Once I got used to the clutch, I decided to give a little performance. Zoom-zoom! The little roadster had some pep following all! This one turned out to be a somewhat modified S-Special model with a Bilstein suspension and other aftermarket additions. Although it was still low compared to even most econoboxes, the tiny diameter MOMO steering wheel and drift hunters clutch let one sense the lightness of the chassis.

It handled like a go-kart, even though it was clearly not very fast. Before the light turns green, you know in Mario Kart when you punch down the A-button to gain a little speed boost? Accelerating felt in real life like this. I hooked on this.

But the chassis came alive five minutes down the road when I took the vehicle off onto the neighborhood touge. Within minutes, the Miata ethos—that of jinba ittai—that is based on the idea of one horse and rider—clearly emerged. The 50:50 weight distribution and peaky engine fit the tiny, twisting mountain roads of Gunma well. Though I had driven a manual just a few times previously, the Miata delightedly bounced around every bend and junction. I tried as I could, but I couldn't wash the grin off of my face.

I then took the top down and first encountered open-air driving. Blasting the heater as the frigid mountain air brushed my hair back, I felt as if I had somehow been sent into the Autumn Ring level of the Playstation game Gran Turismo. Was this actual?