The solar hangs overhead, casting an excellent glow on the crisp winter air, whereas the roads encircling me paint a wide ranging image. As I method a tightening curve, the colourful environment remodel from a motion-blurred spectacle to crystal clear readability as I dig into the brake pedal and quickly hit the downshift paddle. With the six-piston calipers up entrance biting down exhausting, Fourth, third, and second, arrive — because the resonating echoes of the exhaust reverberate by the mountainous terrain with thunderous claps.

There’s little time to savour the second although as I unwind the steering wheel and ease into the throttle to as soon as once more unleash 453 horses because the hairpin opens up into a protracted sweeping curve revealing the magnificent sight of a snow-capped Mt Fuji within the distance. It’s a splendid sight and an imposing magnificence that belies the superior energy mendacity deep inside. However with the cacophony of barely extra minute explosions bursting out the rear pipes of my exhaust, my focus sharpens once more as I dive into the following bend. That is Hakone, Japan, and I am behind the wheel of a BMW M2.

However let’s not get forward of ourselves.

The Backstory

It is 1998, and a a lot youthful and extra impressionable model of myself was about to embark on his first-ever journey to Japan—a real journey past the borders of Singapore. Regardless of a considerably rushed itinerary masking the necessities of Kansai and Tokyo, the expertise was transformative. As a fervent automotive fanatic engrossed in video games like Gran Turismo, this preliminary go to through the golden period of JDM sportscars left an indelible mark on my life. Even within the outskirts, I encountered a large number of Skylines, RX7s, Fairladys, quite a few 180SXs and Silvias, and the occasional NSX. A serendipitous sighting of an Autech 4-door GTR added a contact of automotive rarity to the expertise.

It was additionally throughout this go to that, albeit from the confines of a minibus, I first laid eyes on the roads of Hakone, pushed by my Japanese trainer, who turned out to be a fan of the Touge as properly in his S130 Fairlady!

As I stood on the sting of the remainder cease nonchalant to the slight drizzle of rain frivolously misting down my jacket I caught sight of Hakone’s meandering roads, A fragile fog descended upon the asphalt like a spectral veil. Amid the occasional crackle of branches and the haunting wind, it appeared as if time had momentarily paused, if just for a couple of milliseconds. At that second, I made a silent promise to myself – someday, I can be again to drive these roads.

As everyone knows, time has a means of altering plans. Regardless of visiting Japan nearly yearly for practically 20 years, I by no means managed to return to Hakone, at the very least not within the method I initially envisioned (I am fairly positive Pirate ships do not depend). Till now.

Apparently, whereas I by no means did make it again to drive in Japan, my love for automobiles by no means waned and thru years of exhausting work or maybe simply sheer luck, I’ve had the pleasure of driving some wonderful BMWs in a large number of lovely places. It was throughout certainly one of these abroad assignments that I had the chance to satisfy a consultant from BMW Group Japan. I feel you’ll be able to see the place that is going.

Enter BMW Group Japan. Enter the Hakone Turnpike.

As I navigated by Tokyo’s congested roads en route in the direction of future, the G87 M2, generously entrusted to me by BMW Group Japan, effortlessly devoured the motorway miles (or kilometers). Regardless of sure critiques concerning the new M2’s extra mature dealing with in comparison with its predecessor, the heightened stability and improved experience high quality derived from its M3/M4 chassis contributed considerably to the general enjoyment of the commute.

It did not take very lengthy earlier than the indicators in the direction of certainly one of Japan’s most legendary and iconic roads loomed into view.

Extending simply over 15 kilometers with an elevation climb of over 1,000 meters, the Hakone Turnpike was inaugurated in 1969 as a toll street (with a largely 50km/h pace restrict) linking Odawara to Yugawara. Over time, it underwent a few title alterations, that includes model sponsorships from Toyo Tires and Mazda. Presently, the toll street is beneath the possession of the Hakone Turnpike subsidiary of the Central Nippon Expressway Firm, going by the title Anest Iwata Turnpike. With my entry toll paid, it was time to satisfy a childhood dream.

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So pleasant is the M2’s torque, so accessible is its energy, and so surefooted, competent, and confidence-inspiring is the dealing with that I discover myself pushing tougher and tougher because the altitude rises. Relentlessly encouraging me to discover its limits with its Turbocharged S58’s heartbeat playfully dancing up and down the digital tachometer with every flick of my wrists. Powering down a protracted sweeping bend, the M2 leans simply sufficient to speak what’s occurring, and as I preserve the throttle down, I really feel the rear finish dig into the bottom because the M2’s computerized lively differentials carry out their mathematical wizardry to supply the very best energy supply.

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With the Turnpike’s sweeping curves that hug the hillsides and stretches of tarmac that punch by dense forest and bushes earlier than opening up right into a superbly scenic bridge so that you can energy by. This mixture of street and machine supplied an nearly a dream-like driving expertise, providing a easy, intoxicating journey so superbly introduced and so fulfilling to pattern that I catch myself on a number of events wishing it by no means ends.

Skylines and skylines.

As I summit the Turnpike, my day has solely simply begun. Pulling into the Anest relaxation cease, my eyes catch a glimpse of a lovely Hakosuka Skyline. Judging by its battle scars, it appears to be in an identical Touge-hunting temper.

Sporting its dings, scratches, dust, and chips with satisfaction, this classic Nissan hotrod appears to be like removed from a storage queen.

Regardless of the GT-X insignia within the cabin, implying its possible modest beginnings, the fats, worn tires, wheels coated with brake mud, exhaust-stained rear panels, and absolutely stripped-out, caged inside sign a construct that transcends mere aesthetics. Might that S20 window decal provide a glimpse of what actually hides beneath its bonnet?

It appears I wasn’t the one one captivated by the attract of the Hakosuka Skyline, as its distinctive options, battle scars, and distinctive modifications garnered consideration and admiration from fellow vacationers on the Anest relaxation cease.

With lunch devoured, it was time to ignite the M2 for the picturesque journey alongside the Tsubaki Line and Izu Skyline Touge roads. These winding roads, characterised by narrower paths, intricate bends, and blind corners, often unveil expansive and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. As I unleash the facility of the S58 as soon as extra, let’s circle again to our introduction as I energy down a brief straightaway right into a blind crest earlier than dabbing on the brakes to rein within the charging Bavarian, Orbital’s Halycon On and On taking part in within the background because the M2 flawlessly and joyously absorbs each second of the drive, by no means lacking a beat.

Taking a second at a secluded however very picturesque facet street to additionally rein in my adrenaline, I discovered myself pondering the importance of the colour pink. Past its visible attract, this scarlet hue embodies essences of ardour, pleasure, happiness, celebration, and vitality. Traits that resonated completely with the way it has felt powering this rouge magnificence by the dynamic landscapes of Hakone.

The Good Accomplice.

With visitors forward, I settled into the cruise alongside the West Izu Skyline, the M2 gracefully navigating the winding roads resulting in the coastal city of Numazu, Shizuoka. The surroundings unfolds in a charming show of nature’s magnificence, enhancing my sense of awe and exhilaration. The reminiscences of the exuberant morning drive lingered, merging seamlessly with the current second. It was sheer bliss and the M2 was the proper accomplice to get pleasure from it with. Till I noticed it, because the lumbering bus forward of me pulled off, I caught sight of the unmistakable rear finish of a G82 M4. With out hesitation, I punched the M2 button, prompting a burst of acceleration as I eagerly closed in on the M4 whose driver, possible sensing the upcoming arrival of his automotive’s child sibling, responded by unleashing the facility of the M4, it was go time.

It will need to have been fairly the spectacle as we gracefully danced alongside the winding roads of Nishi-Izu Skyline, the M4 main whereas I saved tempo. Two of Munich’s most interesting machines playfully carving up and down the mountains in unison, with the M4 often surging into the space, aided by a driver way more acquainted with these roads. Because the M4 pulled away into the space as I hooked a left into one other slender Touge street main in the direction of Numazu, it felt like a lovely second that completely encapsulated the phrase “Freude Am Fahren” had simply unfolded.

Numazu, Toronto, and Mount Fuji.

Nestled alongside the picturesque Shizuoka shoreline and with roots courting again to historical occasions, Numazu has developed into a contemporary city whereas retaining its historic essence. Identified for its tranquil ambiance, coastal appeal, seafood choices, and native markets, This scenic coastal city gives a mixture of coastal simplicity and pure magnificence splendid for a noteworthy cease on any street journey. Me? I solely had time to cease for a photograph. However what a view!

Because the solar solid its brilliance on the G87’s Toronto Crimson physique, I marveled on the contemporary aesthetic perspective it provided in comparison with the Zandvoort Blue instance I drove in Singapore. Whereas the M2’s signature child blue shade could appeal to consideration, it does not deal with reflections, depth, and shadows as successfully as this crimson magnificence. Complemented by the 930M Bicolour wheels, the brand new M2’s extra daring and assertive design language actually got here to life, particularly with Mt. Fuji within the background, creating a really breathtaking sight.

Chasing the solar, chasing a dream.

With this picturesque scene etched in my reminiscence, the following leg of my journey led me alongside the coastal roads of Numazu, by town of Mishima in the direction of my subsequent Touge. Town’s visitors slowed my progress significantly, and the daylight was slowly however absolutely subsiding by the point I reached the Ashinoko Skyline.

Linking Nationwide Route 1 close to Hakone Move to Kojiri on the northern shores of Lake Ashi, the Ashinoko Skyline is a picturesque toll street winding alongside the border of Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures on the western facet of Hakone. Tracing the western ridge of the Hakone mountains, it gives vistas of Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji, Mishima metropolis, Numazu metropolis, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula. As I pulled right into a viewpoint with the solar setting, phrases nearly did not seize the awe-inspiring scene unfolding earlier than me. It was actually a spectacular sight.

With my dream now fulfilled, I could not assist however really feel a surge of emotion. The great thing about the second was overwhelming, and I could not have requested for a extra good day. Thanks BMW Group Japan, it was the very best drive I’ve ever had and the G87 M2 will eternally stay particular.

It was now time to have dinner and return to Tokyo. Thanks for studying.