquire Comments And that is for EACH individual tune course for EACH CAR in the game. That is A LOT of work to do. So, when I brought it up the second time, Eskimo Fob convinced me to just do a general overview of each car. So, that's what I've got down here. ======================================================================= 4. The Drivetrains ======================================================================= There are 4 distinct drivetrains. What 'drivetrain' means is engine displacement, and which wheels the engine power goes to. Your car's drivetrain can affect your car's handling and overall strength. Now, the car behavior in this game is NOT realistic, so I'm only going to speak in terms relevant to this game, lol. --- Front engine/Rear wheel drive (FR) --- FR cars tend to favor control over top speed. Most FR's in this game give the user manageable maneuverability in corners. What that means is that if you're proficient with cornering, you're awarded with higher acceleration at a corner's exit as well as higher speeds in top gear. However, if you're unable to harness your car's abilities (aka sloppy driving), your overall speed will suffer. Note that in rainy conditions FR cars slide outward while cornering, some worse than others. So, keep that in mind if you plan on focusing on Wet Courses. --- Front engine/Front wheel drive (FF) --- The FF cars in this game (save for the DC2) all have noticeable understeer while cornering, but offer incredible stability when compared to FR cars (in both Dry and Wet driving conditions). They can compensate for the loss of cornering speed with acceleration if you clear corners without coming into contact with walls. --- Mid engine/Rear wheel drive (MR) --- MR cars have the most oversteer in the game, even more so than FR vehicles (unless it's the Cappuccino). Because of this, countersteering is absolutely necessary after exiting corners, or your car will fishtail or end up meeting the guardrail, especially in Wet conditions. --- Four wheel/All wheel drive (4WD/AWD) --- 4WD/AWD drive cars are the most stable cars in the game. They are ideal for Wet conditions. But, in some of the twistier courses, these cars have the most noticeable understeer, specifically in Dry conditions. However, 4WD cars have the best acceleration, overall. So, any speed lost during cornering can be made up as long as you drive a clean line. Definitely not meant for beginners. ======================================================================= 5. The cars ======================================================================= (note: the cars are listed in the order they appear in the game) _______________________________________________________________________ 5.a. About 'Basic Tune' and 'Full Tune' _______________________________________________________________________ Basic Tune --- Completion of 'Basic Tune' is when you accrue 120,000 points. This means you've obtained all parts that your selected Tune Course has to offer. Full Tune --- After completing 'Basic Tune', you get an Internal Upgrade every 15,000 points with the final Internal Upgrade at 990,000 points. This is considered 'Full Tune', and you will receive no further Internal Upgrades (aka tune ups that will affect your car's performance). Note: Without a Full Tuned car, there is a noticeable difference in overall course time during Time Attacks (on average, at least 5 seconds with an under-tuned car). It's recommended that you don't focus on Time Attacks until you've reached Full Tune if you want the best possible results. _______________________________________________________________________ 5.b. About 'No Tune' _______________________________________________________________________ The 'No Tune' option is available if you prefer to not to get any extremities/add-ons for your car. It's the final option to the far right on the tune selection screen. By selecting this tune option, you will not get any external upgrades by default, as well as no serious internal upgrades. Simply put, the car remains in the 'stock' configuration. It, in no way, seriously affects your performance, game-wise. But, for some cars (the Toyotas that get major internal upgrades, namely the Levin/Truenos) there is a big enough difference to set it apart from the typical tune option for that car. Once you complete basic 'No Tune' (at 120,000 points, for those of you who don't know), you will be able to randomly unlock extremities for your car such as new exhaust pipes and rims. ======================================================================= 5.1. Toyota ======================================================================= 5.1.a. Trueno GT-Apex (AE86) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akina Worst course: Irohazaka/wet conditions Driver(s): GrAyEeWoLf & Eskimo Fob The king of Akina DH, the Trueno has two different faces. One (before new engine) relies on strong cornering ability and controllable oversteer, but lacks in any true power. The other (after the new engine) also has great cornering power, but offers amazing acceleration as long as shift points are timed properly. Shift at the right point and the Trueno becomes the strongest high-end accelerator in the entire game. Shift poorly and the Trueno will stall badly. It's a car not intended for beginners. With the racing engine, the Trueno is one of the most balanced cars in the game. But, when turbo tuned (course D) what it gains it top speed it loses in cornering and handling. On a minor note, this car's top speed will suffer HEAVILY if you rub or hit a wall when traveling at high speeds (more so than any other car in the game). On a side note (from ViperMask), the B-tune body stylings pay homage to the Initial D anime's technical advisor's Trueno. For those of you who don't know who that is, it's none other than Keichii Tsuchiya, the 'Drift King'. Recommended Shift Points: --- Normal Engine: 5000 > 5000 > 6000 TRD racing engine (A-Tune only): 8000 > 9000 > 10500 Tune course A (driven by Takumi Fujiwara): --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - CIBIE Hood - Initial D Sticker - Initial D Complete basic tune - TRD racing engine upgrade Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - Techno Pro Spirit Front aero - TRD Hood - TRD Complete basic tune - Racing engine upgrade Tune course C: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Techno Pro Spirit Front aero - Techno Pro Spirit Hood - Techno Pro Spirit Complete basic tune - Racing engine upgrade Tune course D: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Ukiya Shoukai Front aero - Ukiya Shoukai Side skirts - Ukiya Shoukai Hood - Ukiya Shoukai Complete basic tune - Turbo kit upgrade _______________________________________________________________________ 5.1.b. Levin GT-Apex (AE86) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Shoumaru Pass/Akina Worst course: Any wet course Driver: Eskimo Fob (Turbo tuning) The course king of Shoumaru Pass, the Levin is quite similar to the Trueno without its AE101 high-rev power-plant. Instead, the Levin is equipped with turbo or a supercharger (depending on the tune) and has a very smooth and linear power band. The Levin turns very well with controllable oversteer that unfortunately gets much worse in the rain. Its acceleration is not bad, though not nearly the best. On Shoumaru Pass, it seems to take on a different form as it accelerates and turns absolutely beautifully. Still, it is ultimately the lack of high-end acceleration that sets it apart from the top tier cars. Driver: GrAyEeWoLf (NA tuning) The mecha-tuned AE86 Levin (B or C-tune) gives the car better overall balance than its turbo/supercharged incarnation. NA Tuning allows it to run well under any conditions. When the turbo/supercharger is equipped, the car becomes sluggish in corners and loses almost all traction in the rain. The racing engine preserves the Levin's good cornering response. With the right skills, this car can take corners FASTER than that of the AE86 Trueno, but is still weaker overall as it lacks the acceleration of the Trueno's top gear. A good benefit of the Levin's racing engine upgrade is that it isn't a high-rev unit like the Trueno's, meaning that upon completing basic tune, you don't have to re-adjust your shifting style to fit the upgrade. Recommended Shift Points: --- 5000 > 5000 > 6000 Tune course A (driven by Wataru Akiyama): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Rear spoiler - Initial D Front sero - TRD Hood - TRD Complete basic tune - Turbo Supercharger upgrade Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - Techno Pro Spirit Rear spoiler - TRD Front aero - TRD Side skirts - TRD Hood - TRD Complete basic tune - Racing engine upgrade Tune course C: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Techno Pro Spirit Rear spoiler - Techno Pro Spirit Front aero - Techno Pro Spirit Side skirts - Techno Pro Spirit Hood - Techno Pro Spirit Complete basic tune - Racing engine upgrade Tune course D: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Ukiya Shoukai Rear spoiler - Ukiya Shoukai Front aero - Ukiya Shoukai Side skirts - Ukiya Shoukai Hood - Ukiya Shoukai Complete basic tune - Turbo kit upgrade _______________________________________________________________________ 5.1.c. Levin SR (AE85) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akina Worst course: Irohazaka Driver: GrAyEeWoLf As with the AE86's in their under-basic tune state, the AE85 relies on strong and stable cornering ability to get by. But, that's where the similarities end, as the Levin SR's weakness is its poor top speed. Because of this, expect your typical Time Attack results to be slower than average. Inversely, it does take off rather quickly at the start dash. Be mindful that with the A-Tune upgrade, the AE85's cornering changes a bit; it slides a little more on Dry weather and loses all traction under Wet conditions. Despite the shortcomings, it's still worthy of being driven, and is a definite must have for anyone wanting to make this game a little more challenging without being overly frustrating to control (a la the Cappuccino). Recommended Shift Points: --- 5000 > 5000 > 6000 Tune course A (driven by Itsuki Takeuchi): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Sticker - Initial D Complete basic tune - Turbo kit upgrade Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Rear spoiler - TRD Front aero - TRD Side skirts - TRD Hood - TRD Tune course C: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Rear spoiler - Techno Pro Spirit Front aero - Techno Pro Spirit Side skirts - Techno Pro Spirit Hood - Techno Pro Spirit Tune course D: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Ukiya Shoukai Rear spoiler - Ukiya Shoukai Front aero - Ukiya Shoukai Side skirts - Ukiya Shoukai Hood - Ukiya Shoukai _______________________________________________________________________ 5.1.d. MR2 G-Limited (SW20) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: MR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akina/Happogahara/Irohazaka Worst course: Any wet course Driver: Eskimo Fob A car with an MR drivetrain, the MR2 has extremely good turning ability and grants oversteer on almost every corner. Countersteering is necessary when using this car, otherwise you will find yourself face to face with guardrail. Acceleration leaves something to be desired, however, and the car does not react well with wall contact. Still, it is a superb car once mastered. Recommended Shift Points: --- 5500 > 5500 > 6000 Tune course A (driven by Kai Kogashiwa): --- Wheels - TRD Exhaust - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - TOM'S Rear spoiler - TOM'S Front aero - TOM'S Side skirts - TOM'S Hood - TOM'S Tune course C: --- Wheels - TRD Exhaust - TRD Rear spoiler - C-ONE Motorsports Front aero - C-ONE Motorsports Side skirts - C-ONE Motorsports Tune course D: --- Wheels - TRD Exhaust - TRD Rear spoiler - TRD Front aero - TRD Side skirts - TRD _______________________________________________________________________ 5.1.e. MR-S (ZZW30) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: MR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Irohazaka/Akina/Happogahara Worst course: Myogi/Any wet conditions Driver: Racer Ecks This car is easier for a beginner to learn with than the MR2, as the oversteer is more stable, although still present. To counteract the better handling, the MR-S suffers horrible 4th and 5th gear acceleration as a stock car. Basically, the MR-S is good off the line, tops out early speed-wise, but turns beautifully. If you want to drive a Cappuccino but can't quite control one, give the MR-S a try and see if you like it. Recommended Shift Points: --- 5500 > 5500 > 6000 > 6500 Tune course A: --- Wheels - TRD Exhaust - TRD Rear spoiler - Toyota Front aero - Toyota Side skirts - Toyota Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - C-ONE Motorsports Rear spoiler - C-ONE Motorsports Front aero - C-ONE Motorsports Side skirts - C-ONE Motorsports Tune course C: --- Wheels - TRD Exhaust - TRD Rear spoiler - TRD Front aero - TRD Side skirts - TRD _______________________________________________________________________ 5.1.f. Altezza RS-200 (SXE10) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 6-Gear Best course: Shoumaru Pass Worst course: Happogahara Driver: GrAyEeWoLf The Altezza is one of the odder cars in the game. While it is vastly overlooked, it offers its driver enough technical prowess to be a competitive vehicle. While it only does about above average on most courses, this car runs superbly on either direction of Shoumaru's tricky pass. The SXE 10 has smooth cornering ability and decent acceleration. Its only downside is its weak handling under Wet conditions. This lightweight FR sedan is an intermediate level car, at best. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 > 7500 Tune course A (driven by Nobuhiko Akiyama): --- Wheels - TRD Exhaust - TRD Rear spoiler - TRD Side skirts - Toyota Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - C-ONE Motorsports Rear spoiler - C-ONE Motorsports Front aero - C-ONE Motorsports Side skirts - C-ONE Motorsports Rear bumper - C-ONE Motorsports Hood - C-ONE Motorsports Tune course C: --- Wheels - TOM'S Exhaust - TOM'S Rear spoiler - TOM'S Front aero - TOM'S Side skirts - TOM'S Rear bumper - TOM'S _______________________________________________________________________ 5.1.g. Celica GT-FOUR (ST205) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akina UH Worst course: N/A Driver: Eskimo Fob One of the most drifty 4WD cars in the game, the Celica has decent turning ability, decent acceleration, and is pretty much 'okay' on every course. It does, however, dominate one course, and that is Akina UH. On this course, its turning ability is greatly upgraded, as well as overall acceleration. It also has a great start dash for a 5-Gear car. Recommended for those who want a combination of 4WD and FR-type handling. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - TRD Exhaust - C-ONE Motorsports Rear spoiler - C-ONE Motorsports Front aero - C-ONE Motorsports Side skirts - C-ONE Motorsports Rear aero - C-ONE Motorsports Hood - C-ONE Motorsports Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - VARIS Front aero - VARIS Side skirts - VARIS Rear aero - VARIS ======================================================================= 5.2 Nissan ======================================================================= 5.2.a. Skyline GT-R V-spec II (BNR 32) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Arcade Myogi/Shin Myogi Worst course: Irohazaka/Akina Driver(s): GrAyEeWoLf & Eskimo Fob Driven by the Night Kid's team leader, it's a tough car to drive. It has amazing stability and acceleration, but greatly lacks in turning ability. Try to avoid courses with many turns, as the R32 will understeer dramatically during turn-in and acceleration. More braking is necessary with the R32 than almost any other car. However, when you take it to its home course Shin Myogi, no other car in the game can match its handling or speed. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6500 > 7500 > 8000 Tune course A (driven by Takeshi Nakazato): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - D.Speed Rear spoiler - D.Speed Front aero - D.Speed Side skirts - D.Speed Rear aero - D.Speed Hood - D.Speed Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - Bomex Front aero - Bomex Side skirts - Bomex Rear aero - Bomex Tune course D: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - NISMO Rear spoiler - Kansai.HKS Hood - Kansai.HKS _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.b. Skyline GT-R V-spec II (BNR34) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 6-Gear Best course: Arcade Myogi/Shin Myogi/Momiji Line Worst course: Irohazaka/Akina Driver: GrAyEeWoLf While the BNR34 does share some of the same characteristics of the BNR32, including the incredibly heavy understeer on the game's curvier tracks, this newer version of the Skyline outdoes it in almost every way possible. Its greatest strength is superb acceleration in EVERY gear. Not only does it have good acceleration off the starting line, but it also has a strong top gear AND its middle gears allow you to make up for any speed lost during cornering on pure power alone. However, the R34's best attribute is its stability in Wet conditions, making it rather formidable as a mid tier car. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6500 > 7000 > 7500 > 8000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - MINE'S Exhaust - MINE'S Rear spoiler - MINE'S Front aero - MINE'S Tune course B: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - NISMO Rear spoiler - NISMO Front aero - NISMO Side skirts - NISMO Rear aero - NISMO Hood - NISMO Tune course C: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - C-WEST Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST Hood - C-WEST _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.c. Skyline 25GT Turbo (ER34) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 6-Gear Best course: Momiji Line/Myogi/Usui Worst course: Irohazaka Driver: GrAyEeWoLf Being an FR instead of AWD, the ER34 is the best cornering machine of the three Skyline's in Special Stage. It shares a similar understeering problem that the other GT-R's have, but is not quite as grippy, which affords it better maneuverability (though not much) on some of the twistier courses. Like the other Skylines, Wet conditions are optimal where it handles its best. Coupled with strong acceleration and good top speed, this car can be above average in the hands of an experienced player. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6500 > 7000 > 7500 > 8000 Tune course A (driven by Atsuo Kawai): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - Initial D Sticker - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - NISMO Rear spoiler - NISMO Front aero - NISMO Side skirts - NISMO Rear aero - NISMO Tune course C: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - C-WEST Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.d. Silvia K's (S13) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Arcade & Shin Usui/Shin Myogi/Akina Worst course: Happogahara Driver: Jin4576 This car is somewhat average on most courses, but excels on Usui the most. It's also pretty good on Wet for most courses and having C-Tune with the GT Wing helps with that. It does suffer from understeering on most parts except for the Bomex spoiler, which will make the car oversteer. The best tune would probably be a mix of A and C depending on your preference on Wet or Dry courses. Driver: GrAyEeWoLf Between the S13 Silvia, the 180sx, and the SilEighty, the K's Silvia is the best of the lot. While it still has a predictable understeer, the S13K has the best turning radius of the three S13 models in this game. Its advantage over the other two models is its adaptability. While it is great on Arcade/Shin Usui, this car can also run pretty well outside of its home course. While one may not have expected it, the S13 Silvia can actually achieve decent times on Akina. Good top end and off the line acceleration, steady under Wet conditions, and very controllable, the S13 is a good car in the hands of an intermediate player. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6500 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A (driven by Kouichirou Iketani): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - NISSAN Side skirts - NISSAN Sticker - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - BOMEX Front aero - BOMEX Side skirts - BOMEX Rear aero - BOMEX Tune course C: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - Border Rear spoiler - Border Front aero - Border Side skirts - Border Rear aero - Border Hood - Border _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.e. Silvia Q's (S14) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Usui/Akagi/Shin Myogi Worst course: Everywhere else :) Driver: GrAyEeWoLf The S14Q is not an ideal choice for anyone other than an experienced player. It has slow acceleration off the starting line and doesn't pick up speed well on a straight dash. Its cornering is not very good on any of the twisty courses in the game, save for two tracks: it can achieve decent times on Akagi and Shin Myogi. You'd be hard pressed to take this car anywhere but those tracks or Arcade Usui (where I would say it fares best). Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A (driven by Kenta Nakamura): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Rear spoiler - Initial D Front aero - Initial D Side skirts - Initial D Rear aero - Initial D Sticker - NISSAN Sticker - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - NISMO Rear spoiler - NISMO Front aero - NISMO Side skirts - NISMO Rear aero - NISMO Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - D.Speed Front aero - D.Speed Side skirts - D.Speed Rear aero - D.Speed Side mirrors - D.Speed Hood - D.Speed _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.f. Silvia K's Aero (S14) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Shin/Arcade Myogi/Usui Worst course: Akina Driver: GrAyEeWoLf The S14 K's AERO Silvia is undoubtedly one of the most overlooked and underrated cars in the game. It has good off the line acceleration, decent handling, average top speed, and is stable under Wet conditions. In terms of Time Attacks, this car will do no more than average. The reason for that is the S14 K's limited power band (its rev limit is 8,000 RPM). Because of that, this car will top out very early, but is still a very formidable car for anyone looking to experiment with a non character-driven car. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - NISMO Rear spoiler - NISMO Front aero - NISMO Side skirts - NISMO Rear aero - NISMO Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - Kansai.HKS Front aero - Kansai.HKS Side skirts - Kansai.HKS Rear aero - Kansai.HKS Tune course C: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - BOMEX Front aero - BOMEX Side skirts - BOMEX Rear aero - BOMEX Side mirrors - BOMEX _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.g. Silvia Spec-R (S15) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 6-Gear Best course: Arcade Myogi/Usui/Shin Myogi Worst course: Any course on wet Driver: GrAyEeWoLf In Arcade Stage Version 2, this is one the lowest ranked cars of the entire game. In Special Stage, it's simple to see why: out of all the cars in the game with 6-speed transmission, this is the worst overall. The S15 is not very stable on any track that isn't Arcade Usui. Put it on a Wet course, and you're doomed to lose unless you have great skill. Its cornering ability is sluggish, and its top end speed isn't that high. The only thing this car has going for it is the excellent acceleration at the start dash. If you are really looking to make this game a challenge, drive this car. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6200 > 6700 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - NISMO Rear spoiler - NISMO Front aero - NISMO Side skirts - NISMO Rear aero - NISMO Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - C-WEST Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST Hood - C-WEST Tune course C: --- Wheels - NISMO Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - D.Speed Front aero - D.Speed Side skirts - D.Speed Rear aero - D.Speed Hood - D.Speed _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.h. 180SX Type X (RPS13) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Arcade Myogi/Usui/Shin Myogi/Usui Worst course: Irohazaka Driver: GrAyEeWoLf Nissan's 180sx (which goes by the name of 240sx in the US, for those of you that don't know) is a bonafide drift machine. Unfortunately, due to Initial D Special Stage's unrealistic car behavior, it won't perform anything more than about average. The 180sx's handling is the direct opposite of the S13 Silvia; it feels like more of a grip car and is much more stable, overall. It understeers on anything that isn't Arcade/Shin Usui, but still runs exceptionally well. Run a clean enough line and this car's decent acceleration will make up for any speed you've lost during cornering. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A (driven by Kenji): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - NISSAN Sticker - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - C-WEST Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST Hood - C-WEST Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - BOMEX Front aero - BOMEX Side skirts - BOMEX Rear aero - BOMEX _______________________________________________________________________ 5.2.i. SILEIGHTY (RPS13) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Arcade Usui/Shin Usui Worst course: Irohazaka Driver: GrAyEeWoLf Driven by none other than the infamous 'Angels of Usui', Impact Blue, otherwise known as Mako and Sayuki. The car itself is a hybrid of the S13 family, taking the body styling of the 180sx and putting on the front end of the S13. While the look itself is one combination, the mixture of handling from the S13 and 180sx is another. The S13 Silvia is more drifty while the 180sx is bit grippy. The S13KAI (or simply put, SilEighty) has attributes of both cars, giving it great balance. But, because it handles in both grip and drift styles, there are times when the car just won't respond and completely lock up. However, harness its abilities, and it's the best S13 of the game. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A (driven by Mako Sato & Sayuki): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Rear spoiler - Initial D Side skirts - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - C-WEST Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Border Rear spoiler - Border Front aero - Border Side skirts - Border Rear aero - Border Side mirrors - Border Hood - Border ======================================================================= 5.3 Honda ======================================================================= 5.3.a. Civic Type R (EK9) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FF Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Happogahara/Enna Worst course: Akina Driver: GrAyEeWoLf Like the EG6, the Civic Type R has slow acceleration off the starting line and it understeers, although not as heavily, on Dry Weather outside of its home courses of Enna and Happogahara. What sets the EK9 apart from its older sibling is that it actually fares well overall with its better acceleration once in top gear; something the EG6 lacks. Most importantly, the EK9's greatest ally is Wet weather, where it handles well with high stability in and out of corners. That alone gives it an advantage if you plan on utilizing this car outside of its home courses. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6500 > 7000 > 7500 Tune course A (driven by Daiki Ninomiya): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Rear spoiler - SPOON Side mirrors - SPOON Tune course B (driven by Tomoyuki Tachi): --- Wheels - SPOON Exhaust - Initial D Side mirrors - SPOON Hood - SPOON Tune course C: --- Wheels - Mugen Power Exhaust - Mugen Power Rear spoiler - Mugen Power Front aero - Mugen Power Side skirts - Mugen Power Rear aero - Mugen Power Tune course D: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - BOMEX Front aero - BOMEX Side skirts - BOMEX Rear aero - BOMEX Side mirrors - BOMEX _______________________________________________________________________ 5.3.b. Civic SiR-II (EG6) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FF Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Happogahara Worst course: Everything else =) Driver: GrAyEeWoLf The Honda Civic SiR-II definitely caters toward people that prefer driving under Wet Conditions, as the car controls steadily and corners strong on just about every course. But, when it comes to Dry Weather, it's sluggish and understeers anywhere away from Arcade/ Shin Myogi, with the exception of Happogahara where it's one of the better cars suited for the course. To round out the package, the EG6's acceleration abilities are merely average, making this car an intermediate driver's choice, at best. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 7000 > 7500 Tune course A (driven by Shingo Shouji): --- Wheels - Mugen Power Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Mugen Power Exhaust - Mugen Power Front aero - Mugen Power Side skirts - Mugen Power Tune course C: --- Wheels - SPOON Exhaust - SPOON Rear spoiler - SPOON Front aero - SPOON Side mirrors - SPOON Hood - SPOON Tune course D: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST _______________________________________________________________________ 5.3.c. Integra Type R (DC2) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FF Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Happogahara/Enna/Akina (wet) Worst course: Usui/Akagi UH Driver: Eskimo Fob It's likely the best overall car in the game. Very stable, great on Wet, and easy for a beginner to get used to. Turning ability is superb, but is slightly compromised when braking during turning. Remember to brake before cornering and lay off the accelerator during turn in. When compared to Arcade Stage Version 2, the DC2 has been toned down to a good extent as this car completely owned every course. In Special Stage it doesn't have the same top speed as its arcade counterpart, but its acceleration is still decent, overall. Note that on A-tune, you will get a turbo upgrade. This is very useful on straightaways, but your overall handling is weaker (you are advised to not use it in the rain). Recommended Shift Points: --- 6500 > 7000 > 7500 Tune course A (driven by Smiley Sakai): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Hood - SPOON Complete Basic Tune - Turbocharger upgrade Tune course B: --- Wheels - Mugen Power Exhaust - Mugen Power Rear spoiler - Mugen Power Front aero - Mugen Power Side skirts - Mugen Power Hood - Mugen Power Tune course C: --- Wheels - SPOON Exhaust - SPOON Front aero - SPOON Side mirrors - SPOON Hood - SPOON Tune course D: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - C-WEST Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST Hood - C-WEST _______________________________________________________________________ 5.3.d. S2000 (AP1) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 6-Gear Best course: Myogi/Happogahara Worst course: Irohazaka Driver: GrAyEeWoLf The S2000 is one of the more interesting cars in the game. This FR Honda has poor off-the-line acceleration but compensates with decent top end speed. Because of its 6-speed gear box, driving it is tricky; like the AE86 Trueno, you must be mindful of your RPMs or the car will stall if you aren't hitting the right shift points. In addition, this car exhibits some understeer when cornering, so early turn-in is necessary in order to take better advantage of acceleration in the higher gears. While not a difficult car to get used to, I would not recommend this car to a beginner. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6500 > 7200 > 7500 > 8000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - Mugen Power Rear aero - Mugen Power Exhaust - Mugen Power Rear spoiler - Mugen Power Front aero - Mugen Power Hood - Mugen Power Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - Honda Twincam Works Rear spoiler - Honda Twincam Works Front aero - Honda Twincam Works Side skirts - Honda Twincam Works Rear aero - Honda Twincam Works Hood - Honda Twincam Works Tune course C: --- Wheels - SPOON Exhaust - C-WEST Rear spoiler - C-WEST Front aero - C-WEST Side skirts - C-WEST Rear aero - C-WEST ======================================================================= 5.4 Mitsubishi ======================================================================= 5.4.a. Lancer Evo III GSR (CE9A) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Irohazaka Worst course: Akina Driver: Eskimo Fob Although the Evo III is king of Irohazaka, it is most well known for its 'Misfiring system' (or as some know it, the anti-lag system). Although it sounds and looks damn cool, it really does nothing to affect the car's performance. Getting that out of the way, the Evo III is quite a weak car away from Irohazaka. It understeers badly on most tracks and its acceleration leaves something to be desired. Still, it has good stability and predictable understeer common in almost all 4WD cars. Recommended Shift Points: --- 5500 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A (driven by Kyoichi Sudo): --- Exhaust - Initial D Sticker - Initial D Complete Basic Tune - Misfiring System Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - Kansai.HKS Front aero - Kansai.HKS Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - CREATIVE Sports Rear spoiler - CREATIVE Sports Side mirrors - CREATIVE Sports _______________________________________________________________________ 5.4.b. Lancer Evo IV RS (CN9A) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Irohazaka Worst course: Akina Driver: Eskimo Fob Don't be fooled. Although this car may seem like a twin to the Evo III at first, its performance is vastly superior, overall. It is also the king of Irohazaka, along with the Evo III, but performs well on other courses, too. In both cornering ability and acceleration, the Evo IV beats out its brother. The Evo IV also has a peculiar way of turning. It will understeer slightly at turn-in, so it might seem like the car is headed for the wall, but its turning radius gets smaller midway through the turn and it exits the corner well. Therefore, keep in mind with an Evo IV you will have to turn a little earlier to get close to the apex than you would with most cars. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A (driven by Seiji Iwaki): --- Wheels - Initial D Front aero - Initial D Sticker - Monster International Sticker - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Kansai.HKS Rear spoiler - Kansai.HKS Front aero - Kansai.HKS Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - VALDI Sport Front aero - VALDI Sport Tune course D: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - BOZZSPEED Rear spoiler - BOZZSPEED Front aero - BOZZSPEED _______________________________________________________________________ 5.4.c. Lancer Evo VII GSR (CT9A) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Irohazaka/Happogahara Worst course: Akagi/Akina Driver: Jin4576 When I started this car, I fell in love with it when I took it to Irohazaka... but then totally hated it when I went to Akagi (which is my favorite track). I did a pure B-Tune and I think I chose the right tune to start with, at least. It handled pretty nicely and was pretty fast. One thing that might be bad about the tune is the muffler; it started out bad in 1st and 2nd gear, but 3rd to 5th gear was good, although that might be me not knowing the shift times. I would call this car the 'Jekyll and Hyde' car. By that, I mean on Irohazaka it had awesome speed, and great handling. On Happo it was fast and still turned great in 5th gear. When I went to Akagi, the speed was okay, but the handling was horrible... fear the V-turn with this car. On Akina it was worse; any tight turn gave me problems and I ended up getting horrible times. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - RALLI ART Exhaust - RALLI ART Rear spoiler - VALDI Sport Front aero - VALDI Sport Hood - VALDI Sport Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - CREATIVE Sports Rear spoiler - CREATIVE Sports Front aero - CREATIVE Sports Hood - CREATIVE Sports Tune course C: --- Wheels - Monster International Exhaust - Monster International Rear spoiler - Monster International Front aero - Monster International Rear aero - Monster International Hood - Monster International ======================================================================= 5.5. Mazda ======================================================================= 5.5.a. RX-7 Type R (FD3SI) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akagi Worst course: Akina Driver: Eskimo Fob The FD Type R is a strong overall car. Due to its strong acceleration, good stability, and decent cornering ability, it is one of the most balanced cars of the game as it excels on just about every course. Because it's so stable, it is also a strong car under Wet conditions. However, take this car to Akina or Irohazaka, and you'll feel understeer. Note that under B-tune (Kyoko Iwase's tune) the final basic tuning upgrade is the replacement of the FD's twin turbo system with one large turbine. This gives you better top end acceleration at the expense of your cornering speed (in and out of corners). While it won't affect your time attacks, the difference in acceleration is apparent. Driver: GrAyEeWoLf (Keisuke's new FD) As an experiment, I decided to full tune a brand new FD in the body stylings of Keisuke's newer FD. To get this look, your base tune should be C-tune (REamemiya) and you need to unlock the Bronze MAZDA SPEED Rims as well as the D-tune MAZDA SPEED spoiler and B-tune's side mirrors. With this body styling combination, you'll notice that this version of the FD is granted a little oversteer, something that the other tunes lack. This can be felt the most on Akagi's S-curve section. While not an official character tune in the game, it is in the manga and is an open option for anyone to try. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A (driven by Keisuke Takahashi): --- Wheels - MAZDA SPEED Exhaust - Initial D Rear spoiler - MAZDA SPEED Front aero - MAZDA SPEED Sticker - Initial D Tune course B (driven by Kyoko Iwase): --- Wheels - REamemiya Exhaust - Initial D Rear spoiler - Mazda Front aero - Border Side skirts - Border Side mirrors - Initial D Hood - Initial D Complete Basic Tune - Single turbine Tune course C: --- Wheels - REamemiya Exhaust - REamemiya Rear spoiler - REamemiya Front aero - REamemiya Side skirts - REamemiya Rear aero - REamemiya Hood - REamemiya Tune course D: --- Wheels - MAZDA SPEED Exhaust - MAZDA SPEED Rear spoiler - MAZDA SPEED Front aero - MAZDA SPEED Side skirts - MAZDA SPEED Rear aero - MAZDA SPEED Hood - MAZDA SPEED _______________________________________________________________________ 5.5.b. RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD3SV) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akagi Worst course: Akina Driver: GrAyEeWoLf The RX-7 Spirit R and the RX-7 Type R share similar overall attributes, right down to the fact that they run similar times across all courses. The difference between the FD3SI and the FD3SV is in their turning ability; the Spirit R exhibits a little more drift when cornering, so it's more a matter of preference of which feels better. With its good stability, strong acceleration, and steady turning ability no matter the weather conditions, it's highly recommended if you're just starting out. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - MAZDA SPEED Exhaust - MAZDA SPEED Rear spoiler - MAZDA SPEED Front aero - MAZDA SPEED Side skirts - MAZDA SPEED Side mirrors - MAZDA SPEED Hood - MAZDA SPEED Tune course B: --- Wheels - REamemiya Exhaust - Fujita Engineering Rear spoiler - Fujita Engineering Front aero - Fujita Engineering Side skirts - Fujita Engineering Side mirrors - Fujita Engineering Hood - Fujita Engineering _______________________________________________________________________ 5.5.c. RX-7 Infini III (FC3S) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akagi Worst course: Arcade Myogi/Momiji Line Driver: Eskimo Fob The FC is just as good a car as its younger brother, the FD. They have similar times on most tracks, although their characteristics could not be more different. While the FD depends on stability, predictable understeer, and acceleration, the FC relies on oversteer and cornering ability but lacks slightly in brute power. Nevertheless, its oversteer is quite controllable and its cornering potential is well worth giving this car a try. Recommended Shift Points: --- 5000 > 5500 > 6000 Tune course A (driven by Ryosuke Takahashi): --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - Fujita Engineering Side mirrors - Initial D Sticker - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - MAZDA SPEED Exhaust - MAZDA SPEED Rear spoiler - MAZDA SPEED Front aero - MAZDA SPEED Hood - MAZDA SPEED Tune course C: --- Wheels - REamemiya Exhaust - REamemiya Rear spoiler - REamemiya Front aero - REamemiya Side skirts - REamemiya Rear aero - REamemiya Side mirrors - REamemiya Tune course D: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Fujita Engineering Rear spoiler - Fujita Engineering Front aero - Fujita Engineering Side skirts - Fujita Engineering Rear aero - Fujita Engineering Side mirrors - Fujita Engineering _______________________________________________________________________ 5.5.c. Roadster S Special (NA6CE) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Momiji Line/Happogahara Worst course: Arcade Myogi/Shin Myogi/Wet Conditions Driver: GrAyEeWoLf It's a safe bet to call this the weakest overall car in the game. Similar to the NB8C, this car has incredible turning ability on almost every course as you can come out of any corner with high stability on Dry weather. However, under Wet Conditions it loses all traction as the rear of the vehicle slides outward once you take on a corner full force, unless you're on its home course of Momiji Line where it's best suited for the downhill. This car's major flaw is that it has TERRIBLE acceleration once in top gear. Because of that, most of your Time Attack results will be below average despite using ideal driving lines. If you want to make the game the most challenging it can by limiting your overall speed (and not with overly difficult handling like some of the other cars) this is your car. Recommended Shift Points: --- 5000 > 5500 > 6000 > 6500 Tune course A (driven by Tooru Tsugetsu): --- Wheels - MAZDA Exhaust - Initial D Front aero - MAZDA Rear aero - MAZDA Side mirrors - MAZDA Hood - MAZDA Complete Basic Tune - Increased Cylinder Bore Tune course B: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - REamemiya Rear spoiler - REamemiya Front aero - REamemiya Side skirts - REamemiya Rear aero - REamemiya Side mirrors - REamemiya Tune course C: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - MAZDA SPEED Rear spoiler - Kansai.HKS Front aero - Kansai.HKS Side skirts - Kansai.HKS _______________________________________________________________________ 5.5.e. Roadster RS (NB8C) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 6-Gear Best course: Momiji Line Worst course: Arcade Myogi/Any wet conditions Driver: Eskimo Fob Probably the most underrated car in the game, the NB8C is an absolutely phenomenal car. It does great on common tracks like Akagi, Akina, Happogahara, and Irohazaka and dominates Momiji Line DH, its home course in the anime. It has certain unusual aspects to it such as 6 gears, very controllable oversteer, and superb handling. Its acceleration, if not great, is acceptable. But, what is most amazing about this car is how evenly it performs on most tracks. As an example of this, the NB8C is the second best car in 4 course, behind the DC2. Definitely a recommended car for intermediate or expert players. Or, even if a beginner wants to take it for a spin, the car will still perform well. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - MAZDA SPEED Rear spoiler - MAZDA SPEED Front aero - MAZDA SPEED Side skirts - MAZDA SPEED Rear aero - MAZDA SPEED Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - REamemiya Front aero - REamemiya Side skirts - REamemiya Rear aero - REamemiya Tune course C: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - MAZDA SPEED Rear spoiler - Kansai.HKS Front aero - Kansai.HKS Side skirts - Kansai.HKS ======================================================================= 5.6. Subaru ======================================================================= 5.6.a. Impreza WRX STi ver. VI (GC8) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Akina/Akagi/Irohazaka (dry/wet) Worst course: N/A Driver: Alain83 The GC8 VI has overall above average capabilities. It picks up speed very fast on both uphill & downhill. In addition, its handling is very stable. However, although not as bad as the Skyline, the GC8 VI does have a tendency to (predictably) understeer, especially at high speeds. The understeering can be easily remedied by braking before attacking corners/hairpins & using the Out-In-Out technique. Even if the GC8 VI slows down on the corner entry, its top-notch corner exit speed allows it to regain speed immediately. Since it is a 4WD, the method of attacking hairpins without losing a lot of speed is by turning early to get close to the apex of hairpins. Uphill-wise, it accelerates very fast, although it does exhibit heavier understeer. Braking is the best method to remedy this problem. Because of its fast nature, when racing on Wet conditions, the full potential of the GC8 cannot be used 100%. The best way to control the GC8 on wet surfaces when tackling a corner or hairpin is by letting go of the gas on the corner entry and stepping on the throttle once the car is facing the corner exit. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - STi Rear spoiler - STi Front aero - STi Hood - STi Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - SYMS Rear spoiler - SYMS Front aero - SYMS Side skirts - SYMS Rear aero - SYMS Hood - SYMS Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - ZERO/SPORTS Rear spoiler - ZERO/SPORTS Front aero - ZERO/SPORTS Side skirts - ZERO/SPORTS Rear aero - ZERO/SPORTS Side mirrors - ZERO/SPORTS Hood - ZERO/SPORTS _______________________________________________________________________ 5.6.b. Subaru WRX STi (GDB) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 6-Gear Best course: Irohazaka/Happogahara/Akina Worst course: Any wet conditions Driver: GrAyEeWoLf In experimenting with this car, I found that it didn't have any serious weaknesses. Out of all the cars in the game with a 6-speed transmission, this has to be the easiest to drive and get used to. But, I took it to every course and it did just about above average. It has decent top speed, and is very stable. However, this car doesn't fair too well under Wet conditions as it loses some traction. It's a good car, nonetheless. If you want to experiment with cars that have 6-speed transmission, this is a good one to try. It will take you very far into the game with little trouble. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6000 > 6500 > 7000 Tune course A: --- Wheels - STi Exhaust - STi Rear spoiler - STi Front aero - STi Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - ZERO/SPORTS Rear spoiler - ZERO/SPORTS Front aero - ZERO/SPORTS Side skirts - ZERO/SPORTS Rear aero - ZERO/SPORTS Tune course C: --- Wheels - Enkei Exhaust - SYMS Rear spoiler - SYMS Front aero - SYMS Side skirts - SYMS Rear aero - SYMS _______________________________________________________________________ 5.6.c. Impreza WRX Type R ver. V (GC8) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: 4WD Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Irohazaka/Akagi/Akina Worst course: Arcade Myogi Driver: Eskimo Fob Driven by the infamous Bunta Fujiwara, this is another superb overall car. Good stability, powerful acceleration, and good turning round out a very nice package (that is, for a car that has no tune). It doesn't have a best track but is relatively strong on almost all. A good beginner car. However, in the hands of an expert driver, this car is a monster. Recommended Shift Points: --- 6000 > 6500 > 7000 To acquire this car: You must complete 'Story' mode (defeat Tomoyuki in stage 30) to access stage 31. Defeat Bunta in stage 31, and his GC8 is yours. Note: This car has no tune courses. You will get the usual tune ups, but there are no parts to unlock for this car. ======================================================================= 5.7. Suzuki ======================================================================= Cappuccino (EA11R) _______________________________________________________________________ Drivetrain: FR Transmission: 5-Gear Best course: Shoumaru Pass/Akagi Worst course: Any wet conditions Driver(s): Eskimo Fob & GrAyEeWoLf Likely the toughest car to drive in the game, the 'Capp' makes the MR2's oversteer pale in comparison and has incredible turning ability on almost every course. Its shift points are also tricky as shifting too early will cause the engine to stall. The Capp is also undisputed king of Akagi, although many beginners won't have a clue about how to handle it. Take this car to its home course of Shoumaru Pass and, next to the Levin, it handles great. Acceleration is weak at the lower gears but improves greatly at higher speeds. Use with extreme caution. Recommended Shift Points: --- 8000 > 9500 > 10500 Tune course A (driven by Tsukamoto): --- Wheels - Initial D Exhaust - Initial D Rear spoiler - Initial D Front aero - Initial D Tune course B: --- Wheels - Volk Racing Exhaust - Suzuki Sports Rear spoiler - Suzuki Sports Front aero - Suzuki Sports Side skirts - Suzuki Sports Rear aero - Suzuki Sports Tune course C: --- Wheels - RS Watanabe Exhaust - Fujitsubo Rear spoiler - HEART LAND Front aero - HEART LAND Side skirts - HEART LAND Rear aero - HEART LAND ======================================================================= 6. Unlocking car parts ======================================================================= After completing your car's basic tune (120,000 points), you will begin to randomly unlock other parts from other tune courses. It usually happens every 3 to 4 tune ups (you'll see 'Parts Change' flash in the lower right hand corner next to your points total) Here are the parts and their costs: Exhaust - 5,000 Sticker (some cars) - 5,000 Side Mirrors - 10,000 Wheels - 15,000 Hood - 40,000 Rear Spoiler - 60,000 You are forewarned that if you choose yes and change a part, it will subtract from your accumulated points total. It's recommended that you don't change any parts until you reach full tune, especially when it comes to changing hoods and spoilers. By purchasing external parts before 'full tune', you will delay the full tuning process by a good extent. Note: If your car doesn't have a spoiler or sticker, then you accidentally selected 'YES' and put one on your car, you will ALWAYS have a spoiler/sticker from that point on. You CAN, however, change the spoiler to a different one if you unlock another, but you can't go back to having no spoiler or sticker. Any other unlockable parts can be changed anytime (even back to the car's original parts, if you'd like). ======================================================================= 7. Links ======================================================================= http://www.hitmaker.co.jp/INITIALD/ This is the official website for their Initial D games. The internet rankings are up for anyone willing to put their times in (just don't feel bad when you see how fast people are, lol). You can still find information on the characters, cars, and mountain passes in Initial D, not to mention information on each game's different game modes. http://www.go2id.net/ Initial D World. Definitely the go-to Initial D fansite. Even has some drifting information if you're interested, as well as the best forums for talking anything Initial D. http://www.tokyopop.com/ EVIL!! THIS is Tokyopop's official webisite. As if it matters to me, anyway, maybe it matters to you. As many before me, I've sent hate mail (both formal and informal) only to get a BS response. If you feel like it, try sending them mail, but as if they listen anyway. Bastards. http://www.funimation.com/shows/initial-d Do yourself a favor and check out Funimation's version of Initial D. They did what Tokyopop SHOULD HAVE done originally; a well-acted, faithful dub. All I'm asking for now is Initial D on Blu-Ray and English versions of Fifth/Final Stage and I'll be a happy Initial D fan :) http://www.neoseeker.com This website is dedicated to the video gaming community. http://faqs.ign.com This is IGN's FAQ site. You can find this FAQ there as well as many video game related material (codes, cheats, reviews, etc.) jeffrokkz2k1@yahoo.com My e-mail in the case you want to contact me =) ======================================================================= 8. Credits & Copyrights ======================================================================= Don't think your work goes unnoticed, people. To everyone that contributed to my FAQ to make it what it is. This includes: - Eskimo Fob (this guy pretty much did EVERYTHING for me, lol) - ViperMask - alain83 - Jin4576 - Racer Ecks Also, to all the people on the Initial D: Special Stage/Arcade Stage boards (a lot of you to name, but you know who you are)... thanks for keeping things interesting. It makes me wonder why I'm always posting, lol. To ViperMask, for '**** Tokyopop!' To Shuichi Shigeno for creating Initial D. May there be more Initial D for many years to come. To Sega and their Sega Rosso (now Hitmaker!) development team for developing, publishing and releasing Initial D Arcade Stage. If it wasn't for that game we wouldn't have this game. To Sega of America for bringing Arcade Stage out in North America. To the following websites for accepting my FAQ: - GameFAQs (as well as the other one I did) - Neoseeker - IGN And finally... to YOU, the reader of this FAQ. Thank you for reading! I hope you found the information that has been compiled in this document of good use :) --- All manufacturers, cars, names, brands and associated imagery featured in this game are trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Printing and reproduction of this document without permission is prohibited. If you want to use this in your website (or whatever else you may want to do with it), e-mail me at jeffrokkz2k1@yahoo.com Copyright 2004