Direct Injection – Finally!
Car & Driver (USA), and Motor Trend have reported that Honda has announced a range of Direct Injection (DI) engines, ranging from small (1.3) to big (well, big for Honda) 3.5l. Wait – that’s not all!
The diesel engine food pyramid - or something like that
A new smaller turbo diesel that is all alloy in construction (light weight) may replace the 2.2l that, umm, we never got. New CVT’s with rubber bands that aren’t quite as rubbery, and even a 7 speed dual clutch auto without any rubber bands.
But wait, there’s even more! A new hybrid coupling and torque vectoring system that uses the hybrid electric motors which allow varying degrees of deceleration. Previously torque vectoring could only apply to accelerative forces apparently (however this flies in the face of dynamic stability control systems as I understand them with the use of brakes…). Honda says it’s better, so it might well be, however, hybrid is something I’m wary of as an over complicated, over weight way of achieving diesel like economy.
Insideline.com names NSX as best V6 ever
Recently, insideline.com compiled a list of all time best V6 cars ever produced. The NSX stood out from all the rest, due to it’s cutting edge (at the time) VTEC engine, all aluminium body and quick reflexes on the road.
The list contains many cars you’d expect (Nissan GTR, 370z, Lancia Stratos, [Ferrari] Dino) as well as plenty of more dubious choices. The Delorean, while being in the hearts and minds of many struggles – particularly in reference to its Renault V6 and handling. The Brera is another inclusion – perhaps they should refer to someone that has driven it (like Fifth Gear)?
Regardless, it’s an interesting compilation – see the full list.
Eli Evans will again compete in the Honda backed Civic Type-R, that screaming VTEC will again be heard in a Rally near you. That is if you manage to get to one of the 8 rounds this year in WA, QLD, SA, NSW or Victoria.
Upsizing engines the way forward?
Rumours are circulating that the next line of performance Civics, known as SI in the states, will use the 2.4 litre K24 i-VTEC engine, as used in the Accord Euro.
No doubting it’s a good unit, keeping the upsized and heavier new model Euro (just) competitive for performance and economy in the segment. It would also boost much needed torque, while offering similar levels of power as the existing 197bhp/148kw 2 litre unit currently used in Civic Si’s (US coupe and sedan) and the Type-R available here.
What it won’t do is keep Honda’s reputation for manic, screaming VTEC induced (smiles &) power surges. No doubt the personality of the car will change to something more relaxed in its performance delivery. While the torque is most welcome, does it have to come at the expense of high revs?
While there has always been a compromise inherent in all engines between usable torque, economy, top end power & revs, Honda in the past has engineered clever solutions to such dilemmas. This is how VTEC, and subsequently i-VTEC came about – to reduce the comprises comapared to other manufacturers had to make.
Simply upsizing the engine just doesn’t seem to be the Honda way. It particularly contrasts with rivals that are downsizing. Examples are the the Holden (Chev) Cruze that will get a 1.4 turbo soon (already available state side), the VW 1.4 Twin Charge engine in the Golf 118TSI, and a rumoured 3 cyl engine for the Focus. While these engines are not the highest performance models of their ranges, it is strange to think their Honda rival may be available with a 2.4 “big block” in a similar sized car.
Read more from the US based Temple of VTEC
Meeting Jan 25 Cancelled
Due to very low numbers expected, the January meeting has been cancelled. See you all at the Feb meeting!
CR-Z Test Drive: Is it a laugh?
Britain’s Fifth Gear show tests the new Honda CR-Z to answer the question – can a hybrid be fun to drive, despite very modest specifications???
Evans comes 4th in Tassie
Eli Evans had a promising debut in his Civic Type-R, with a 4th out right in the Rally of Tasmania. In fact after the first leg of day 2, he was leading the round, before the new control tyres let him down.
Eli Evans Honda Civic Type-R courtesy of thomasrdorog @ Flickr
Find out more at: RallySport.com.au article & Tyre troubles at Rally Tasmania
Car Club Magazine – Feb 2010
Download the Feb 2010 Honda Car Club Magazine
Hybrid Type-R???
AutoExpress UK has published details of a possible CR-Z Type-R variant – boasting 200hp (150 + 50 electric). While it is hard to say if it is anything more than rumour and speculation at this stage, such a model may inject some interest from enthusiasts for the possibilities with hybrid drivetrains.
View the AutoExpress Article
Eli Evans tries out his ARC weapon
Eli Evans and co-driver Glen Weston take the new 2010 Honda Civic Type-R ARC entry for a spin (not literally) around the Broadford Motorsport complex in Victoria, as part of testing and setting up the car. Eli reported the he and the car was ready to take on the Australian Rally Championship.
Full story, visit: Rally Sport Mag online
Club Magazine – Welcome
These posts will contain the club magazine, available to members only.
January Meeting Postponed
As the January meeting falls on Australia Day this year, the meeting has been combined with the Feb AGM 
.
Annual General Meeting will be on Tues, 23 Feb from 7:30pm at the Empire Hotel, Prospect Rd, Kilburn.
Eli Evans gets his 2010 ARC Civic Type-R
Eli Evans will be contesting the 2010 Australian Rally Championship in his brand spanking new Honda Civic Type-R.
The Civic Type-R Eli will rally
For the latest info visit RallySport Magazine
Background: Honda Australia announces 2010 rally program.
HSV10 GT Replaces NSX :(for racing only)
Honda is set to replace the venerable NSX in the Japanese Super GT championship, with the stillborn (for production) supercar – named HSV10 GT. The NSX enjoyed considerable success over many years, with a large following. Honda really wanted to stay racing in the championship, and have managed to get a race version of the prototype approved to race in what is normally considered a “production based” racing class.
Honda HSZ10 GT, as appears on autoblog.com
Read more from:
- Autoblog.com
- Zerotohundred.com (Full story)
A new “Avant Garde” style commercial was launched to coincide with James Cameron’s new movie “Avatar” in the UK. The advert splices together imagery of a range of technologies and products produced by Honda, including Dirt Bikes, Boats, ATVs, Cars, Road/Race Bikes and even the Asimo robot. Don’t take our word for it, see the ad below.
“Cog” is Honda’s most popular and recognised television advertisement worldwide. But it wasn’t the one that won Adweek’s “Commercial of the Decade”. Honda’s advert for its diesel engine won instead – an ad that of course we haven’t seen in Australia, because Honda doesn’t sell the engine here. It should, but it doesn’t, for reasons only Honda is fully aware of (and even then there may be some doubt…).
OK, the ad that did win is called “Grrr”, and you can watch it below.
WARNING: It includes a jingle that may not leave your head – especially if you watch it more than once, you’ve been warned…
See all of the winning ads, including “Cog”, on bestofthe2000s.com.
Civic Hot Rod – Japan Style?
Engine bay of Civic Hatch with V6 engine.
What do you put in your EK Civic hatch when you get bored of VTEC B series, or even a K serious block? Well logically the next option would be a V6!
For those that bigger is always better, check out this EK Civic Hatchback with an Acura (AKA Honda) V6.
