It's been around a year since the last full issue of Hyper Rev dedicated to the Mazda Roadster. The latest issue was released on 28th December and as usual I went through Amazon's Japanese site to get my copy delivered. This took just a couple of days and was nicely packaged up arriving safely in one piece. There is a bonus DVD included with this issue, it's region 2 so will play on UK equipment, I used my PS4 and it worked fine. There'll be another post soon with more details about the video.
If you're familiar with the magazine you'll know there are ten Roadster issues, though for reasons I forget the latest is number 9. The picture below shows you which issues you need to collect. Early back issues can be tricky to find now and are quite collectible amongst enthusiasts.
Issue 215 features the new Blitz racing demo car on the cover with a 25th Anniversary NC model alongside. Inside the front cover there are full page adverts for Rays and Yokohama alloy wheels with some very high quality photos of the latest designs.As we all know, the big news in the Roadster world since the last issue is the introduction of the RF model. A couple of pages are dedicated to technical details that talk about the new (for Japan) 2.0 engine and the roof mechanism and styling.
After the RF feature, there is the first part of an extended look at some demo Roadsters. The cars modified by Blitz, Cusco, Okuyama, Data System, S2 Racing, and Fatra Styling are all profiled with plenty of photos and details.
Next there are a couple of pages highlighting some interesting aftermarket parts. Cabana's demo car with racing green wrap and tan car seat covers is pictured alongside suspension and big brake upgrades from D2 Racing. There are also details on replacement steering wheels from Real and the latest seat designs from Bride.
Further on in this issue there are reports from the various Roadster tuning shops. These showcase some of the services on offer across Japan. Nogami Project, RS Factory Stage, Murakami Motors, Car Make Corns, Tuckin 99, Joy Fast, Active, and Ken Auto all feature in this section.
The second part of the demo car profiles includes a two page spread on Integral Kobe's black NC. This car is fitted with several Garage Vary body styling parts and has a 2.3 litre engine conversion producing 225PS. Leg Motorsport's ND has a lovely Mariner Blue wrap which really makes it stand out from the crowd, both of these cars can be seen on the DVD.
The magazine also has a detailed article about Jupiter Net's NA which they have given an NC engine and gearbox conversion with Adaptronic ECU, this car makes 180PS and is complete with bulging bonnet.
Blitz's work with Dunlop testing tyres on the turbocharged Roadster is also documented. The Direzza β02 semi-slick tyre has a really interesting tread design I've not seen before.
At the back of the magazine is an extensive catalogue of aftermarket parts, covering pretty much anything you could ever want. Hyper Rev is ideal if you like to keep up to date with the aftermarket scene, I just hope we don't have to wait another year for the next issue.
If you enjoy Hyper Rev then another magazine worth checking out is the excellent Roadster Bros.