Honda Car Club of SA

Direct Injection – Finally!

Rob — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:25:43 +0000

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

Rob — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:05:50 +0000

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 to have another crack at ARC in Civic Type-R

Rob — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:05:24 +0000

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?

Rob — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 07:52:02 +0000

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

Rob — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:16:24 +0000

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?

Rob — Sat, 01 May 2010 03:08:26 +0000

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

Rob — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:41:43 +0000

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

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasrdororg/ / CC BY 2.0

Find out more at: RallySport.com.au article & Tyre troubles at Rally Tasmania

Car Club Magazine – Feb 2010

jennyw — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:26:53 +0000

Download the Feb 2010 Honda Car Club Magazine

Hybrid Type-R???

jennyw — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:08:19 +0000

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

jennyw — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:48:54 +0000

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