WEB：
What specifically did you do?
Higashino :
I first tried to replicate the 1/8 Inferno's characteristics and excellent functionality for winning the toughest races. The 1/8 Inferno is a magnificent machine in every respect. That is why it is the world's best. So I had to understand everything about why the Inferno is so fast. Then I had to plan how I could recreate that performance in half its size. So I studied the Inferno down to the last screw.
WEB：
It wasn't about just making it smaller was it?
Higashino :
That's right. I had to re-construct the strength, rigidity and material itself. If I just halved everything in size, it would have reduced the performance of the machine. I adapted the shape and thickness of some parts, or in some cases made them thinner. Rigorous testing was needed to find out the effects of reduced size. If we took any shortcuts, we would fail to produce a machine worthy of the Inferno name. This applied to everything.
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WEB：
Was one of the reasons the SIRIO engine?
Higashino :
Once all the components and functions of the chassis were tested, and once I understood the 1/8 Inferno design, the next component was obvious: power. Having the right engine is critical.
WEB：
The 1/8 Inferno / SIRIO engine combination won the last 1/8 World Championship didn't it?
Higashino :
Yes. The right engine makes the most of the potential speed of the chassis. If the chassis doesn't have the power to match the engine potential or vice versa, there is an imbalance. Unfortunately at that time, 'Star Motor' which makes SIRIO engines didn't have the right size engine for the Mini Inferno.
WEB：
What led to the development of the SIRIO 09 engine?
Higashino :
In the project meeting, Kyosho Chairman Aki Suzuki recommended that the Mini Inferno should offer the same engine combination as the 1/8 Inferno. We all agreed and contacted Star Motor to work through from concept to development.
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