Car choice in sim racing is nearly endless – which also means that players can get their hands on the virtual wheels of lesser-known vehicles, like the Daihatsu P-5 for Assetto Corsa.
Image credit: @Historic Sim Studios LLC
When most people think of 1960s sportscar racing, brutes like the Ford GT40, elegant beasts like the Ferrari 330 P models, or the madness that in the shape of the Porsche 917K at the end of the decade. These rather famous examples can be found in multiple sim racing titles due to their statuses as icons of the sport.
Daihatsu certainly does not come to mind when thinking about this era. The manufacturer itself is not very well known anymore these days, as the formerly global presence of the brand has been reduced to just Malaysia, Indonesia and its home, Japan. Daihatsu is owned by Toyota these days.
We know what you are wondering – yes, the exhaust pipes actually vibrate!
In 1967, however, it was not. Toyota was already on board, but only as a major shareholder. It was also the year of the Daihatsu P-5 seeing the light of the (race) day. Succeeding the tiny P-3, the P-5 was the latest contender of Daihatsu’s to take on the Japanese Sportscar racing scene. In fact, the manufacturer had established itself as one of the key players of said scene by the mid-1960s.
This rather miniscule motor was mated to a chassis that was a bit larger than that of the P-3, but only weighed 510 kg (1,124 lbs). Coupled with its aerodynamic shape, the P-5 proved to be agile – and competitive despite its low power output. By the end of the car’s competitive life cycle, Daihatsu managed to squeeze about 140 hp out of the engine. In a way, the car is the antithesis of sports cars of the time.
Entered into the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix, neither of the two P-5s present at Suzuka managed to qualify for the race. However, returning to the track in 1968 for the 1000 km of Suzuka proved to be more successful as the P-5 celebrated a class win. A second place at the 1969 edition of the race marked the end of the short career of the Daihatsu P-5.
Small, sleek and well-balanced: The Daihatsu P-5 for Assetto Corsa is relatively beginner-friendly.
Luckily, sim racing is here to digitally preserve yet another car. Historic Sim Studios have immortalized the P-5 in Assetto Corsa – in fact, it was their first mod release on RaceDepartment. Initially uploaded in early May of 2023, the car has received two updates recently, adjusting the physics, fixing a few bugs and reworking the Force Feedback.
That, and a thundering or screaming sound. You might find yourself slightly confused when you first rev the engine due to its somewhat muted and a bit underwhelming engine noise. But the P-5 makes up for this with its handling, which immediately invites drivers to push for the final tenth or two they might have left on track the lap before.
As a result, the Daihatsu P-5 could be regarded as a good learner car for late 60s, early 70s machinery. Maybe you are looking into learning to heel and toe to properly use your H-shifter – then the P-5 might also be your best friend. And even if that is not the case, you might just be in for a whole lot of fun with this small Japanese sportscar.
What are your thoughts on the Daihatsu P-5 for Assetto Corsa? Have you tried the car before? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
Image credit: @Historic Sim Studios LLC
When most people think of 1960s sportscar racing, brutes like the Ford GT40, elegant beasts like the Ferrari 330 P models, or the madness that in the shape of the Porsche 917K at the end of the decade. These rather famous examples can be found in multiple sim racing titles due to their statuses as icons of the sport.
Daihatsu certainly does not come to mind when thinking about this era. The manufacturer itself is not very well known anymore these days, as the formerly global presence of the brand has been reduced to just Malaysia, Indonesia and its home, Japan. Daihatsu is owned by Toyota these days.
We know what you are wondering – yes, the exhaust pipes actually vibrate!
In 1967, however, it was not. Toyota was already on board, but only as a major shareholder. It was also the year of the Daihatsu P-5 seeing the light of the (race) day. Succeeding the tiny P-3, the P-5 was the latest contender of Daihatsu’s to take on the Japanese Sportscar racing scene. In fact, the manufacturer had established itself as one of the key players of said scene by the mid-1960s.
Daihatsu P-5: Antithesis Of The 1960s Sportscar?
At a time when Can-Am cranked up the engine power to 11 (and then broke off the dial just to be sure), World Sportscar Championship cars became mind-blowingly fast as well and Formula One just had switched back to 3.5-liter engines and according speeds, Daihatsu chose to buck that trend. Instead, they opted to keep the P-3’s 1.3-liter engine for the P-5.This rather miniscule motor was mated to a chassis that was a bit larger than that of the P-3, but only weighed 510 kg (1,124 lbs). Coupled with its aerodynamic shape, the P-5 proved to be agile – and competitive despite its low power output. By the end of the car’s competitive life cycle, Daihatsu managed to squeeze about 140 hp out of the engine. In a way, the car is the antithesis of sports cars of the time.
Entered into the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix, neither of the two P-5s present at Suzuka managed to qualify for the race. However, returning to the track in 1968 for the 1000 km of Suzuka proved to be more successful as the P-5 celebrated a class win. A second place at the 1969 edition of the race marked the end of the short career of the Daihatsu P-5.
Small, sleek and well-balanced: The Daihatsu P-5 for Assetto Corsa is relatively beginner-friendly.
Luckily, sim racing is here to digitally preserve yet another car. Historic Sim Studios have immortalized the P-5 in Assetto Corsa – in fact, it was their first mod release on RaceDepartment. Initially uploaded in early May of 2023, the car has received two updates recently, adjusting the physics, fixing a few bugs and reworking the Force Feedback.
Well-balanced, Friendly Sportscar
All of the above results in a car that might surprise you. No super-long braking distances that you might expect from a late 60s sportscar due to its lightness. No nervous rear, as the Daihatsu P-5 does not have the monumental power of some of its contemporaries. Instead, you will find a well-balanced and forgiving race car that also is quite agile. The only thing it does not come with is a high top speed – but that had to be expected considering the small Inline-4 engine.That, and a thundering or screaming sound. You might find yourself slightly confused when you first rev the engine due to its somewhat muted and a bit underwhelming engine noise. But the P-5 makes up for this with its handling, which immediately invites drivers to push for the final tenth or two they might have left on track the lap before.
As a result, the Daihatsu P-5 could be regarded as a good learner car for late 60s, early 70s machinery. Maybe you are looking into learning to heel and toe to properly use your H-shifter – then the P-5 might also be your best friend. And even if that is not the case, you might just be in for a whole lot of fun with this small Japanese sportscar.
What are your thoughts on the Daihatsu P-5 for Assetto Corsa? Have you tried the car before? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
