Flying all the way to Japan to sample performance tires may seem excessive, but many products feel better in the environment they were intended for. Small European hatchbacks, for example, feel better on twisting Alpine roads than on eight-lane freeways. And fish 'n chips can only be fully appreciated eaten out of newspaper in the rain.
So it was that we found ourselves at Twin Ring Motegi. Owned and built by Honda, the track is 4.8km (2.983 miles) in length and can be split into oval and road courses.
However, we were destined for something that looked suspiciously like a kart track. Nomatter, we were in Japan and the assembled test vehicles were mouthwatering.
Yokohama had gathered several of its loyal partners to illustrate its tires' abilities. Top of the list were our friends from Studie AG, whose 335i can be found in this issue - and this E92 M3 will be featured soon.
Studie brought a Schnitzer Mini Cooper S as well, which looked better suited to the twisty track. As did the latest Impreza STi from HKS, and the new Evo X from Cusco. Additionally, Auto EXE supplied a modified Mazda 3 and RX-8.
It soon became apparent the Studie M3 was the pick of the bunch, with even the import journalists fighting to get behind the wheel, amazed at its power and poise.
In reality, 414hp was too much for the tiny track. The extra grip afforded by the Schnitzer suspension and sticky Yokohama Advan Sport tires meant the limits were exceptionally high. With 275/30-20s on the rear axle, you had to be brutal to make them let go. But once they hooked up again, you found yourself over-committed to the next corner.
The Mini was the ideal companion for this track. It's turbo motor could unstick the 205/45-17 Yokohama S.drive tires easily, but its momentum was more controllable. Braking power was enormous and the turn-in was razor sharp - making your neck ache from the forces. The Studie Mini really proved just how good the entry-level S.drive tires could be.
The Auto EXE Mazda 3 gave the Mini a run for its money. It had a softer chassis but also a fluidity that made it a pleasure to drive. This Japanese tuner has impressive chassis skills, as its RX-8 confirmed.
We'd heard so much about the Evo X and wondered if Cusco's example could live up to the hype. And in fact, it could. On grippy Advan Neova AD07 tires, the Evo was possibly quickest around the track, able to turn quicker and put its power down better than the heavier M3. However, the paddle-shift DSG gearbox started overheating after a few laps, refusing to change gear consistently. This doesn't bode well for its future as a tuner car
The HKS STi was sidelined by a heavy-footed journo, so we never got to sample it in anger. The chassis work and Neova tires felt good at the lower speeds we attempted and it may have the edge over the Evo's temperamental transmission.
By day's end we'd seen Yokohama's range of performance tires offer something for every occasion and every budget. Despite the excess horsepower, the rubber was never the weak link. And you can't ask for more than that!