By Ben Whitworth 28 March 2011 12:15 I spotted the NSX heading London-bound up the A3 early on Saturday morning, on the way to attend my best mate’s stag do. It was pristine, its cherry red paintwork and unscarred five-spoke silver alloys glinting in the sunlight. Low, sleek and barrelling along at a very decent pace, it looked utterly gorgeous. I was instantly struck at just how fresh and modern it looked. For a car launched in 1989, the Honda NSX is still contemporary, clean and head-turningly handsome, pop-up headlamps and all. Honda NSX: still contemporary today Even today, the elements to the car’s development sound fantastic. The perfect distillation of its engineering prowess, it was developed as Honda basked in F1 success. Its mid-engined cab-forward styling was inspired by an F16 fighter jet. Ayrton Senna, Satoru Nakajima and Bobby Rahal honed its dynamics. It was the world’s first car to go into production with a all-aluminium monocoque chassis complete with a sophisticated extruded aluminium bodywork. The NSX's wailing 2977cc V6 V-TEC engine was fitted with titanium conrods – another world first – and it revved to 8000rpm. The suspension was fashioned entirely from forged aluminium. It had telepathic electric power steering. It was hand assembled by a hand-picked crew of just 200 engineers. It weighed just 1350kg. And, of course, the Honda NSX was a gem to drive. The NSX – a supercar ahead of the game The Honda was defined by its brilliant chassis balance and superb agility, qualities that showed its contemporary rivals like Ferrari 328 GTB and Porsche 911 the dynamic back door. Visibility was panoramic, the spacious cabin was an ergonomic delight and reliability was exceptional. But despite this deep-seated talent, the NSX never really took off. It was, perversely, not seen as exotic enough for a blue-blooded supercar. It was criticised as being mundane simply because it was easy to see out of, didn’t break down, didn’t try and spit you into the nearest ditch at every opportunity and had a straightforward cabin design. Our loss, really. I gave the driver a thumbs up as he peeled off the carriageway and he grinned, dropped a cog and nailed it up the exit ramp. The lucky bugger. I spent the rest of my trip up to London trying to figure out where on earth I could find the £40k for a low-mileage 1997 3.2-litre with a six-speed manual. Source (with better pics); http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Community/Car-Magazines-Blogs/Ben-Whitworth/Remembering-the-curio-classics-the-1989-Honda-NSX/
Showing posts with label Honda Performance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Honda Performance. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2011
Remembering the curio classics: the 1989 Honda NSX
What a car.... 
By Ben Whitworth 28 March 2011 12:15 I spotted the NSX heading London-bound up the A3 early on Saturday morning, on the way to attend my best mate’s stag do. It was pristine, its cherry red paintwork and unscarred five-spoke silver alloys glinting in the sunlight. Low, sleek and barrelling along at a very decent pace, it looked utterly gorgeous. I was instantly struck at just how fresh and modern it looked. For a car launched in 1989, the Honda NSX is still contemporary, clean and head-turningly handsome, pop-up headlamps and all. Honda NSX: still contemporary today Even today, the elements to the car’s development sound fantastic. The perfect distillation of its engineering prowess, it was developed as Honda basked in F1 success. Its mid-engined cab-forward styling was inspired by an F16 fighter jet. Ayrton Senna, Satoru Nakajima and Bobby Rahal honed its dynamics. It was the world’s first car to go into production with a all-aluminium monocoque chassis complete with a sophisticated extruded aluminium bodywork. The NSX's wailing 2977cc V6 V-TEC engine was fitted with titanium conrods – another world first – and it revved to 8000rpm. The suspension was fashioned entirely from forged aluminium. It had telepathic electric power steering. It was hand assembled by a hand-picked crew of just 200 engineers. It weighed just 1350kg. And, of course, the Honda NSX was a gem to drive. The NSX – a supercar ahead of the game The Honda was defined by its brilliant chassis balance and superb agility, qualities that showed its contemporary rivals like Ferrari 328 GTB and Porsche 911 the dynamic back door. Visibility was panoramic, the spacious cabin was an ergonomic delight and reliability was exceptional. But despite this deep-seated talent, the NSX never really took off. It was, perversely, not seen as exotic enough for a blue-blooded supercar. It was criticised as being mundane simply because it was easy to see out of, didn’t break down, didn’t try and spit you into the nearest ditch at every opportunity and had a straightforward cabin design. Our loss, really. I gave the driver a thumbs up as he peeled off the carriageway and he grinned, dropped a cog and nailed it up the exit ramp. The lucky bugger. I spent the rest of my trip up to London trying to figure out where on earth I could find the £40k for a low-mileage 1997 3.2-litre with a six-speed manual. Source (with better pics); http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Community/Car-Magazines-Blogs/Ben-Whitworth/Remembering-the-curio-classics-the-1989-Honda-NSX/
By Ben Whitworth 28 March 2011 12:15 I spotted the NSX heading London-bound up the A3 early on Saturday morning, on the way to attend my best mate’s stag do. It was pristine, its cherry red paintwork and unscarred five-spoke silver alloys glinting in the sunlight. Low, sleek and barrelling along at a very decent pace, it looked utterly gorgeous. I was instantly struck at just how fresh and modern it looked. For a car launched in 1989, the Honda NSX is still contemporary, clean and head-turningly handsome, pop-up headlamps and all. Honda NSX: still contemporary today Even today, the elements to the car’s development sound fantastic. The perfect distillation of its engineering prowess, it was developed as Honda basked in F1 success. Its mid-engined cab-forward styling was inspired by an F16 fighter jet. Ayrton Senna, Satoru Nakajima and Bobby Rahal honed its dynamics. It was the world’s first car to go into production with a all-aluminium monocoque chassis complete with a sophisticated extruded aluminium bodywork. The NSX's wailing 2977cc V6 V-TEC engine was fitted with titanium conrods – another world first – and it revved to 8000rpm. The suspension was fashioned entirely from forged aluminium. It had telepathic electric power steering. It was hand assembled by a hand-picked crew of just 200 engineers. It weighed just 1350kg. And, of course, the Honda NSX was a gem to drive. The NSX – a supercar ahead of the game The Honda was defined by its brilliant chassis balance and superb agility, qualities that showed its contemporary rivals like Ferrari 328 GTB and Porsche 911 the dynamic back door. Visibility was panoramic, the spacious cabin was an ergonomic delight and reliability was exceptional. But despite this deep-seated talent, the NSX never really took off. It was, perversely, not seen as exotic enough for a blue-blooded supercar. It was criticised as being mundane simply because it was easy to see out of, didn’t break down, didn’t try and spit you into the nearest ditch at every opportunity and had a straightforward cabin design. Our loss, really. I gave the driver a thumbs up as he peeled off the carriageway and he grinned, dropped a cog and nailed it up the exit ramp. The lucky bugger. I spent the rest of my trip up to London trying to figure out where on earth I could find the £40k for a low-mileage 1997 3.2-litre with a six-speed manual. Source (with better pics); http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Community/Car-Magazines-Blogs/Ben-Whitworth/Remembering-the-curio-classics-the-1989-Honda-NSX/
Thursday, December 2, 2010
BorgWarner to supply EFR turbochargers to Honda’s CR-Z Hybrid race car
Looks nice!
The EFR turbochargers for three of Honda Performance Development (HPD)’s projects will be supplied by BorgWarner. These projects are the following: the 2011 ALMS LMP2 engine, the CR-Z Racer and the CR-Z hybrid R concept car. With BorgWarner's technology, the cars’ performance will surely be improved but Honda seeks to keep its fuel consumption at a low level. In a statement, BorgWarner revealed that its new turbochargers use last-generation components, including Gamma TiAl (titanium aluminide) turbine wheels, ceramic ball bearings, stainless steel turbine housings and internal wastegates activated by BorgWarner's compact brushless actuator.
The company revealed that twin EFR turbochargers will be fitted on the 2.8-liter V6 LMP2 engine that will make it to the 2011 American Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Intercontinental Cup competitions. In addition, an EFR turbocharger will be installed by BorgWarner and Honda on a race version of the CR-Z equipped with a 1.5-liter engine.But Honda clarified that it will still attempt to maintain fuel efficiency. BorgWarner believes that the overall power can be boosted by 50%, without any support from the hybrid function. If you want to see this for yourself, the final project can be viewed live in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill from December 3 to 5.
"BorgWarner's EFR turbocharging technology delivers increased thrust capacity, quicker boost response, greater efficiency and improved durability—everything professional race car drivers desire," said Roger Wood, Executive Vice President, BorgWarner. "BorgWarner is pleased to collaborate with Honda Performance Development to put our advanced technologies to the test in the one of the most challenging environments: on the race track."
Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/borgwarner-to-supply-efr-turbochargers-to-3-honda-performance-devt-projects/
The EFR turbochargers for three of Honda Performance Development (HPD)’s projects will be supplied by BorgWarner. These projects are the following: the 2011 ALMS LMP2 engine, the CR-Z Racer and the CR-Z hybrid R concept car. With BorgWarner's technology, the cars’ performance will surely be improved but Honda seeks to keep its fuel consumption at a low level. In a statement, BorgWarner revealed that its new turbochargers use last-generation components, including Gamma TiAl (titanium aluminide) turbine wheels, ceramic ball bearings, stainless steel turbine housings and internal wastegates activated by BorgWarner's compact brushless actuator.The company revealed that twin EFR turbochargers will be fitted on the 2.8-liter V6 LMP2 engine that will make it to the 2011 American Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Intercontinental Cup competitions. In addition, an EFR turbocharger will be installed by BorgWarner and Honda on a race version of the CR-Z equipped with a 1.5-liter engine.But Honda clarified that it will still attempt to maintain fuel efficiency. BorgWarner believes that the overall power can be boosted by 50%, without any support from the hybrid function. If you want to see this for yourself, the final project can be viewed live in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill from December 3 to 5.
"BorgWarner's EFR turbocharging technology delivers increased thrust capacity, quicker boost response, greater efficiency and improved durability—everything professional race car drivers desire," said Roger Wood, Executive Vice President, BorgWarner. "BorgWarner is pleased to collaborate with Honda Performance Development to put our advanced technologies to the test in the one of the most challenging environments: on the race track."
Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/borgwarner-to-supply-efr-turbochargers-to-3-honda-performance-devt-projects/
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Measuring Honda CR-Z Performance
For those who ponder how aftermarket parts and performance upgrades are available as soon as an automobile hits the market, this Honda CR-Z measuring session is the answer. The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, or SEMA, brings the big car makers together with aftermarket gurus far enough ahead so that the good stuff is ready for action as soon as the automobile is. The three 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrids shown here are being measured for everything from seat covers to supercharger systems. Constructing a 2700 or so pound production automobile that has an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, multiple batteries – and survives the NHTSA giant mechanized robot gorilla and evil steam shovel gnashing of cars test is a feat in itself. The new Honda sporting hybrid is a departure from the usual drab green automobile formula. This joint Honda-SEMA measuring session means the titans of the automotive aftermarket are already at work, and that Honda CR-Z owners will have a choice of suspension, brake, wheel, and engine modifications ready straight away. Now if Ford would finally build the Nucleon, we could hop up the on board atomic reactor with some hot control rods and exotic fissile isotopes.Source (via autoblog);
http://clunkbucket.com/measuring-honda-cr-z-performance/
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
2010 Honda Civic HFP Si Review
Frequent Trips to the Redline May Put Your Driving Record at Severe Risk
Given the fact that I have to relinquish the keys to my 2010 Honda Civic HFP (Honda Factory Performance) Si coupe tomorrow, I am left to wonder if perhaps they make a patch that could
help curb my withdrawal symptoms. Quite frankly, my Dyno Blue Pearl colored Civic HFP Si should come with a Surgeon General's Warning: "Frequent Trips to the Redline May Put Your Driving Record at Severe Risk."
At least in my case, it is utterly and totally impossible to drive this whirling dervish of a car in a calm and sedate manner. The engine cries out to be revved and the manual transmission is the most pleasurable unit I have ever used. And I have tested the Mazda Miata, Nissan 370Z, Mini Cooper and a number of BMW manual transmissions. It is, quite simply, the best manual transmission in the world.
As follows is my review of the many aspects of this two door Honda Civic HFP Si that truly make it an unforgettable driving experience. You think you need an utterly impractical sports car to have a good time? Well, this sports car has a spacious 11.5 cubic foot trunk, split folding rear seats, brilliantly designed cupholders and enough cubbies in the interior to hold all of your junk.
And if you need even more utility the Civic Si is also available as a hugely practical four door family sedan. Mind you, this is a family sedan that also just so happens to have an engine that revs all the way to a stratospheric 8,000 RPM.
What is HFP?
Honda Factory Performance (HFP) is the line of accessories that you can add to your standard Civic Si coupe at the dealer. My tester boasted uprated 18 inch wheels on Summer tires (standard wheel size is 17 inches), a stylish front under spoiler with more aggressive looking foglights, a rear under spoiler, side skirts and a sport muffler. All told they would add about $4,000 to the price of your Civic Si not including installation but the overall look is well worth it.
The uprated tire/wheel combo makes the Civic Si not only look cooler but they also improve the handling with a slight penalty in ride quality. If you are going to use your Si as a family car, however, you might want to consider sticking with the 17 inch HFP wheel upgrade. The sport muffler, however, turns the Si into a howling screamer as you reach the engine's 8000RPM redline. The noise the motor makes is well and truly addictive making it nigh on impossible to drive this car slowly.
Exterior Styling
The Civic Coupe is a styling two door to begin with but with the rear spoiler that comes standard with the Si and all the visual add-ons courtesy of HFP it looks positively menacing. This may cause problems because this car looks like it is going fast even standing still. The Dyno Blue Pearl exterior color is deeply luminescent and would be my choice were I to buy this car for myself.
Interior Design, Materials Quality and Utility
Unlike most Civics, the Si has a digital speedometer that reads in a slightly devilish red color (instead of the usual soothing blue). The interior is airy and spacious although the coupe feels more cramped in back than the rear seat of the sedan. So if you carry passengers often buy the four door Si sedan.
The black seat fabric on the seats is positively gorgeous with red Si logos stitched into the seatback and these sport seats offer plenty of comfort over long drives. All of the plastics are of high quality and the air conditioning easily battled the high Memorial Day Weekend temperatures in Southern California.
The shift knob is a tactile delight made from some metal alloy and is perfectly for hands of all sizes. The two tiered speedometer/tachometer design is still inspired and all of the knobs and switches move with a high quality feel. Overall, this is Honda interior design at its most delightfully whimsical, practical and forward thinking.
Driving Experience
Driving the Civic HFP Si around the suburban streets near my home I could not keep my speeds below 60 miles per hour which can be troubling on streets with 35 mile per hour speed limits. Thankfully most of the roads near where I live have 50 mile per hour speed limits. But once you rev the engine to redline in first and second you are at 60 miles per hour. To paraphrase the inimitable Britney Spears, "Oops, officer, I did it again."
Thanks to the 18 inch summer tires, the 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si handles corners as tightly as Joan Rivers clings onto the phone number of her plastic surgeon. To use a horrible cliché, this coupe really does corner like it is riding on rails. I can't believe I just said that but it's true.
As I have said earlier the shifter is such an utter joy to use that you will find yourself using the perfect gearing to slow the car down as you approach stop lights instead of applying the strong brakes. This will no doubt slow wear of the brake pads as those wear far quicker than clutches. Especially clutches made by Honda.
The steering in the 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si has a precise feel yet never feels darty like the racks in some competitors such as the Mini Cooper S. Although the engine screams as you hit the redline, the engine does quiet down sufficiently in sixth gear on the freeway to facilitate a peaceful interior at cruising speeds. But what fun is that?
Is This Car Family and Dog Friendly?
The interior of the Civic Si has durable plastics, the sturdiest feeling cloth upholstery I have ever seen in a test vehicle and everything is obviously assembled with the typical Honda level of care. The only issue is that this car accelerates so quickly and can handle such high cornering speeds that you should invest in a safety harness for your dog and an Indy 500 strength car seat for your youngsters.
Final Thoughts
As this car returns to Honda tomorrow I am going to cut this review short so I can go take it for a drive on my favorite twisty road near my house. The 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si just screams "bad influence" but given its practicality, fuel efficiency and low price when compared to vehicles with similar levels of performance it remains the sports car buy of the century. So when you go out and buy yourself a Civic HFP Si also be sure to pick yourself up a really good radar detector.
Vehicle Tested: 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si Coupe with Navigation & Summer Tires
Price as Tested: $24,055 plus HFP Accessories
Engine: 2.0 liter 4 Cylinder
Power: 197 horsepower/139 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (No automatic offered)
Economy: 21 city/29 highway
0-60: 6.7 Seconds
Trunk Size: 11.5 Cubic Feet
Safety Ratings (Government):
Front Impact (Five Stars)
Side Impact: Front Seat (Four Stars)
Rear Seat: (Five Stars)
Rollover: (Four Stars)
Source;
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5441622/one_week_test_the_2010_honda_civic.html?singlepage=true&cat=27
Given the fact that I have to relinquish the keys to my 2010 Honda Civic HFP (Honda Factory Performance) Si coupe tomorrow, I am left to wonder if perhaps they make a patch that couldhelp curb my withdrawal symptoms. Quite frankly, my Dyno Blue Pearl colored Civic HFP Si should come with a Surgeon General's Warning: "Frequent Trips to the Redline May Put Your Driving Record at Severe Risk."
At least in my case, it is utterly and totally impossible to drive this whirling dervish of a car in a calm and sedate manner. The engine cries out to be revved and the manual transmission is the most pleasurable unit I have ever used. And I have tested the Mazda Miata, Nissan 370Z, Mini Cooper and a number of BMW manual transmissions. It is, quite simply, the best manual transmission in the world.
As follows is my review of the many aspects of this two door Honda Civic HFP Si that truly make it an unforgettable driving experience. You think you need an utterly impractical sports car to have a good time? Well, this sports car has a spacious 11.5 cubic foot trunk, split folding rear seats, brilliantly designed cupholders and enough cubbies in the interior to hold all of your junk.
And if you need even more utility the Civic Si is also available as a hugely practical four door family sedan. Mind you, this is a family sedan that also just so happens to have an engine that revs all the way to a stratospheric 8,000 RPM.
What is HFP?
Honda Factory Performance (HFP) is the line of accessories that you can add to your standard Civic Si coupe at the dealer. My tester boasted uprated 18 inch wheels on Summer tires (standard wheel size is 17 inches), a stylish front under spoiler with more aggressive looking foglights, a rear under spoiler, side skirts and a sport muffler. All told they would add about $4,000 to the price of your Civic Si not including installation but the overall look is well worth it.
The uprated tire/wheel combo makes the Civic Si not only look cooler but they also improve the handling with a slight penalty in ride quality. If you are going to use your Si as a family car, however, you might want to consider sticking with the 17 inch HFP wheel upgrade. The sport muffler, however, turns the Si into a howling screamer as you reach the engine's 8000RPM redline. The noise the motor makes is well and truly addictive making it nigh on impossible to drive this car slowly.
Exterior Styling
The Civic Coupe is a styling two door to begin with but with the rear spoiler that comes standard with the Si and all the visual add-ons courtesy of HFP it looks positively menacing. This may cause problems because this car looks like it is going fast even standing still. The Dyno Blue Pearl exterior color is deeply luminescent and would be my choice were I to buy this car for myself.
Interior Design, Materials Quality and Utility
Unlike most Civics, the Si has a digital speedometer that reads in a slightly devilish red color (instead of the usual soothing blue). The interior is airy and spacious although the coupe feels more cramped in back than the rear seat of the sedan. So if you carry passengers often buy the four door Si sedan.
The black seat fabric on the seats is positively gorgeous with red Si logos stitched into the seatback and these sport seats offer plenty of comfort over long drives. All of the plastics are of high quality and the air conditioning easily battled the high Memorial Day Weekend temperatures in Southern California.
The shift knob is a tactile delight made from some metal alloy and is perfectly for hands of all sizes. The two tiered speedometer/tachometer design is still inspired and all of the knobs and switches move with a high quality feel. Overall, this is Honda interior design at its most delightfully whimsical, practical and forward thinking.
Driving Experience
Driving the Civic HFP Si around the suburban streets near my home I could not keep my speeds below 60 miles per hour which can be troubling on streets with 35 mile per hour speed limits. Thankfully most of the roads near where I live have 50 mile per hour speed limits. But once you rev the engine to redline in first and second you are at 60 miles per hour. To paraphrase the inimitable Britney Spears, "Oops, officer, I did it again."
Thanks to the 18 inch summer tires, the 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si handles corners as tightly as Joan Rivers clings onto the phone number of her plastic surgeon. To use a horrible cliché, this coupe really does corner like it is riding on rails. I can't believe I just said that but it's true.
As I have said earlier the shifter is such an utter joy to use that you will find yourself using the perfect gearing to slow the car down as you approach stop lights instead of applying the strong brakes. This will no doubt slow wear of the brake pads as those wear far quicker than clutches. Especially clutches made by Honda.
The steering in the 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si has a precise feel yet never feels darty like the racks in some competitors such as the Mini Cooper S. Although the engine screams as you hit the redline, the engine does quiet down sufficiently in sixth gear on the freeway to facilitate a peaceful interior at cruising speeds. But what fun is that?
Is This Car Family and Dog Friendly?
The interior of the Civic Si has durable plastics, the sturdiest feeling cloth upholstery I have ever seen in a test vehicle and everything is obviously assembled with the typical Honda level of care. The only issue is that this car accelerates so quickly and can handle such high cornering speeds that you should invest in a safety harness for your dog and an Indy 500 strength car seat for your youngsters.
Final Thoughts
As this car returns to Honda tomorrow I am going to cut this review short so I can go take it for a drive on my favorite twisty road near my house. The 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si just screams "bad influence" but given its practicality, fuel efficiency and low price when compared to vehicles with similar levels of performance it remains the sports car buy of the century. So when you go out and buy yourself a Civic HFP Si also be sure to pick yourself up a really good radar detector.
Vehicle Tested: 2010 Honda Civic HFP Si Coupe with Navigation & Summer Tires
Price as Tested: $24,055 plus HFP Accessories
Engine: 2.0 liter 4 Cylinder
Power: 197 horsepower/139 lb. feet of torque
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual (No automatic offered)
Economy: 21 city/29 highway
0-60: 6.7 Seconds
Trunk Size: 11.5 Cubic Feet
Safety Ratings (Government):
Front Impact (Five Stars)
Side Impact: Front Seat (Four Stars)
Rear Seat: (Five Stars)
Rollover: (Four Stars)
Source;
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5441622/one_week_test_the_2010_honda_civic.html?singlepage=true&cat=27
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Honda's new Type R model oozes race-winning DNA
Here's a nice write up on a car we'll probably never see in North America....
Honda's new Type R model oozes race-winning DNAHonda's hottest hatchback, the highly desirable and thoroughly entertaining Civic Type R, has just gained a new sibling that turns red-hot to white-hot - literally!
Based on the existing Type R - which is still offered in the traditional Milano Red and Nighthawk Black paint finishes only – the new derivative is known as the Type R Championship Edition, thanks to its unique, Championship White exterior colour.
Celebrating Honda's extensive track record of international motorsport successes, the Type R Championship Edition is a winner in own right, thanks to its raft of special features.
Chief among these is the fitment of a standard limited-slip differential, which not only underscores the considerable performance potential of the Type R, but allows the driver to attack corners with even greater confidence.
BELLS AND WHISTLES
Other standard features unique to the Championship Edition version include both an iPod USB connector and a mini-jack auxiliary audio input for non-Apple devices.
Together, they ensure that owners of this special Type R can conveniently enjoy their own music collections.
Also offered by the Championship Edition Civic Type R are several exclusive convenience features. These include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a tyre deflation warning system, rear-mounted park distance control, and impact-sensing door locks.
"The Type R Championship Edition does not replace the existing Type R. Instead, it's aimed at extending the high-revving hatchback's fan club with an even more comprehensive package of meaningful features, including items such as park distance control and a limited-slip differential," says Graham Eagle, general manager of sales and marketing at Honda South Africa.
For dyed-in-the-wool motoring enthusiasts, the Championship Edition's limited-slip diff will be the most telling improvement over the standard version. Usually the preserve of racing and rallying machines, the so-called LS diff improves traction by limiting wheel spin when cornering hard, at high speed.
The result is a sharper, more resolute turn-in action, linked to an almost uncanny ability to carry speed through corners without losing grip and falling prey to potentially terminal understeer.
The remainder of the mechanical package remains identical to that of the standard Civic Type R. A free-revving 2,0-litre i-VTEC engine delivers 148 kW and 193 Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Like the standard Type R, the Championship Edition sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in only 6,6 seconds, and has a top speed of 235 km/h. Combined-cycle fuel consumption comes to 9,3 litres/100 km, while the CO2 emissions rating is 219 g/km. top.DisplayAds('SquareAV',19,855);
Music fans will be particularly pleased about the inclusion of both an iPod USB interface, and an analogue stereo auxiliary audio connection in the Type R Championship Edition.
Usually an added-cost extra in similarly positioned rivals, the two connections allow the seamless interface of personal music collections on iPods and other MP3 players with the Type R’s integrated sound system.
Enhanced convenience and safety is provided by the new auto-dimming rear-view mirror, which prevents traffic approaching from behind from blinding the driver by automatically dimming the mirror. Also new are rear parking sensors to assist the driver when reversing.
CORE ISSUES
Safety is also at the core of two additional systems introduced exclusively on the Type R Championship Edition.
A Deflation Warning System has been included, which informs the driver if the tyre pressure on one or more tyres is too low. In addition, impact sensors have been fitted to all door locks, which will unlock the doors in the case of an accident, allowing the occupants of the vehicle to exit safely.
"The Honda Civic Type R is a performance icon with a particularly loyal following. The changes incorporated into the new Championship Edition enhance its performance legacy, while adding a substantial list of meaningful convenience and safety features," says Eagle.
"Perhaps most telling of all, we have been able to introduce the Championship Edition at a relatively small premium, compared to the standard version, which ensures that value remains a key component of the Type R package," he concluded.
The Honda Civic Type R Championship Edition has a recommended retail price of R299 900, and is available from all accredited Honda dealers countrywide. The standard Civic Type R’s current recommended retail price is R290 900.
Exclusive Championship Edition version of iconic Civic Type R added to existing model
-New derivative celebrates Honda’s strong motorsport heritage
-Introduction of limited-slip diff enhances dynamic appeal and cornering performance
-Significant convenience upgrades include iPod interface and MP3 player connectivity
-New safety enhancements include Tyre Deflation Warning system and impact-sensing locks
-Free-revving i-VTEC powerplant and six-speed manual gearbox remain unchanged
Source;
http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4877842&fSectionId=855&fSetId=381
Honda's new Type R model oozes race-winning DNAHonda's hottest hatchback, the highly desirable and thoroughly entertaining Civic Type R, has just gained a new sibling that turns red-hot to white-hot - literally!Based on the existing Type R - which is still offered in the traditional Milano Red and Nighthawk Black paint finishes only – the new derivative is known as the Type R Championship Edition, thanks to its unique, Championship White exterior colour.
Celebrating Honda's extensive track record of international motorsport successes, the Type R Championship Edition is a winner in own right, thanks to its raft of special features.
Chief among these is the fitment of a standard limited-slip differential, which not only underscores the considerable performance potential of the Type R, but allows the driver to attack corners with even greater confidence.
BELLS AND WHISTLES
Other standard features unique to the Championship Edition version include both an iPod USB connector and a mini-jack auxiliary audio input for non-Apple devices.
Together, they ensure that owners of this special Type R can conveniently enjoy their own music collections.
Also offered by the Championship Edition Civic Type R are several exclusive convenience features. These include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a tyre deflation warning system, rear-mounted park distance control, and impact-sensing door locks.
"The Type R Championship Edition does not replace the existing Type R. Instead, it's aimed at extending the high-revving hatchback's fan club with an even more comprehensive package of meaningful features, including items such as park distance control and a limited-slip differential," says Graham Eagle, general manager of sales and marketing at Honda South Africa.
For dyed-in-the-wool motoring enthusiasts, the Championship Edition's limited-slip diff will be the most telling improvement over the standard version. Usually the preserve of racing and rallying machines, the so-called LS diff improves traction by limiting wheel spin when cornering hard, at high speed.
The result is a sharper, more resolute turn-in action, linked to an almost uncanny ability to carry speed through corners without losing grip and falling prey to potentially terminal understeer.
The remainder of the mechanical package remains identical to that of the standard Civic Type R. A free-revving 2,0-litre i-VTEC engine delivers 148 kW and 193 Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
Like the standard Type R, the Championship Edition sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in only 6,6 seconds, and has a top speed of 235 km/h. Combined-cycle fuel consumption comes to 9,3 litres/100 km, while the CO2 emissions rating is 219 g/km. top.DisplayAds('SquareAV',19,855);
Music fans will be particularly pleased about the inclusion of both an iPod USB interface, and an analogue stereo auxiliary audio connection in the Type R Championship Edition.
Usually an added-cost extra in similarly positioned rivals, the two connections allow the seamless interface of personal music collections on iPods and other MP3 players with the Type R’s integrated sound system.
Enhanced convenience and safety is provided by the new auto-dimming rear-view mirror, which prevents traffic approaching from behind from blinding the driver by automatically dimming the mirror. Also new are rear parking sensors to assist the driver when reversing.
CORE ISSUES
Safety is also at the core of two additional systems introduced exclusively on the Type R Championship Edition.
A Deflation Warning System has been included, which informs the driver if the tyre pressure on one or more tyres is too low. In addition, impact sensors have been fitted to all door locks, which will unlock the doors in the case of an accident, allowing the occupants of the vehicle to exit safely.
"The Honda Civic Type R is a performance icon with a particularly loyal following. The changes incorporated into the new Championship Edition enhance its performance legacy, while adding a substantial list of meaningful convenience and safety features," says Eagle.
"Perhaps most telling of all, we have been able to introduce the Championship Edition at a relatively small premium, compared to the standard version, which ensures that value remains a key component of the Type R package," he concluded.
The Honda Civic Type R Championship Edition has a recommended retail price of R299 900, and is available from all accredited Honda dealers countrywide. The standard Civic Type R’s current recommended retail price is R290 900.
Exclusive Championship Edition version of iconic Civic Type R added to existing model
-New derivative celebrates Honda’s strong motorsport heritage
-Introduction of limited-slip diff enhances dynamic appeal and cornering performance
-Significant convenience upgrades include iPod interface and MP3 player connectivity
-New safety enhancements include Tyre Deflation Warning system and impact-sensing locks
-Free-revving i-VTEC powerplant and six-speed manual gearbox remain unchanged
Source;
http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4877842&fSectionId=855&fSetId=381
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A requiem - Honda admit future F1 return possible
Honda Motor Co.'s incoming chief executive has left the door open to the struggling Japanese manufacturer returning to formula one in the future.Under the stewardship of departing CEO Takeo Fukui and amid the brunt of the global financial crisis, Honda decided to pull out of the sport after the 2008 season, citing the need to "protect its core business activities."
But with Takanobu Ito set to take over in June, the future Honda CEO and president insisted that elite motor racing is "very challenging but also fun."
"Unfortunately, our company has a slight cold right now. But we would like to cure this cold as quickly as possible and work towards reaching that happiness (of racing)," the 55-year-old explained in a press conference in Tokyo.
Honda contested grands prix as a standalone manufacturer in 1963-1968 and 2005-2008, but achieved its greatest success as a F1 engine supplier in the 80s and 90s.
Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090224.031/a-requiem---honda-admit-future-f1-return-possible
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