Fond Memories of Mario Kart Bananas
Worldwide, most gamers have knowledge about the infamous banana peel in Mario Kart. Although the banana attack could be quite devastating to others in the game, nobody tested it in the real world… at least until now. In August of 2018, the YouTube channel TheHoonigans went ahead and put the theory to the test. Instead of using a go-cart, the team uses a beautiful Audi RS5 coupe. To make it even more unique, the car has the well debated Sonoma Green Audi paintjob. The real question is… will the banana cause the RS5 to crash? Well, time to find out!
The Sonoma Green B9 Audi RS5
B9 Audi RS5 – Front Corner – Alexandre Prevot – Flickr – EuroDrift
First, let’s take a moment to discuss the stunning Sonoma green B9 Audi RS5. With a MSRP of $70,875, this car sports a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. This engine produces 444 horsepower and 4443 lb.-ft. of torque. Furthermore, this motor works in combo with an 8-speed auto transmission. From 0 to 60 mph, the RS5 takes only 3.9 seconds. Furthermore, the RS5 can complete a quarter mile in only 12.4 seconds. Lastly, the top speed is 155 mph to 174 mph depending on the governor settings. But, if an aftermarket tune is purchased, that number will be left behind.
The Origins of the Banana Theory
Nintendo 64 Longplay [002] Mario Kart 64 – World of Longplays – YouTube
In the year of 1992, Nintendo began the now worldwide famous Mario Kart series. The first game, Super Mario Kart, was available on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Not surprisingly, this game is the 4th best-selling SNES video game in the world with almost 9 million units sold. With the Mario Kart game, came the ability to “attack” opponents to slow them down. And no, this doesn’t mean shooting each other with rifles like Call of Duty. This means using attacks such as banana peels and turtle shells. The banana peel was an attack that is left behind by a person up front, or behind, for someone to hit during the current or future lap. Leaving behind a banana even left the opportunity for the peel dropper to run into it themselves. Lastly, just for note, the video above is gameplay from Mario Kart 64, the second video game in the overall series.
And The Results Are In!
Will Banana Peels Make a Car Spin Out?? Mario Kart IRL! – TheHoonigans – YouTube
Well, the results are here! With a ton of banana peels on the track, the Audi RS5 slid slightly more through the turn. But, the slide is nowhere near the level of Mario Kart. This theory could really be tested by simply using a RWD car, such as a BMW M4. With Quattro, the RS5 is basically cheating as it is specifically programmed to maneuver power between wheels to regain control as quickly as possible. Even with stability and traction off, the RS5’s AWD setup would simply benefit the car so. So, next time this is done, whoever it may be, please ensure a RWD car does the job. Although the RS5 is an amazing car, it doesn’t optimize the chances of confirming the Mario Kart banana theory.
Credit for Featured Image: BagoGames (Flickr)
