A former police officer, he developed PR and art event businesses for Japanese companies in Toronto, Canada, and after returning to Japan, he used his experience to work at Avex Creator Agency. He also serves as a director of the Yokohama Jazz Association in his hometown, making him a talented man who is active in many areas.
Instagram: @toyonori_kato_tom
If you want to enjoy driving, drive an Italian car. I feel like I've heard that line before, but maybe not. Design, performance, history... There are many reasons to fall in love with cars, but Italian cars surely have it all. Italian cars are loved by so-called car enthusiasts. The car we're looking at today is the Giulia Tributo Italiano by ALFA ROMEO, which is equipped with colors and exclusive parts that seem to embody the charm of Italian cars.
We would like to share with you a report of our three-hour drive, in which we experienced the magnificent, top-level sportiness that brings together Alfa Romeo's sensibility and technology.
The man who sat in the passenger seat was Tom, otherwise known as Toyoki Kato. As he is a former police officer, my hands were a little more tense than usual as I held the wheel, but I remember that his soft tone of voice and fluent storytelling instantly relaxed the atmosphere in the car.
"If you go to Noge, let's go to AFRO TACOS! A friend of mine runs it, and it's really delicious."
I felt that this one word summed up the person that Tom is. His quick thinking that allows him to understand the contents of the plan and propose ideas instantly, his choice of location taking into consideration that the driver and cameraman are young, his connections with people in all genres... They say that people who are good at their jobs are good at capturing people's hearts, and Tom is a perfect example of that.
From Tokyo to Noge. It doesn't take long. As I mentioned at the beginning, this "Giulia Tributo Italiano" boasts the highest level of sportiness among manufacturers, and is especially effective on winding and rough roads. It's great to fully enjoy its driving on the circuit, but it also promises an optimal and comfortable ride on the winding roads of Tokyo.
The main reason for this is that it is equipped with the "ALFA™️ Active Suspension". It automatically changes the suspension characteristics to optimize the vehicle's posture according to the road conditions and driving situation. The ride feels as if the car is glued to the road, providing a special driving experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
Sunday in Noge. Glancing at the men and women of all ages getting drunk in the middle of the day, our group entered the fashionable and stylish "AFRO TACOS," which seemed a little out of place in this drinking town. As we savored the delicious and beautiful-looking tacos, we asked Tom, who usually drives a car, about the appeal of cars.
"Time spent in the car is extremely precious. Naturally, you can't touch your cell phone, so you can't check emails or LINE messages. You can legally ignore all kinds of communication (laughs). I also like saunas, and in the sense that you can let go of the digital world, maybe cars and saunas are similar in that sense. I dig for new music, think about my next project, and in the end I end up thinking about work.
For me, the car is my workshop and one of my workspaces. Until now, I often worked in cafes, but since I started driving, I often bring my PC and work in the car. I move, stop, and work. It's very efficient."
Tom usually drives an SUV, and we asked him about the drive that day, which he described as a refreshing change of pace, with his line of sight lowered.
"It's been a long time since I even sat in the passenger seat. The view from a seat without a steering wheel and the different eye level made it a refreshing drive. I've always liked the rugged look of American cars, but the refined design of these Italian cars is also attractive. The colors of the Italian flag are everywhere, the wheels have a unique design, and I think the attention to detail is unique to Italy. Also, the feeling of being one with the car, the feeling of gripping the road that is unique to sports cars, and the quiet interior were the charms of this Giulia Tributo Italiano. But I guess I prefer a higher eye level after all (laughs)."
・Peugeot / 408 GT HYBRID
Right-hand drive
・4,700mm×1,850mm×1,500mm
・Capacity: 5 people
Vehicle weight: 1,740kg
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo 1,598cc
Maximum output: 132kW (225ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 250Nm / 1,750rpm
Fuel supply system: Electronically controlled fuel injection
Fuel used / Tank capacity: Unleaded premium / 40L
-Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Tires: 205/55 R19
- Suspension: Front / strut, rear / torsion beam
Total power: 12.4kW
・Maximum motor output: 81kW (110ps) / 2,500rpm
Maximum motor torque: 320Nm /
500-2,500rpm
・Hybrid fuel consumption: 17.1km/L
・Hybrid urban mode (WLTC-L): 12.7km/L
・Hybrid suburban mode (WLTC-M): 18.3 km/L
・Hybrid highway mode (WLTC-H): 19.1 km/L
・EV driving distance (equivalent EV range): 66km
- Driving distance when using charging power (plug-in range): 66km
・AC power consumption rate: 193Wh/km
- Urban mode (WLTC-L): 202 Wh/km
- Suburban mode (WLTC-M): 194 Wh/km
- Highway mode (WLTC-H): 195 Wh/km
・Energy consumption per charge: 11.53 Wh / time
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