Hiromu Naruse: Toyota's Legendary Test Driver - An Extraordinary Life Defined by Triumph and Tragedy

On the 13th Anniversary of his passing, I would like to honour the memory of Hiromu Naruse, a true motorsport stalwart and a gentleman of exceptional calibre.

The story of Hiromu Naruse is one of legend and tragedy, a tale that spans over half a century and has left an indelible mark on Toyota's history. Naruse, the most important test driver for the renowned automaker, dedicated his life to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. However, his crowning achievement would ultimately lead to a heartbreaking end.

It was a damp morning on June 23, 2010, when Naruse completed yet another lap of the infamous Nürburgring in a Lexus LFA. With 47 years of experience under his belt, Naruse held the record for the most Nürburgring laps by any Japanese driver. This particular LFA, an orange Nürburgring Package variant, was the culmination of his life's work—a car designed to rival the best from Europe on their home turf.

As Naruse finished the lap, a sense of visible satisfaction radiated from him. This was a man who had been involved in the development of numerous iconic Toyota performance models, but none had evoked such delight from him as this LFA. Not the legendary AE86, the Celica, the MR2, or even the beloved Supra. Turning to his colleague, test driver Yoshinobu Katsumata, Naruse expressed his excitement. The car was almost ready—it was the closest he had ever come to realizing his dream.

Naruse offered Katsumata the chance to take the wheel, a rare occurrence as Naruse usually reserved driving duties for when a vehicle was near completion. However, with another week of testing still on the schedule, Katsumata politely declined. The assistants began cleaning the Toyota garage in preparation for the next session. The routine had become familiar, almost automatic, at this advanced stage of the program.

Having devoted his life to crafting a supercar that embodied his personal vision, Naruse knew there was one final check to be done on the dampers. He decided to drive back alone to Toyota's nearby engineering facility, a short two-mile journey he had made countless times before. With his white hair flattened beneath a helmet, Naruse rolled up the window, and his LFA merged onto the highway.

News of Naruse's fate reached me just as it did for most people—through headlines and internet articles recounting the tragic accident that occurred during his return drive. Photographs of the crumpled LFA flooded the web, and for a few days, tributes poured in for the legendary test driver. Toyota released a video in memory of the man who had left an indelible mark on the company.

Test drivers like Naruse have recently risen to the status of minor celebrities. Stories abound about renowned figures such as Walter Röhrl at Porsche and Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni. Even Nissan's chief driver, Hiroyoshi Kato, enjoys a devoted following. It's no wonder that people are captivated by these masters of their craft, the creators of the world's most impressive machines.

However, Naruse's story remained shrouded in obscurity. Intrigued, I embarked on a journey to Japan to uncover the tale of this legendary figure. I wanted to witness firsthand the places where Naruse-san had built his legacy and meet the individuals who had laboured alongside him, sweating under drivetrains and debating suspension designs. Toyota's sprawling corporate headquarters in Toyota City became the starting point for my quest.

Seated across from me at a walnut conference table, Yoshinobu Katsumata, the Chief Expert driver who had been with Naruse on the day of the accident, shared his thoughts on the man they called the Master. Katsumata,

Katsumata, a seasoned test driver himself, spoke with a mix of reverence and sorrow as he recounted his memories of Hiromu Naruse. He described Naruse as a man driven by an insatiable passion for cars, an unwavering commitment to perfection, and an unparalleled understanding of vehicle dynamics.

"Naruse-san had an extraordinary talent for translating his vision into reality," Katsumata said, his voice filled with admiration. "He had an intuitive understanding of how a car should feel, how it should respond to the driver's inputs. It was like he had an innate connection with the machine."

Katsumata shared stories of their countless hours spent together on the test track, fine-tuning prototypes and pushing the limits of performance. He spoke of Naruse's meticulous attention to detail, his ability to detect even the slightest imperfection in a car's handling, and his relentless pursuit of improvement.

"He would drive lap after lap, analyzing every nuance of the car's behaviour," Katsumata recalled. "He would provide feedback to the engineers, pushing them to refine every aspect of the vehicle until it met his exacting standards. It was a relentless process, but one that ultimately led to the creation of some remarkable machines."

As I delved deeper into Naruse's life, I discovered that his influence extended far beyond the test track. He was not only a revered test driver but also a mentor and inspiration to a generation of engineers at Toyota. His dedication and expertise left an indelible mark on the company's culture, shaping the way cars were designed and developed.

Naruse's legacy extended to the iconic sports cars that bore his fingerprints. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Toyota 2000GT, a groundbreaking sports car that put Japan on the automotive map in the 1960s. He was instrumental in the evolution of the Toyota Supra, a car that would become synonymous with performance and precision. And of course, his crowning achievement was the Lexus LFA, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of automotive excellence.

But it was the tragic accident that claimed Naruse's life that brought a bittersweet end to his remarkable journey. The details of the accident remained etched in the memories of those who knew him, a painful reminder of the risks that test drivers face every day.

Toyota, deeply affected by the loss of their legendary test driver, honoured Naruse's memory in various ways. They established the Hiromu Naruse Memorial Hall, a dedicated space within their headquarters, showcasing his accomplishments and celebrating his contributions to the company. They also created an annual Hiromu Naruse Memorial Cup, a motorsport event that pays tribute to his passion for racing and his love for the Nürburgring.

As I concluded my journey into the life of Hiromu Naruse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the man who dedicated his life to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. His unwavering commitment to excellence, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his unparalleled expertise made him a true legend in the world of automotive engineering.

The incredible, tragic life of Hiromu Naruse serves as a reminder of the profound impact that individuals can have on an industry. His passion and talent continue to inspire generations of engineers and enthusiasts, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the pursuit of automotive excellence.

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