He serves as Akio Asakura's primary rival, since Akio is the only person who consistently challenges him. He pilots a nearly stock 1987 Porsche 911 Yellowbird, painted black, which gives it the name Blackbird. The vehicle produces 470 hp (350 kW) in its stock configuration. Frustrated by Akio's constant victories, Tatsuya hires Kitami Jun to tune the Porsche. Kitami modifies the suspension and installs a second turbocharger, converting it into a Twin Turbo Porsche (shown as a Nissan 350Z in the English arcade game versions) and raising the output to 500 hp (370 kW) or more, in an attempt to match the Devil Z. He is an exceptionally talented driver who has been involved in only one crash throughout the manga. He understands his car's boundaries and refuses to risk disaster by exceeding its safe limits. This caution has caused him to lose a few races, but he consistently learns from his mistakes and returns stronger. He is also a highly skilled surgeon, using his substantial salary to finance his Blackbird racing endeavors.
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