Feature: Good Smile Racing Z4-GT

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Following up that pink Studie BMW post, I have an awesome feature on this unusual GT300 contender.  The Studie built  Hatsune Miku Good Smile Racing BMW Z4 (初音ミク グッドスマイル) is unique to say the least.  For starters, the team’s theme is based on a character that was originally created to market Crypton Future Media’s new ‘Vocaloid’ software, a synthetic singing application that can be used to add vocals to backing music – sounds like something from a science fiction movie.  Anyway, as you would imagine if you’ve been to Japan before, the character soon became overwhelmingly popular (Check this video out).  The second unique feature of this team, and probably the coolest, is that it gathers it’s racing funds from individual fan donations.  The individual sponsorships range between 3,000yen to 300,000yen, and allows the fans to get a chance to visit the team pit during a race, have their name on the car, get a special team sticker, and other perks.  Thanks again to JDM Clips for providing coverage and information.  Check out the feature past the break.

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The GSR team is off to a good start this season, taking fourth place at Fuji.  I am curious to see the results at Okayama next weekend, I think the track layout is more suited to the Z4.
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The livery is slightly changed from previous years, where the white base has replaced the black.  All the cars in the series are wearing the ‘Good Luck! Japan’ windshield visors, but the Z4 is also showing support with the ‘Don’t give up, Tohoku’ stickers.

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While their theme may be a cartoon, this is car is no joke.  As you can see, Studie AG builds some top notch BMW’s, and this Z4 was built to contend with the best of them.

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This semi-profile shot shows some good angles on the aero.  I love that cut away front fender…

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…and the rear diffuser is as mean as they get.  I like the wing mounts too, and how they chose to mount the wing to the actual frame.  There is a lot going on in this shot!

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Heading into the pit.  Fuji Speedway has some great opportunities around the track for photographers to get good shots.

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Don’t be fooled by the paint job, this is a mean looking car.  Imagine what it would look like covered in matte black!

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For more info and to hear it in action, check out this JDM Clip.  Good luck in Okayama!

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