Honda Provides Glimpse of Future Products That Could Help Future Mileage, Emission Mandates Reducing Greenhouse Gases Won`t Eliminate Performance and Styling in Future Hondas December 30, 1997 LOS ANGELES, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ via Individual Inc. -- Honda is showcasing a gasoline- powered, internal combustion engine that achieves nearly zero tailpipe emissions and a stylish sports car that gets up to 70 miles per gallon (mpg) at a press conference today for the Los Angeles Auto Show. The engine and concept sports car represent the next engineering steps in the company's efforts to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. "We've been working on developing cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles that won't sacrifice the performance and quality our customers expect from a Honda," said Robert Bienenfeld, Honda's manager of alternative fuel vehicles. "The J-VX sports car and ZLEV engine are the result of our efforts to develop near-term, practical solutions for emission reductions, using the most prevalent engine on the road today -- the gasoline-powered, internal combustion engine." The futuristic and aerodynamic J-VX sports car has the looks, handling and performance of a sports car with gas mileage exceeding 70 mpg. Improving a vehicle's fuel efficiency is critical to reducing carbon dioxide -- the most common greenhouse gas and contributor to global warming. To achieve its optimum fuel efficiency, the J-VX uses a new Honda Integrated Motor Assist System (IMA) hybrid drivetrain, which connects an electric motor to a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. The electric motor is installed between the engine and a fuel-efficient continuously variable (CVT) automatic transmission. When the brakes are applied, the energy previously wasted in the form of heat is now captured and stored as electric power in a specially equipped ultracapacitor, a high current, electrical energy storage device similar to a condenser. When accelerating, this stored energy is accessed, providing increased vehicle performance and reduced fuel consumption. The heart of the IMA System is a 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter gasoline engine. When paired with the electric motor, the performance is the equivalent of a 1.5-liter engine.
Mag "X" New Model Magazine Pictures of the SSX engine compartment, with up close shots of the engine. Details of the engine are: 2.0 DOHC "Super" VTEC with 250 horsepower at 8300 rpm, 21.0 kg of torque at 7500 rpm, 11.5 compression ratio, and bore and stroke of 87 X 84 mm. The weight of the car is 1175 kg. The actual car will be seen at the Geneva Motor Show, March '98. Picture of upcoming Odyssey replacement minivan. Minivan will be powered by the 3.5 litre engine out of the Legend (Acura RL), with 215 horsepower and 180 kg of torque. Best car 1.26 Picture of the upcoming Accord Type "R", looks more aggressive than the pictures I took of the SiR at the Tokyo Motor Show. Due out 9.98 over here in Japan. Also the Acura TL replacement is shown and rumored to have a 3.0 litre engine with 220 horsepower.Be sure to check back here for scans from these magazines. I will post the images as soon as I get the magazines in the mail. jkp
 Acura's sketch of the TL-X |
 Honda's sketch of the MV-99 |
The January issue of 'Car' magazine from the UK has a brief story about upcoming ragtops from Honda: 1. The photo caption of a red SSX / SSM says 'SSM should give Z3 a fright'. 2. Summer 1998: a stunning roadster based on the SSM show car. 3. Autumn 1999: a Civic roadster with a folding fabric top, which replaces the CRX [del Sol to us]. 4. 2000: a four seater two door Accord convertible. [This one's new to me]. It continues to say that the SSM will not get the rumoured 5 cylinder engine. Instead it will feature a 2.0 litre twin cam VTEC rated at 200 bhp, which will appear in an Accord Type R. The Civic roadster, smaller than the del Sol will be built in Japan, based on the next generation Civic due in late 1999. 'The funky-looking front drive two seater should be offered with an optional 185bhp 1.6 litre, as recently fitted to the Civic Type R'. This would appear to confirm my suspicions about a CRX roadster. A little bird also told me that we may see a sub-Civic vehicle in N.A. soon. You may have also seen this week's Autoweek, with artist's renderings of the next Acura TL, based on this year's Accord, and the new larger mini-van.
"There has been a lot of speculation about whether American Honda will import its newly released Japan-only Civic Type R to the U.S. Well, according to our contributing staff writer who attended the Tokyo Motor Show in the fall, the answer is a resounding...no. The new Civic Type R is staying in Japan for the time being. However, Civic enthusiasts will be happy to know that Honda plans to introduce a new improved Si model for U.S. consumption."
In its January 1998 issue, Car & Driver included the redesigned Honda Accord in its 1998 Ten Best Automobile list. Additionally, the Honda Prelude was, for the sixth consecutive year, named to Car & Driver's Ten Best list. Unfortunately, the Acura Integra, which made the 1997 Ten Best list, did not make this year's cut. The following text is taken directly from the January 1998 issue of Car & Driver: Honda Accord: Relentless refinement has been a Hona Accord hallmark since its debut more than 20 years ago, and this latest version is no exception. But the new-for-1998 has finally achieved large-sedan status with a substantially roomier back seat. In fact, in the realm of cars less than 190 inches long, it's the most voluminous on the road. All new for '98 is a U.S.-built 3.0-liter V-6 engine with 200 hp and traditional Honda smoothness. It is coupled to a four-speed automatic whose shifts are utterly fluid. The fuel-efficient VTEC four-cylinder is also an overachiever, one which develops 148 hp while meeting the strict Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle standards. The new Accords comine this roominess and driveline excellence with a supple suspension, velvety controls, and an exterior styling that is innocuous but tasteful. Inside, however, these Accords are both stylistically and ergonomically satisfying. Despite all these improvements the prices for the 1998 models have shrunk slightly. such high-value excellence is a fine formula for continuing mainstream-sedan success. Honda Prelude: On paper, the Honda Prelude has never had the makings of an overachiever, what with its front-drive four-cylinder driveline, notchback-coupe bodywork, and tight interior. Those are the makings of a sedan-based sports car wannabe. But get behind the Prelude's wheel, and you quickly learn that Honda's coupe is the most genuine of articles. The Prelude's 2.2-liter engine uses Honda's VTEC variable valve timing to extract the deepest-possible breathing from the 16-valve DOHC cylinder head. the result is 195 hp at 7000 rpm, without a turbo and its attendant lag, a lumpy idle, or any sinkholes in its torque curve. The lightweight all-aluminum engine alsomakes for excellent weight distribution that complements the control-arm front and multilink rear suspension. These advantages can be exploited easily by almost any driver, thanks to the Prelude's precise steering, linear brakes and slick shifter. We can't imagine a driving enthusiast who would not thoroughly enjoy this car.
"Elf Masters" by Reginald Legaspi Karting. To most, it's viewed as child's play. But world champion drivers such as Alain Prost and the late Ayrton Senna started their careers in karts, while continuing in karts to keep sharp during the off-season. Karting is all about driving talent. Car control and setup are more important than horsepower. The 1997 "Elf Masters" is a charity kart race sponsored by French oil company Elf and takes place in Paris. Celebrities and top drivers take part in the event to see who's the best while helping out with charity. This year's all- star lineup included Formula 1 stars David Coulthard, Johnny Herbert, Mika Salo, and 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. CART was also well represented, by none other than the drivers of Target/Chip Ganassi, 1996 CART champ Jimmy Vasser and 1997 CART champ Alex Zanardi. It was the first time karting for the "JVs," Jimmy Vasser and Jacques Villeneuve. 1995 Indycar and 1997 F1 champ Jacques Villeneuve said, "I am here to have fun, to enjoy myself...somehow I feel a little bad for my friend Jimmy Vasser who has no experience at all in karting and that I pushed to join in, I think he will be as bad as I will." Alex Zanardi finished first and was crowned master of the event. Jimmy Vasser finished ninth. "Honda Super Touring News" from AUTOSPORT Dutchman Peter Kox is to replace Italian Gabriele Tarquini in Honda's BTCC line-up. Kox, 33, has signed a two-year deal with Honda Motor Europe and will partner James Thompson in the Prodrive BTCC Accords. He got the nod after a shoot out at a French test track. Tarquini heads off to Germany to front HME's push on the German Super Touring Championship. Italian team JAS Engineering is Honda's choice to spearhead its assault on the German series. Tarquini has been given the task by Elliott of 'bridging the gap' between JAS and Prodrive, which builds the Accords and operates the test team. German team Linder, which lost the Honda deal to JAS, could run a privateer Accord next year. "Tasman takes Honda to task over engines" from AUTOSPORT Honda's American racing division is embroiled in a row with Indycar team Tasman, which claims that the Japanese giant has refused to supply engines for a second car. For 1998, Tasman boss Steve Horne intends to run Brazilian rookie Tony Kanaan, who impressed last week in a test for the CART team, but he said that his hopes to run a second car have stalled. 'We plan on running a second car,' Horne said, 'but Honda will not supply us an engine for it. It's impractical to try to run two types of engines, so Honda has got us stymied right now.' Horne said he thought that if Honda did not supply the extra engines it would not meet CART's engine supply rules, which require any competitive engine manufacturer to supply a minimum of 5 teams and 7 cars 'if demand exists,' but at the moment Honda will provide engines to only four teams and 6 cars in 1998. But Robert Clarke, general manager of Honda Performance Development, which builds and maintains its CART engines, said: 'Tasman has signed a contract for one car. They have not come to us with a request or proposal for anything beyond that. 'We approached a number of one-car teams, including Della Penna and Forsythe, but none of them accepted the offer. All the teams we talked to were currently contracted with competitive programmes and decided not to make a change. We feel we have met the rule requirements because the engine programme has been offered.' Horne said he almost completed the sponsorship package for Kanaan, who ran at 235 mph in a test at the California Speedway before all but matching the pace of champion Alex Zanardi when the two were at the Firebird road circuit in Phoenix on the same day. 'He picked up straight away,' Horne said,'He's going to be good.' Horne confirmed that Tasman will use Reynard chassis in 1998, further limiting the possible teams for Lola, which is trying to rebuild its Indycar market. Keith Wiggins, the new VP of Lola USA, said after a trip to the 'States last week he was confident there would be Lolas on the CART grid next year.
 |
 |
| Also from 12.26 BestCar - a pair of photos of Honda's upcoming CR-X replacement, codenamed JV-X | |
The January 1998 issue of Road & Track has an extensive article detailing Honda's new SSX (SSM) convertible sports car. In the article, the dimensions of the new car are listed at 158", 67", and 47" for the length, width and height respectively, with a wheel base of 94.5 inches. The article also stated that the instrument cluster will be a digital display, virtually identical to the one seen at TOV a few months back. There will be a "Super" VTEC 4-cylinder engine producing 200-220 bhp, with a six speed manual or five speed automatic. The article also reports that an all-aluminum V-5 is in production, which may appear in a Japan-market Accord Type-R first. The official release date is scheduled for Honda's 50th anniversary celebration in June, with pricing to be around $30,000...$50,000 for the V-5 (if produced). In other news, the Road & Track article also stated that a new NSX will be produced sometime after model year 2000. An all-new V-8 is rumored to be the replacement for the current V-6, thus a significant increase in horsepower and torque. Unfortunately, the price of the next NSX may exceed $100,000 (still a bargain for a buyer of a Super sports car). Finally, the R&T article discussed the Civic Type-R. With 185 bhp @ 8,200 rpm and 32 mpg, the Civic Type-R, which will probably only be sold in the U.S. as a Coupe not as a Hatchback, will offer stiff competition for Honda's other sporty coupes (Integra, Prelude, and Accord)
In a very short blurb in the December 1 issue of Autoweek, mention is made of the MY2000 NSX replacement packing a V-10 - an allusion to Honda's upcoming return to F1. It goes on to say that this info comes from "unconfirmed sources". Take a look at the news item that was posted here on 10.26.97 (it's in the archives now, the photos are on this page - click here to jump down to the photos). Or maybe they read BestCar too! 8^)
The January, 1998 issue of Automobile magazine has a bit of news regarding Honda's
upcoming roadster. It is somewhat interesting because it contradicts some of the
earlier rumours. This is not uncommon though, given Honda's typical new model secrecy.
It is interesting to note that Automobile does not at all mention the SSX nomenclature,
and they also claim that a single motor will be offered, and the motor they describe
sounds like an existing engine from the Honda bin. Finally, it is claimed that Honda
plans to build up to 50,000 of these roadsters per year alongside the NSX, and that the
price will be in the upper-$20,000 bracket.
SSM TO STAR AT HONDA'S FIFTIETH Honda celebrates its fiftieth birthday in September, and the star of the party will be the SSM roadster. Similar to the 1995 show car, the production version features aluminum space-frame body construction. Like the body, the four-wheel double-wishbone suspension will be made of light alloy. Instead of the show car's separate cocoons for driver and passenger, the production SSM has a relatively spacious cabin with two prominent roll bars behind the headrests. The fabric top, which stows underneath a rigid boot, is operated manually. Side air bags are part of the passive-safety package. The longitudinally mounted engine sits relatively far back for optimum 50/50 weight distribution, and it drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual trans- mission. A five-speed automatic is due at a later stage. The only engine offered will be a 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder making 220 bhp. The price will start in the upper-$20,000 bracket. According to a source within the company, Honda expects to build 50,000 SSMs a year at its Tochigi assembly plant alongside the NSX. -Georg Kacher
SSM/SSX
Honda will be keeping the basic car the same as the show car that was seen at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show. Exceptions are, headlights will be different, the side body outlets will be deleted, the rear bumper will be changed and the length will be 10 ~ 25 mm longer to conform to the bumpers. The car also will have VSA (vehicle stability assist) like the JDM Accord. Engines: Honda is working on 2 different designs for the SSM/SSX. Both engines will incorporate the LEV (low emissions vehicle) format as Honda wants to be at the front of emissions technology. (1) 2.0 DOHC LEV with 200 HP, engine type F20B and a (2) 2.5 litre V-6 using the same 60 degree design as the 3 litre engine powering the new Accord and Acura CL. Magazine article doesn't specify whether engine will be SOHC or DOHC as engine details are still in work, but they guarantee the engine will have between 250 ~ 260 HP.
Other models
Excerpt from CAR magazine, December 1997. Honda Prepares Itself for Take-off Honda denies it is going to enter aviation. But it has a funny way of demonstrating it. The company has designed, developed and tested an all-composite experimental plane, the MH-02. It is as innovative as you'd expect of Honda. It has swept-forward wings and low-speed stability for short take-off and landing. It is the world's first small business jet to use carbonfibre in all structural elements. While it is powered by a couple of off-the-shelf Pratt & Whitney turbofans, Honda has simultaneously unveiled two in-house turbo-fans (HFX-01 and HFX-20). That in itself is unusual. Airframe makers don't get involved with engine production, and vice versa. So *now* we know why Honda isn't in Formula One any more. It diverted a chunk of the R&D budget (which pays for its motor racing) to fund these aviation experiments. Hands on hearts, Honda officials can deny that any of these items will be manufactured for sale. Indeed not: they are just, in car terms, test mules. But what about the models that will be derived from them? Clearly, Honda is not going to become an aircraft maker this week or next year. But these experiments show that it sees aviation as one of its core businesses in the 21st century. No company goes to the expense of such radical departures from its normal fields of activity without knowing where they lead - or Boeing or Airbus would be experimenting with cars and fridges. There is also the question of Honda's remarkable achievements over a short history. In 50 years it's gone from motorised pushbikes to being the world's biggest motorcycle maker, won multiple bike world championships, powered several F1 champions, and built the NSX and America's sometime top selling car, the Accord. Given that sort of record, today's tentative leap into the skies could produce a rival for Airbus in another half-century.
 |
 |
11.20.97
"Honda are back, but with whom?" (from F1 Racing) A full works Honda operation looks set to return to F1 by the year 2000. The Japanese company dominated the sport between 1987 and '91 with Williams and McLaren, but those teams are already committed to German heavy hitters BMW and Mercedes. The new Reynard F1 team will join half the paddock in trying to land works Honda engines by the millenium. Of the teams remaining, Benetton are an obvious choice, and chief executive David Richards already has very strong links through his Prodrive company's BTCC programme. Jordan are obvious candidates too, having just agreed to an exclusive two-year engine deal with Mugen-Honda. Reynard has just delivered Honda back-to-back Indycar titles with Jimmy Vasser and Alex Zanardi. And Julian Jakobi, formerly an agent for both Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, is consequently no stranger to the Honda people. The odds are in their favour. but on the other hand... "Honda hints at comeback rethink" (from Autosport) Honda could be ready to reconsider its decision to return to Grand Prix racing within the next couple of seasons after company president Nobuhiko Kawamoto criticised Formula 1 last week. Kawamoto, who explained that a board decision would be made on the Japanese manufacturer's in March, said he was very concerned about the stability of F1's technical rules and, in a reference to the on-going struggle over the F1 constitution, its financial structure. 'Even if we had an intention to come into F1 with a long-term plan to stay for 10 years or so,' said Kawamoto, who at last month's Japanese Grand Prix confirmed Honda's comeback plans without naming a date, 'it is unclear whether it would be stable or not in that time, both as far as regulations are concerned and as far as our own involvement in the Concorde Agreement (F1's constitution).' The boss of the company, which won 11 F1 world titles from 1986 to 1991, said that the board meeting to decide on its future in F1 would come after the first Japanese round of the CART World Series for Indycars at Honda's new Twin-Ring Motegi circuit in March. There would, Kawamoto explained, be no winding down of Honda's commitment to Indycars if and when it starts producing a new F1 engine. 'It would not affect our CART programme at all,' said Kawamoto, who was speaking at the first major Indycar test at Motegi. 'It is much more easy for us to maintain our long-term commitment to Indycars because our working relationship with CART is clear. 'The commitment we've made to Motegi and US motorsport shows the commitment we have to CART.' "Jordan moves for early Mugen test" (from Autosport) Jordan looks set to begin testing with the Mugen Honda V10 that will power Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher next season, a month ahead of schedule. The British team is seeking a dispensation from current engine supplier Peugeot to start running the Japanese engines a month prior to the end of its contract. Jordan team manager Trevor Foster said: 'We are negotiating with Peugeot to terminate the contract early, and it seems they are not averse to it. 'It's the end of one relationship and the beginning of another and we are very keen to get started.'Jordan is aiming to have an interim car to the new-for-'98 rules, based on the narrow track 197 chassis that has been up and running since the late summer. This will be fitted with the complete rear end from the 1998 car, including a new gearbox. Prost, meanwhile, is understood to be trying to negotiate an extension of its contract with Mugen so that it can resume testing in December prior to the arrival of its supply of Peugeot V10s. "Chinese Whispers" (from F1 News)
Ralf Schumacher in the Jordan 197, which should look similar to next year's Jordan 198.Alain Prost has concluded a deal which will enable him to use Mugen Honda V10 engines until the end of December in order to help with the Bridgestone winter tyre testing programme...Jordan will be running Honda engines in December testing but these will be the all-new V10 engine which has been designed and developed at the Honda Research & Development centre in Wako...Damon Hill has now been released from his Arrows contract to test for Jordan in December. "Vasser sets pace in maiden Motegi test as Franchitti flies" (from Autosport) Jimmy Vasser, the 1996 CART World Series Champion, benefited from being the only Incycar driver to have previously driven on the new Twin-Ring Motegi oval in Japan to emerge fastest following the two-day test there last weekend. Vasser lapped his Team Ganassi Reynard-Honda Firestone in 25.915s, with a speed of 215.180mph. Second fastest was Scotsman Dario Franchitti, who drove the Team Green Reynard-Honda Firestone within 0.2s of Vasser with a speed of 213.614mph. Franchitti, a former Mercedes protege, was also impressed with the Honda engine:'It's very smooth - that's the big thing about it. You can drive it out of the pit lane like a road car. I think it's going to be a good season next year.'
Prost-Mugen Honda JS45
Odyssey updated In the U.S. for 1998, Honda Motor Co. has updated the Odyssey, fitting a revised 150-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder, but there is still no six-cylinder option. According to Honda dealers, that's because the new Canadian-built long-wheelbase van that debuts in about a year will feature the 3.0-liter V-6 that's being installed in the all-new '98 Accord. However, beginning this fall, Japanese buyers can order a new Odyssey Prestige edition, with the Accord 3.0 V-6. Curiously, while the van is built in Japan, the engine is being shipped from Ohio.
The 1998 CR-V will be available 2/98 and will be available in LX and EX trims, the LX being the 1997 "non ABS" (RD184) version, and the EX being the 1997 "ABS" (RD185) model. EX's have color keyed side molding and rear view mirrors. A 2WD LX model will be the only 2WD model offered. A 5-speed manual will be offered as well. No absolute confirmation on the availability of a more powerful engine or a sunroof option. As far as the Integra, there are front and rear end styling changes, the rear turn signal lenses are red instead of orange, the ABS plumbing under the hood has changed (it resembles the Type R's ABS unit), the steering wheel has the Acura logo rather than the word "Acura" on it and is leather wrapped on GS-R models, which also get new wheels (again!). GS models keep the 1997 GS/GS-R wheels. New aluminum alloy wheels for the LS, too. New seat fabric (on GS-R at least... unsure about others)... it was black with blue shapes all over it... not as soft as the previous cloth. Also, HVAC control buttons are gray instead of black and the fan speed markings are in a different font.
Acura news as of 9/19/97 dealer meeting:
Acura is going back to emphasizing performance cars that are also luxurious for
'98 model year.
RL gets navigation information for Midwest states. Acura plans to make one
model with higher level of performance, not two versions.
TL remains the same for '98 but all cars are leather equipped. The 1999 model
will be based on the '98 Accord sedan floorpan. Acura plans it to be better
equipped, better performing, and less money than the current version TL. Acura
expects it to be the biggest selling model of the Acura line once the '99 version
is on the market.
Integra remains the same basic car for '98. Front and rear styling slightly
changed, new GS-R wheels, the '98 Type R should be introduced in March. Car is
now prewired for optional security system.
No SSM model is seriously in consideration. Acura said the four and five cylinder
versions don't meet performance requirments to be competitive in market {HUH?! With
240-280 hp, they won't be competitive?! jkp}. If one is offered, it would be a V-6
model offered one time as an anniversary version, not a year-to-year model.
SLX is with us for a few more years because Acura and Isuzu have a contract.
Around 2001, look for an Acura model that competes in size with Expedition and
later a companion Honda model to bring tooling costs down for both cars.
NSX remains unchanged. Management is looking into a U.S. version of S model, but
lightweight construction of the 'S' are getting in the way of safety requirements
needed to meet U.S. mandates.
Formula 1: "Jordan looks at junior team"Jordan and new engine supplier Mugen Honda are investigating setting up an FIA International Formula 3000 team as part of a training scheme aimed at bringing a top-level Japanese driver into Formula 1. Drivers who are judged to have the right blend of ability, personality, motivation, past successes, and potential will be given 'vigorous' test programmes in a Jordan-Mugen Honda when the two start their partnership next year. No names were mentioned when the scheme was announced last weekend, but Jyuich Wakisaka, the 1996 F3 champ, is expected to be one of the drivers guaranteed over 5500 testing miles between them. The idea to build an F3000 team to give drivers race mileage to supplement their F1 testing is a long way from deciding to go ahead. If it did, it is unlikely it would be run from Jordan's Silverstone headquarters. It would be farmed out to a separate organisation. It is unlikely, however, that the F3000 team will come to fruition, for Jordan is most likely to want to concentrate on ensuring it is fully competitive in Formula 1 first.
"No date for Honda comeback" Honda's imminent return to Formula 1 was confirmed at the Japanese Grand Prix - but company president Nobuhiko Kawamoto refused to name a date. Kawamoto would only sat that Honda would be back in Formula 1 with a works engine 'soon,' saying the company was now ready for a return because its accounts and sales were looking good. It is expected Honda will not return before the year 2000, because of its commitment in the CART World Series for Indycars, where it is boosting its image in the USA. It also wants to see a return for CART races at its new Twin Ring Motegi circuit which hosts its first race next year. When Honda does return, there will be undoubdedly a scramble for a works engine deal, with probably Jordan, Benetton, and the so-called superteam that will enter in 1999 sponsored by tobacco giant BAT with a car built by top race car builder Reynard leadin the way. Some sources even insist Reynard already has a deal with Honda, but others say Honda Japan knocked back the advances that the team, being set up by Jacques Villeneuve's manager Craig Pollock, made through Honda USA, which has strong links with Reynard in CART. from AUTOSPORT
Other Honda racing news Jarno Trulli did not take part in the season finale at Jerez for the Prost-Mugen Honda team. It was rumoured that Mugen Honda would allow Shinji Nakano to stand down after Suzuka, but that was not the case. Nakano was also offered the test driver role for Jordan because of his ties with Mugen, but Nakano turned it down, possibly for a Minardi ride in 1998.
Chrysler's failure to secure the Manufacturer's Title and the lack of a return in the NATCC have resulted in their moving to Europe, either in the British or German championships. Unlike in other Super Touring series, Honda has been the dominant make in the NATCC. Toyota is expected to commit to the NATCC. The NATCC is expected to continue in 1998, though there are rumours that it will not.
 |
 |
Best Car 11.26
New Model Magazine
Car Stage Magazine
 .GIF format |
 .PDF format |
 J-VX |
 J-MJ |
 Dario Franchitti |
 Click to enlarge |
 Paul Tracy |
CART: With the release of Paul Tracy from his Marlboro Penske contract and the subsequent signing of former Tasman-Honda driver Andre Ribiero by Penske, Tracy was speculated to head to Hogan-Mercedes. Hogan had a contract with rookie sensation Dario Franchitti, a Mercedes protege brought up through the now defunct International Touring Championship (ITC). Craig Pollock, Franchitti's manager (as well as former Team Green driver Jacques Villeneuve), broke off contract negotiations with Hogan and was rumored to be in talks with Team KOOL Green-Honda. Hogan then opted to have Robby Gordon (another Team Green hopeful) run the Hogan-Mercedes car at the season finale at the California Speedway instead of Franchitti. Tracy had talks with Hogan, Team Green, and two Formula 1 teams before signing with Barry Green's team. He wants to win the championship and feels that Team Green's "package" of a Reynard chassis, Honda engines, and Firestone tires will help him reach that goal. This is the same combination run by the Target/Ganassi team that won back-to-back championships with Jimmy Vasser in 1996 and Alex Zanardi in 1997. After missing out the CART finale at Fontana, Dario Franchitti will drive a second Team KOOL Green car in 1998. This is team owner Barry Green's first effort at sporting a two-car team. The signing of a proven winner like Tracy, who won three straight and led the CART championship, gave KOOL reason to supply enough funding for a two-car effort. Honda engines return in 1998 without longtime Honda development driver Parker Johnstone. It was rumored that Johnstone would partner Franchitti in order for Team Green to retain use of Honda engines, but it was revealed that Barry Green had two different contracts with Johnstone and Honda. Team Green is a relatively young team. Its first year of competition was in 1994, with Player's sponsorship, Ford engines, one win at Road America, and Rookie of the Year honors with driver Jacques Villeneuve. 1995 continued with Player's and Jacques Villeneuve. The team won four races and Villeneuve won the 1995 PPG CART championship. One of the wins was the 1995 Indy 500, in which Villeneuve drove 505 miles because of a two-lap penalty. (Tasman-Honda driver Scott Goodyear would've won, but he passed the pace car and ignored a black flag) With Villeneuve going to the Williams-Renault Formula 1 team in 1996, Team Green signed veteran Brazilian Raul Boesel with Brahma beer as title sponsor. It was a forgettable season as they dropped to 21st in standings. 1997 brought new sponsor KOOL, which preferred an American driver. There were very few choices, but with Parker Johnstone's split with Brix/Comptech, Green had his American driver. With Johnstone came Honda engines and the return of Villeneuve's race engineer, Tony Cicale. There were high hopes for '97, but the team hasn't enjoyed that much success. Cicale and Johnstone never came to terms. The best finish was a fifth-place at Long Beach. Paul Tracy will drive a #26 Team KOOL Green car while Dario Franchitti will drive Team Green's usual #27 car.
 |
 |
 |
1. Talk about new SSM having 2.0 litre DOHC with 240 horsepower. Article says Honda is trying to keep the car with a 50/50 weight distribution, and seriously thinking of having the engine up front with the transmission in the rear (transaxle). Latest news has the SSM coming out 10.98 at a cost of 3,000,000 yen or 25,000 dollars.
2. Also there is an article on a SSM 4 door with FR setup. No details other than a sketch of the car.
3. New minivan coming out 8.98 with 3.5 litre V-6, 180 horsepower, and 30.0 kg of torque. Dimensions are 5 meters long ( 195 inches) by 1.9 meters wide ( 74.1 inches) wide. Nice looking van, numerous people want a version to be sold over here also, but may be too big for Japan.
4. NSX when it debuts (no date) will be built by a special design team (many outside designers brought in) and is packaged and styled like F-355 Ferrari. Article said it will have a 3.5 litre V-8 with over 100 h.p. per litre.
5. CRX will debut with a 1.5 litre engine 130-140 h.p and be a 2+2 seating configuration.
6. Integra will continue as is until 5.99 when it will be restyled.
Thanks to my wife for translating the magazine.
1. CR-V (Honda ad, page 16) LX will be the same as before, EX will have "body colored bumpers, mirrors and side trim."
2. CR-V horsepower is 145 with 5 speed, 130 with automatic
3. Honda Odyssey with V-6 page 26 & 27
4. "NEW" Integra "R", coming out over here (Mike lives in Japan) Nov 1st. I feel sorry for all the people who bought the '97. Wait until you see this one. It is lowered, new front fascia and air dam, new (look like 16") wheels, on page 12 & 13, and there is talk about the 99 being FR as in front engine-rear wheel drive.
5. New Accord and about the 4WD page 32
6. Page 42, '98 Honda Accord with (Prelude DOHC VTEC) engine and 0~400 m times (15.8) secs.
American Honda star Peter Cunningham is joining Japanese ace Osamu Nakako in the Prodrive Honda squad for next month's Tourist Trophy at Donington Park. Thirty-two-year-old Cunningham, this year's North American Super Touring Championship runner-up, gets the drive in recognition of his exploits with the Honda American Racing Team Accord, as well as in other series with the NSX and Integra R. He will test at Pembrey and Donington before the race. Honda Motor Europe boss Trevor Elliott said: 'It's a thank you for the guys over there; they do a good job.' from AUTOSPORT
CART: The final standings in the driver's championship has Honda-powered drivers in the top three. 1. Alex Zanardi (Ganassi/Reynard/Honda/Firestone) 2. Gil de Ferran (Walker/Reynard/Honda/Goodyear) 3. Jimmy Vasser (Ganassi/Reynard/Honda/Firestone) Note that Vasser and Zanardi are switched from their positions last year when Vasser was the champion and Zanardi was third. Interestingly, de Ferran has not scored a win this season but a string of consistent points-paying finishes helped him clinch second place. Formula 1: Olivier Panis marked his return to Grand Prix racing with a 6th place finish at the Luxembourg GP. Panis was out since the Canadian GP after breaking both legs in a crash in which his Prost-Mugen JS45 broke a rear suspension piece causing him to crash. Panis challenged former teammate Pedro Diniz for 5th place, but the Arrows-Yamaha held on for 5th. Panis repeatedly locked up his brakes during his chase of Diniz, and it was speculated that his legs were prematurely fatigued. Look for Prost to step up their game for the Japanese GP at Suzuka. Mugen and Bridgestone definitely want an excellent performance at home.
 |
 |
 |
"Auto Bild" No. 40, 10/02/97 show us three pics from the SSM. The SSM had an english number plate, but the pics were shoot at the Honda Research Centre in Offenbach/Germany, where the SSM try to get the european homogenize. We can see some parts from the NSX (Mirrors/rear bumper).
Donald DiPaula provided the following two links -
Link 1 and
Link 2,
which contain scans from the October 1st issue of the British Magazine Autocar.
These scans have basically the same photos as shown above, but the accompanying text is very
interesting to Honda fanatics. Below is a transcript:
A 200bhp V5 engine, light-weight alumninum body, and NSX-based suspension are among the technical highlights of Honda's sensational new SSX, snapped in this world exclusive by Autocar
A progression of the muscular SSM (Sport Study Model) concept unveiled at the 1995 Tokyo motor show, the slick new Honda will storm onto UK roads in early 1999 after a world premiere at Honda's 50th birthday celebrations next June. Among its European rivals will be the Porsche Boxter and a V6 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Aimed one class higher than the CRX, the new Honda roadster has been developed to be a pure driver's car. Its arrival heralds a raft of hot new honda mdels, such as replacements for the CRX (del Sol in NA) and Beat, and a V12-powered NSX due early next decade.
Aimed at giving Honda a direct link between its road cars and planned return to Formula 1 in 1999, the SSX aims to bridge the gap between F1 and affordable open-top motoring. It encompasses all that Honda has come to represent over the years in engineering expertise and driving enjoyment. "It will set new standards," says one high-ranking insider.
While retaining the basic dimensions, short overhangs, and extended wheelbase of the SSM concept car, Honda's new two-seater uses a revised aluminimum body that mixes the flat-surfaced look of the show car with more curved wings to create a handsome and mature shape.
Other major cosmetic changes include fixed headlights, repositioned above the number plate, and the appearance of a rear bumper assembly. The windscreen has also been made more upright and given a substantial frame to satisfy new EC safety standards.
At the heart of the SSX is a compact all-aluminum V5 engine, the first in a family of five-cylinder units set to appear in the new Accord. The new twin-cam 20-valve powerplant boasts a narrow cylinder bank angle of 20 deg - just 5deg more than Volkswagen's new VR5.
From a relatively low 2.0-litre capacity, Honda has extracted 200bhp to give the 950kg (~2090lbs) SSX a sensational power-to-weight ratio. The heady power count comes courtesy of a reworked VTEC variable valve timing system, which extends the redline to 7500rpm.
By mounting the compact V5 behind the front axle line under the SSX's long flat bonnet, Honda has achieved a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, while still providing a decently sized two-seat cabin and rear luggage compartment.
The SSX will use a newly developed six-speed manual to channel the engine's impressive power to the rear wheels, but Honda is also developing a new five-speed version of its Tiptronic-style F-matic semi-automatic {I believe this should read "S-matic semi-automatic." jkp}
An aluminum double wishbone suspension helps reduce the car's unsprung weight for crisper and sharper handling. Also included is standard traction control and a torque-sensing limited slip differential which work with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle to improve grip and traction on loose surfaces.
In keeping with the SSM show car, the SSX offers a high-tech driving environment, with large digital displays
for rev-counter and speedo, and a large satellite navigation screen on the centre console. Safety features
include roll-over bars behind the seats, twin airbags and anti-lock.
Greg Kable
I have seen the build schedule for the CRV's. They are building 97's up to September. No builds for October. Then, starts again in November - by the time they build enough to start sending over, it should be in showrooms by late Jan/early Feb.{hmmm... strange, Honda is known for their quick switchovers in model production; I remember back in '95 when they started building the new Civics I read that they switched the production lines over lunch or something crazy like that. I wonder why they aren't building CR-Vs in October?? jkp}
After the final event of Saturday (Indy Lights race) another practice/qualifying session was held for a driver that did not take part in the morning session. The car running around the speedway was a Target/Ganassi car and I thought that it might be Zanardi. The car had a yellow roll hoop, and I assumed it was Vasser's backup car. The helmet design was different, and I wasn't sure if that was Zanardi. After a few flying laps, the announcer let us in on this "surprise". It was Arie Luyendyk!
This year's Indy 500 winner will take Zanardi's place in the Marlboro 500. Luyendyk is a former Ganassi driver. A few adjustments had to be made as Luyendyk is taller than Vasser. Luyendyk was only able to turn in laps in the 33 sec./223 mph range. Contrast that to Vasser's time of 30.xx sec./240.xx mph, which netted him second position on the starting grid behind pole-sitter Mo Gugelmin's Reynard-Mercedes.
Comline Transportation Wire via Individual Inc. -- Honda Motor <7267> has developed (EBD) electronic braking distribution to improve the effectiveness of brakes. It is the first domestic maker to develop such a system. When an ABS sensor detects that the cargo weight in the trunk is heavy, the system applies more braking force to the rear end of the car. That reduces the burden of braking on the driver. Ordinary braking systems have mechanically set braking force distribution, and heavy cargo in the trunk can reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. European makers are beginning to use systems similar to Honda's on large passenger cars and recreation-oriented vehicles, which are more likely to have heavy weights in the back. Honda will make first use of EBD this fall on the Odyssey.
Current Hogan-Mercedes driver Dario Franchitti is rumoured to go to Team KOOL Green for 1998 with Honda engines at the expense of Parker Johnstone. Franchitti is a Mercedes protege, and his name was surprisingly absent in Mercedes' "Cars and Stars" magazine. Team Green has had a disappointing year with Johnstone as he continues to struggle with finding setups. There were high hopes in preseason that Team Green might have a chance of repeating their 1995 PPG Title that they won with Jacques Villeneuve. Villeneuve's race engineer Tony Cicale was "unretired" but he never struck a rapport with Johnstone. Franchitti is managed by Craig Pollock, who is also Villeneuve's manager. As a result, Carl Hogan has dropped Franchitti for the CART finale at the California Speedway and replaced him with Robby Gordon. Robby Gordon is also in the frame for a ride with Team Green but Honda does not want Gordon, who has the propensity to talk first and think later. (if at all) Could this be the return of Brix/Comptech Racing?
In other CART news, a new engine formula will take place in the year 2000. The new formula calls for a decrease in displacement from a 2.65 liter turbo V8 down to a 1.8 liter turbo V8! Boost pressure will rise from 40 in. to about 50-55 in. of boost to maintain horsepower levels. Honda, Mercedes-Ilmor, Ford-Cosworth, and Toyota have agreed to the proposal.
Formula 1:
1996 F1 champ Damon Hill has signed a two year contract with Eddie Jordan. Hill joins Ralf Schumacher for 1998 and 1999 after an Italian court ruled that Giancarlo Fisichella must return to Benetton. Hill, who won the title with Williams-Renault in 1996 will finish out his one-year contract with TWR Arrows-Yamaha. Hill is a fan of the Mugen-Honda engine, as he tested a Bridgestone-owned 1995 Ligier before Bridgestone's entry into Formula 1. Tom Walkinshaw hoped to get Mugen for 1998, which might have encouraged Hill to stay. Walkinshaw tried to buy Ligier and felt that he would've been a top-3 contender in '97 with Hill, Mugen engines, and Bridgestone tires. That deal did not go through and Prost ended up buying the Ligier team from Benetton's Flavio Briatore. Hill was thought to be driving for Alain Prost, his 1993 Williams-Renault teammate and 4-time F1 champ (including one with McLaren-Honda in 1989). Hill turned down offers from Sauber, McLaren, and Prost. Incidentally, Jordan tried to get Hill for the 1997 season. Hill is a proven winner. Though all his wins were in a Williams-Renault, his near win in Hungary in an underpowered Arrows-Yamaha is testament to his ability. Hill could provide Jordan's first F1 win, and maybe bring back the trapezoidal "H" onto the engine cam covers!
I heard from a salesman in Dayton yesterday that the 1998 CR-Vs will not be out until February. :-( Ken{Can anybody confirm/deny this? jkp}
Just saw the color chart matrix for the 98 models. On the CR-V, there will be: LX 2WD 5man LX 4WD 5man LX 4WD 4Auto EX 4WD 5man EX 4WD 4Auto No info on sunroof. The colors are the same as this year and every model is available in every color!
Prost-Mugen Honda driver Jarno Trulli qualified third for the Austrian Grand Prix at the new A-1 Ring. At the start, he lined up in second behind Mika Hakkinen's McLaren-Mercedes after passing pole-sitter Jacques Villeneuve in his Williams-Renault. Hakkinen's engine let go at the end of the first lap, giving the lead to Trulli. Trulli continued to set fastest lap with each lap run. It was a good run for Trulli and the Prost team. With about 14 laps to go, the Mugen Honda engines of both Shinji Nakano and Jarno Trulli blew up within a lap of each other! Trulli was running in second behind eventual winner Jacques Villeneuve. It would have matched Prost's best finish of second at Barcelona with Olivier Panis. Someone forgot to tell the engineers that the race was 71 laps instead of 58 laps! Olivier Panis is expected to return to Prost for the last three races of the season after breaking his legs at the Canadian GP. Jarno Trulli, who has driven impressively, will finish the year back at Minardi.
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
Hi Jeff, I found some pictures on some French auto magazine website that coveres the Frankfurt auto show. There, they show Honda's Integra Type-R that is going to be on sale in Europe. As you can see, the front is very similar to the '98 US Integras. The bumpers in the front and back are also restyled. I hope this has been helpful.{Yes, it has been helpful Daniel. Thanks!}
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
CART: CART teams will participate in an open test at the Twin Ring Motegi 1.5 mile speedway in Japan on November 1 and 2. CART will run the Budweiser 500 (kilometers, not miles!) March 28, 1998. Honda is very keen to win this race. Jimmy Vasser has limited experience at the new track when he ran his Reynard Honda in July during opening ceremonies. Formula 1: Giancarlo Fisichella, the talented 24 yr. old driver for Jordan is heading to Benetton for 1998. It was determined that Benetton did take up his option in time, and that the Jordan team misunderstood parts of his personal contract. Ralf Schumacher is already signed for Jordan-Mugen in 1998. The other seat is still open. 1996 F1 champ Damon Hill has been talking to Jordan, but may sign for Prost. Jean Alesi has already signed for Sauber. Will Shinji Nakano get the second seat? Rumours are still flying as "silly season" continues.
If you want a picture of what the 1998 Type R (and the new front of the Integra) will look like, then pick up the October edition of CAR Magazine (It's British). Page 18. I'm sorry, I don't have a scanner or else I'd sent a copy to you. Basically, here's how it looks. Headlights are raked back. Front fascia is new. Molded integra lettering moved to horizontal bumper part under driver's side headlights. Front air intake is now center bar-less, and looks like a trapezoid - ie narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. Indicators are similar to previous ones, except that the center edges are angled, to follow the intake. Looks like there's a new, more integrated looking rear wing for the Type R, and the front spoiler looks better and more aggressive than the current model. The R in the pic also has side indicators for the European market. Looks more aggressive than the 97 model. Also, in Europe, the Type R is only rated at 190hp. It goes on sale in Britain next spring. Finally, Honda says Type-R will be a "worldwide sub-brand encapsulating our engineering capabilities and racing heritage." So I guess we can expect more Type R's in the pipeline. Cool.{Yeah, cool. Thanks Rob!}
The October issue of "Popular Science" is running a five year plan of the major automotive maker's model lineups. It would seem that the year 2000 is going to be a major year for the mighty "H" and it's large number of followers as a cosmetically new Civic is unveiled with a new 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine. Of course they didn't necessarily say that this model was slated for a North American release, but then why would they bother to publish it? (Hoping it's a 1.8 DOHC!!!!!!)
(from F1 News Aug. 20, 1997) The Honda Motor Company is sneaking back into Formula 1 sooner than most people think - with an engine built by Honda's Research & Development department likely to begin testing in the autumn. This will remain badged as a Mugen Honda but will be a Honda unit looked after by Mugen engineers. Honda is very keen that the new V10 begins testing as soon as possible and that has created a small problem as Jordan is under contract to Peugeot until December 31. Peugeot could release Jordan from the contract, but at the moment there do not seem to be plans for an interim Prost-Peugeot car, the French team planning to have the new car up and running in January. Allowing Jordan and Honda to test would therefore give the new combination an advantage. Prost might, however, like to test for Bridgestone but cannot do so because his contract with Mugen Honda ends at the end of the season and there is no reason why Honda will agree to give him engines in December - after the month-long ban on all F1 testing is over. There is, of course, plenty of room for negotiation and we expect to see both Prost and Jordan using Mugen Honda engines in the final weeks of the year. *** In other F1 news, rumors are that the planned F1 super team of British American Tobacco, Reynard, Jacques Villeneuve, Craig Pollock (Villeneuve's manager) and Meccachrome engines may or may not enter F1 for 1999. BAT's Player's brand cigarettes sponsored Villeneuve's successful CART seasons. The team, known as BA Team Reynard, was rumored to use Meccachrome (Renault) engines for 1999. In the longer term, we expect BA Team Reynard to bid for a works engine supply in the year 2000, with the obvious target being Honda. BAT's F1 negotiator Craig Pollock is well connedted in Japanese circles. He used to run the European office for the Suzuka circuit in Japan (a Honda related company) and also sold TV rights in the Far East for F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Honda is looking for a level of control in any team with which it is involved in and it may be that BAT would be willin to sell a share of the team to Honda in the future. *** Jordan Grand Prix has a two-year contract with Mugen, but Mugen chief Hirotoshi Honda implied that a second team (possibly the nascent Dome project) could be on board for 1999. NATCC: Honda wins the Manufacturer's title again, but Dodge driver David Donohue wins the driver's title.
CART: Target/Chip Ganassi Racing wins second consecutive PPG/CART championship. Last year, Zanardi won the race while Vasser took the title after finishing fourth. This year, Vasser wins the race while Zanardi takes the title. 1996 CART champ Jimmy Vasser collects first win of 1997 by winning the Texaco Havoline 300 at Laguna Seca. Teammate Alex Zanardi finished third, enough to clinch the 1997 championship. Zanardi becomes the only other driver to win Rookie of the Year and PPG Cup Championship in two seasons. Jacques Villeneuve is the other. (1994 and 1995) Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz wins the Manufacturer's Championship after Mark Blundell finished second. Mercedes leads Honda by 22 points going into the final round at the California Speedway. Honda can still tie Mercedes, but Mercedes has more wins. On the cool down lap, the Ganassi teammates drove side by side congratulating each other, but Zanardi gave Vasser a "love tap" resulting in Vasser's car spinning. Zanardi continued to victro lane while Vasser hitched a ride on Max Papis' Reynard-Toyota. Zanardi explained that he was trying to drive the car with his knees as he was clapping his hands. During an interview, Zanardi was asked why he did not celebrate with his traditional tire-spinning donuts. Zanardi laughed and replied "Because I'm still on probation!!!" Vasser and Zanardi look set to continue as Ganassi teammates for 1998. This ends speculation that Zanardi might head to F1 with Benetton or Jordan-Mugen. Zanardi's engineer, Mo Nunn wants to retire. But Ganassi and Zanardi will try to convince him otherwise. Heading to the season finale at the California Speedway, the top three in the PPG Cup are all powered by Honda. Zanardi takes the title with 195 pts. Gil de Ferran is second with 154 pts. Jimmy Vasser is third with 128 pts. Formula 1: Prost-Mugen Honda driver Jarno Trulli broke the track record at Mugello in Italy during a team test. He beat the record set by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher by about half a second, though his Prost was running with a light fuel load. At the Italian GP at Monza, Prost had a disappointing weekend with both Trulli and Shinji Nakano failing to score any points. Injured Prost driver Olivier Panis looks certain to compete in the last two GPs of the season. Jordan is still fighting to keep Giancarlo Fisichella for 1998. Fisichella has performed well this season and Eddie Jordan has taken an option on Fisichella's contract. Fisichella himself wants to stay at Jordan for 1998 and is unhappy with the terms of his 10-year development contract with Benetton. Benetton boss Flavio Briatore announced that Fisichella will drive for Benetton in 1998 after taking up an option on Fisichella. Briatore loaned Fisichella to Jordan for racing experience with the knowledge that Benetton can take him back. But Eddie Jordan stated that Briatore did so without honoring some aspects of the contract.{Thanks for keeping us all up to date Reginald! jkp}
Just wanted to drop a note about an article that was in the Los Angeles Times today about the new Accord. Here is the address, its a good article, in the same tune as the Business Week Article. Seems like the car has been getting totally rave reviews by everyone who's reviewed it so far... Click Here to read it BTW, I was invited to a marketing survey as a new Acura 3.0CL owner, and they had us look at a prototype of what I'm guessing is the new shape for the 1999 or 2000 CL model. It was pretty ugly, with a sharp, pointed front end and an even uglier rear end (I still don't like the way my CL looks!). They asked about what kind of engine choice I would prefer (260hp 3.2L V-6 kept being mentioned, as well as the current engine choices in the Lexus SC and the BMW 3-series and the Audi 2.8. Its was interesting, but the prototype was ugly. I like the new Accord coupe, though.
I received the latest issue of Road & Track... and it shows a picture of the new Integra. From what I can see, the headlights are not as deeply set as they are on current Integras. I like the current styling, IMHO, but the new design doesn't do too much for me, though, admittedly, the picture could show more. Also, there are new wheels for the GS-R (again!). They're 6 spoke directional wheels similar to those on the Prelude (not SH), though they're not polished. I will scan the picture and send it if someone hasn't by the time I get ahold of the magazine again.
I spoke to my dealer this afternoon, and here's what he told me: Product Improvements for 1998 Model Year (Canadian Models) All models - redesigned front & rear bumper fascia - updated head/tail light design - "A" mark on steering wheel hub - floor mats - leather document holder - full tank of gas RS - air conditioning - new steering wheel cover - new interior fabric GS-R - Driver's side manual seat adjust - new style 15" machine finished wheels - new interior fabric Type-R - rear wiper/washer
From The Detroit News: ... Japanese press reports say Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. are developing new rear-wheel-drive sport sedans to pit against BMW AG's next-generation 3-series, due to hit the streets next spring. Scheduled to appear in fall 1998, Toyota's sport sedan is known internally by the code name 910T and will be powered by a potent new twin-cam 2.5-liter six-cylinder. Said to be an evolution of the earlier Prius concept vehicle, the new four-door could be marketed in the States by Lexus dealers as a head-to-head rival of the 3-series. Honda's model (code name: AAS) is slated to reach production in mid-1998, in time to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. It reportedly will be based on the earlier SSM concept roadster and could feature a 240-horsepower engine. Nissan Motor Co. hopes to match Toyota and Honda in early 1999 with a new and improved edition of its firebreathing Skyline GT-R, a twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive performance model that's based loosely on the Laurel family sedan. Unlike its rivals, this one has little chance of being sold outside of the home market.
The September 1 issue of Autoweek includes many of the details about the Civic Type R hatchback that are listed on your site, but unfortunately it also lists this: "Honda says that the Civic Type R won't be coming to the U.S. market, but adds that it is working on a tweaked, VTEC version of the Civic coupe built in Ohio."
CART Championship leader Alex Zanardi finished 4th in the Molson Indy at Vancouver and was fined $25,000 for rough driving. Zanardi started from pole but brake problems prevented him from clinching the championship. On two occasions, Zanardi had to take the escape road at the hairpin. The first time, he came back on track in 23rd position. The second time he stalled the engine and pleaded frantically to course workers to push start him. Despite this, Zanardi charged back to 4th place while unlapping himself and making numerous passes on a course that is known for its difficulty in overtaking. Jimmy Vasser, Zanardi's teammate and current PPG Cup champ, finished second. Vasser had a chance to win, but gearbox problems relegated him to throttle-lift shifts. Gil de Ferran finished 3rd in his Reynard-Honda. To clinch the championship, Zanardi had to score at least 6 points over his closest rival, Honda driver Gil de Ferran. It is a two-horse Honda-powered race as only Zanardi and de Ferran have a mathematical chance to take the title. Zanardi has a 37-point advantage over de Ferran with 44 points up for grabs. Two races are left, with Laguna Seca (site of "The Pass") this week and the season finale at the new California Speedway on September 28. Zanardi has to score at least 7 points more than de Ferran to take the $1 million PPG Cup. NATCC Neil Crompton took both races at Vancouver with his Tasman Honda Accord. Crompton currently lies 3rd in the standings, behind HART's Peter Cunningham and Dodge driver David Donohue. Tasman's leaving of the NATCC midseason due to lack of funding have hurt Crompton's title hopes. With new sponsors in place, Crompton has come back with strong performances. Honda leads Dodge 291-275 David Donohue Dodge Stratus) 273 pts. Peter Cunningham (Honda Accord)248 pts. Neil Crompton (Honda Accord) 235 pts. FORMULA 1 Benetton and Jordan are going to court over Giancarlo Fisichella's drive for 1998. Fisichella was loaned to Jordan for 1997 by Benetton boss Flavio Briatore. Briatore felt that this was the best way for Fisichella to gain experience. Fisichella was contracted for 2 years but Benetton had a 1998 option on him. Fisichella has outperformed teammate Ralf Schumacher at Jordan. In engine news, Jordan will be getting a new Mugen engine design for 1998. Theoretically, this makes the current engine design available. Rumors are that Minardi might get them for 1998, much like Sauber is using 1996 Ferrari engines for 1997. Japanese drivers Ukyo Katayama and Shinji Nakano are rumored to drive for Minardi.
"I have comfirmed it there will is a Honda Civic Type R!!!! It is of course white and the rims are just like the Integra's. The 1.6 liter engine puts out 185hp @8,200rpm. I know you don't belive me but I have proof. And here another kickers. Type R is for all Honda's including the 319hp NSX-R...........Look for my Type R page soon..I'll keep you updated. Basam Abdallah Milwaukee, WI"I'm not sure what is news about this, the Civic Type R has been officially on Honda's page for over a week... The 319hp NSX thing is news to me though...
The September 8 edition of Business Week, "Can Honda Build a World Car", reported that Honda officials have confirmed that the TL will be replaced on the new Accord platform in the fall of 1998, confirming the earlier Detroit News article, and it also said that the CL model will be remodeled on the Accord platform in the fall of 1999, much earlier than previously thought. It also gave information on two other models. The expected larger Honda minivan was reported as coming in the fall of 1998, as has been expected for a while, but the bigger news is with an SUV. A large SUV (At 200 inches long it would rival the size of the full-size Chevy Tahoe!) will supposedly be introduced in the fall of 1999, presumably replacing the Isuzu-based Trooper in Acura's lineup.
A leading Japanese sports newspaper has reported that Honda is aiming to be back in F1 officially in the year 2000. According to an unidentified source quoted in the story in the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, the official announcement of a return to racing will be made next year. The story, previously denied by Honda spokesmen, was virtually rubber-stamped at the Suzuka Eight Hours motorcycle meeting on the Sunday of the German GP, when Honda's President, Nobuhiko Kawamoto, told the Japanese press that the company is keen to return to F1 and that a decision will be made by the end of 1998. After some troubled years in the early 1990s, Honda is now back in profit and wants to use F1 to boost its sales in Europe-which remains F1's major market at the moment. The story did not suggest whether or not Honda is considering returning to F1 as an engine manufacturer or as a car builder as well, but the former looks more likely. After the company pulled out of F1 at the end of 1992, Honda research and development engineers built a secret F1 prototype car which was spotted testing on various occasions in Japan. Honda has always been very keen to play down links between itself and the Mugen company-which is owned by Hirotoshi Honda, son of the Honda company founder and 40% owner of the Honda Motor Co.- but there is no doubt that there has been a factory involvement throughout the programme. We believe that the contract between Jordan and Mugen states that the Mugen V10 engines, which will be used by the team next year, will be designed and developed by Honda and prepared by Mugen. (from F1 News August 6, 1997 #13)
The german carmagazine "Auto, Motor & Sport" reported, that at the GP of Japan in Suzuka (October, 12), Honda will tell the world how the F1 Team for 1998 will be called, Jordan-Honda or Jordan-Mugen! They said that the motor is tested and 240 (!) engineers from Honda, together with Jordan engineers, try to put the motor in the 1998 Jordan Chassis. One more thing, they will use Bridgestone in 1998.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |  |  |
A leading Japanese sports newspaper has reported that Honda is aiming to be back in F1 officially in the year 2000. According to an unidentified source quoted in the story in the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, the official announcement of a return to racing will be made next year. The story, previously denied by Honda spokesmen, was virtually rubber-stamped at the Suzuka Eight Hours motorcycle meeting on the Sunday of the German GP, when Honda's President, Nobuhiko Kawamoto, told the Japanese press that the company is keen to return to F1 and that a decision will be made by the end of 1998. After some troubled years in the early 1990s, Honda is now back in profit and wants to use F1 to boost its sales in Europe-which remains F1's major market at the moment. The story did not suggest whether or not Honda is considering returning to F1 as an engine manufacturer or as a car builder as well, but the former looks more likely. After the company pulled out of F1 at the end of 1992, Honda research and development engineers built a secret F1 prototype car which was spotted testing on various occasions in Japan. Honda has always been very keen to play down links between itself and the Mugen company-which is owned by Hirotoshi Honda, son of the Honda company founder and 40% owner of the Honda Motor Co.- but there is no doubt that there has been a factory involvement throughout the programme. We believe that the contract between Jordan and Mugen states that the Mugen V10 engines, which will be used by the team next year, will be designed and developed by Honda and prepared by Mugen. (from F1 News August 6, 1997 #13)
I just got off the phone with an Acura salesperson. He called to inform me that at their training meeting yesterday they were told Acura decided not to change the front end of the Integra this year. He said instead they increased its performance as well as those of almost the entire Acura line. He said he has training material to show me which states that the GSR will have 200hp (I will believe it when I see it), and possibly a similar rear suspension to the new Accord coupe. Though he does not have a price list, they are expected to stay near current prices. J.March{NOTE: This is all unconfirmed information, and the first I've heard about it except for some of the rumours from a few years back that stated the GS-R would have 200-210hp for '98. jkp}
Integra Type R is going to cost Dfl 82.500 - in Holland. This is inclusive of taxes and importrights.The CR-x(del Sol) is only available from Honda's stock. I know two dealers who only sold two or three in four years. Thanks to this site I knew would stop the production dealers heard last Saturday.
I talked to someone from Honda and he told me that Honda will start production of the SSM even in 1997. We will get the car in Europe in early 1998 for about 60.000 DM. Honda will show the SSM ( with a different name) at the Motorshow in Tokyo, not at the IAA in Frankfurt. In Frankfurt we will see the Civic Aerodeck (wagon) based on the European Civic 5-Door (in the Showrooms in the second quarter 1998 for about 30.000 DM), the Logo ( a small car maybe with a little facelift, in the showrooms in the third quarter 1998), the Integra Type R, in showrooms maybe in later 1997 or January 1998 for about 50.000 DM, of course in limited edition, it is rumoured 500 for germany (everywhere we hear this number for every country!?), the SMX, and the finale edition of the CRX del Sol. At the end of 1997 Honda will stop the delivery of the Legend, the Accord Coupé and Accord Aerodeck (Wagon), US-Version, for Europe, so we can only get what they have at the distribution depot. And he made veiled hints about that we get a different car for the Civic Coupé (maybe the 1998 Integra?).
...According to press information, which of course may be changed, the following colors (exterior/interior) are offered: Taffeta White/Ivory (DX,LX,EX), Flamenco Black Pearl/Quartz(DX,LX,EX), Mystic Blue Pearl/Lapis (DX,EX), Dark Emerald Pearl/Ivory (LX,EX), Heather Mist Metallic/Ivory (LX,EX), Regent Silver Metallic/Lapis (DX/LX), Raisin Pearl/Quartz (LX), Black Currant Pearl/Quartz (EX). Incidentally, while I don't have pictures to supply to you, I think it looks great. Kind of a styling mix between the current generation and the previous one (especially the brake lights). And the drawn picture of the coupe in Motor Trend is very accurate. Oh yes, one last point: Honda definitely lists the rear suspension as double wishbone.
The only other new Acura in the book is the SSM (the drawing doesn't look too good, and there's really no news about the car - perhaps they compiled their information from here 8^). It's good to see that it's existence is acknowledged in a consumer magazine, but I was somewhat surprised to see it listed as a '98 model. I was under the impression that it wouldn't be released until sometime in '98, thus it would likely be a '99 model. It says that the motor will probably be a 2.0L 4 instead of the show car's 5-cylinder in order to save weight and space.
Also, if you go to the sneak preview section of Acura's official web page, you can see a portion of the '98 Integra. What you'll find there is really not enough to give you an idea of what's changed for '98, but it seems to confirm the idea that the front end of the Integra is likely to change, which is consistent with what the Consumer Guide '98 book was saying, and previous news/rumour items from this page. To quickly recap, the '98 Integra should be getting a slight makeover to hold until the new Civic platform is released for MY2000. Earlier rumours had stated that with this '98 makeover, the car would be doomed with an alphanumeric designation to keep it on track with the rest of the lineup. Those rumours seem to be fading now and I'm beginning to think that the impending doom may be delayed until the all-new model is released in MY2000.
 |
 World's quickest shifting semi-automatic |
 |
 All-new multilink suspension |
The above photos appeared in the 8.10 issue of Japan's Best Car magazine. The car shown is definitely NOT going to be the car that is sold in the US. In fact, as you may be able to tell,
it is actually smaller than the current Accord with respect to exterior dimensions, though interior-wise it is significantly larger due to Honda's sophisticated new suspension design.
Motors that will be available include:
SiR 2.0 L DOHC VTEC 200 ps
2.0 L SOHC 150 ps
2.0 L LEV 145 ps
1.8 L SOHC 140 ps
For further details, please check the Temple of VTEC Asia
According to the 9/10 issue of BestCar, Integra type-R will proceed into "Series-2" stage. This is because of Civic type-R`s announcement. Civic type-R will carry at least 185ps of output, therefore, Integra type-R`s overall output may be raised up to 210ps. In additon, Sequential-gearbox is considered on the new Integra Type-R. There were some possibility of Sequential-gearbox on Civic Type-R, however considering the price and productability, the plan was cancelled in Civic. Honda was also planning a Super-charged+4WD Type-R, but this arrangement were also cancelled on Integra type-R series-2 The proto-type Integra Type-R series-2 has already made some test-run in Hokkaido circuit, and shown remarkable record over NSX-R. Approximate debut on this Integra Type-R Series-2 is sometime around Feburary 98. And, All-New Integra is planned to be announced in 99.
8.11.97Civic Type R specs
From TaktypeR via Eddie Lee:
Civic type-R will be offically announced on 8/22 in Japan. here is the latest..... Engine : B16C Spec.R Displacement : 1595cc Bore x Stroke : 81.0mm x 77.4mm Compression Ratio : 10.8 Output : 185ps @ 8200rpm Torque : 16.3kgm @ 7500rpm The Civic type-R`s base price in Japan is estimated around 2000000-yen. The car will be equipped with B16C Spec.R, based on SiR`s engine. The engine outputs 185ps, (115ps per liter) with 16.3kgm of Torque. The engine has set to 185ps, however, it has the potential of exceeding 200ps, at over 9000rpm. The Interior somewhat differs from Integra type-R. It comes with the same red Recaro seats, and Titanium shift-knob. But it comes with SRS-equipped MOMO steering. The Instrument-panel becomes carbon-graphite pattern that holds the tachometer having the gauge up to 10000rpm. Also new to this Civic is the "Civic type-R" logo on the dashboard. Suspension gets tuned-up on this type-R - front spring-rate gets doubled, and rear spring-rate increased by over x2. Suspension tune results in 15mm low-down from SiR. The car is equipped with a Helical-LSD, and larger-diameter brake discs. (tire size : 195/55R15) Exterior becomes completely diffrent dimension from the original. Front-spoiler, Side-skirts, Rear-spoiler and Rear-Under spoiler. The wheel on this type-R differs from Integra type-R, that has 7-spokes, and 5-nut holes. c/w BestCar 9/10 issue
8.11.97More '98 Accord and CR-V info
from Al Friedland:
I have heard from a Honda Factory Rep. that the new Accord 4 doors will start production Aug. 13, but will be held for shipment to dealers showrooms until Sept. 20. The 2 doors will be released approx. 1 month later, around the end of October. Regarding the CRV, I have also heard that these vehicles will be available in 2 different models, LX and EX, along with a sunroof available, most likely on the EX model. Also a manual transmission is supposed to be released with this model as well.
8.11.97Honda Racing Update
From Reginald Legaspi
CART: Alex Zanardi drove his Target Reynard Honda HRR to a series leading fourth PPG/CART victory Sunday in the Miller 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. It is also Honda's fourth win of the season, all of them from Zanardi. Zanardi started second and took the lead after polesitter Bryan Herta retired with a blown left rear tire early in the race. Zanardi sweeps the "Battle of Ohio" with his victories in Cleveland and Mid-Ohio. Zanardi has back-to-back wins at Mid-Ohio, winning here in 1996. HONDA RESULTS: 1. Alex Zanardi (Ganassi Reynard) 5. Jimmy Vasser (Ganassi Reynard) 6. Gil de Ferran (Walker Racing Reynard) 10. Andre Ribeiro (Tasman Reynard) 12. Parker Johnstone (Team GREEN Reynard) 23. Adrian Fernandez (Tasman Lola) out on lap 27 CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (Top 3) 1. Alex Zanardi (Reynard-Honda) 148 pts. 2. Paul Tracy (Penske-Mercedes Benz) 121 pts. 3. Gil de Ferran (Reynard-Honda) 116 pts. ENGINE MANUFACTURERS 1. Mercedes Benz (241 pts.) 2. Honda (214 pts) 3. Ford Cosworth (191 pts.) 4. Toyota (8 pts.) FORMULA 1: Prost-Mugen Honda driver Shinji Nakano earned a point after finishing sixth at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His teammate Jarno Trulli (Panis' replacement) finished seventh and out of the points. The Prost team is severely missing Olivier Panis, who will be out for most of the season after breaking his legs at the Canadian GP. Panis still lies seventh in the championship with 15 points. NATCC: Dominic Dobson and Dodge dominated both races at Mid-Ohio. He leads the chamionship by 20 points over Honda driver Peter Cunningham. (240 to 220) Honda driver Neil Crompton is third with 192 points. Honda leads Dodge by 5 points. (251 to 246)
8.11.97Honda's Driver Alert system
thanks to zci
From the 8.10.97 Cleveland Plain Dealer: Drowsy Drivers Honda has developed a new audible warning system for drowsy drivers who doze off at the wheel. This fall, the Japanese automaker plans to market the device as part of a new on-board navigation system being offered on the redesigned 1998 Accord. The anti-drowsiness device works by monitoring the vehicle's driving path. If the driver wanders off line, the system emits a warning tone and displays a message on the instrument panel. Priced at around $1,700, the system will be initially only available in Japan.
8.11.97'00 Civic Update
thanks to zci
From the 8.10.97 Cleveland Plain Dealer: Locking horns with the new Escort will be Honda's redesigned Civic compact, which bows in the fall of '99. Built in Ohio and Ontario, the popular small car was last made over in 1995 (for MY96 - jkp). The upcoming design may include several new derivatives, including a convertible and later a minivan. There will also be a two-door coupe, a three-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, all of which will be smaller on the outside and larger on the inside than current models.
8.7.97Some '98 model info
I've obtained the following information from a reliable unnamed source:
'98 CR-V
This is in response to "BAD News about the '98 Accord". In the July 7th issue of _Automotive_News_ there was an article, "Honda has new chassis technology" (Page 4). Here is what they say about the new Accord suspension: ---(Begin Quote)----- o Rear suspension: Honda said the new five-link, double-wishbone rear suspension offers enhanced driving stability and ride comfort. The five-link layout allows the use of straighter, lighter arms. All five arms fit within the circumference of the wheel, allowing for increased cabin and trunk space. USES 'WATT's LINK' The suspension features one trailing and one leading arm aligned into a so-called Watt's link, which Honda said was a world first in multilink suspensions. A Watt's link connects the leading and trailing arm so that the wheel will rise and fall in a straight line. That enables the suspension to react quickly and sharply to road bumps. In straight-ahead driving, toe-angle is reduced. That results in increased straight-line stability and reduced understeer. In cornering and braking situations, moreover, the so-called toe-in effect is added to further increase stability. ------(End Quote)------------ The rest of the article concerns 'Vehicle Stability Assist' and 'Electric Power Steering with Variable Gear Ratio'.{WHEW! This is much closer to what I expected from Honda! --- jkp}
Yes, it´s true! We get the Integra Type R in Europe! Honda will begin to sell the Integra in November. The right present for Christmas!!!
I'm a Honda salesperson in the Great State of NJ. I'm also an autosport nut and car fanatic. I own a mildly upgraded '93 Civic Si Hatch, and am waiting anxiously for word of the 97 Civic SiR.(I hope!!!!) Anyway, the scoop on the 98 Accords: All will have a 2.3liter VTEC 150hp engines.The rear suspension will be "upgraded" to a multilink beam axle....no more independent rear suspension. (The next generation Civic will be the same) . The Prelude Immobilizer anti-theft system will be standard on the Ex Accord. Pricing will be the same as 97 Accords, or even a little lower. The V-6 models will be available in a Coupe, but still no manual tranny. As to the official launch date, dealers will have a model or 2, but supplies won't be good until well into Oct. No word on an SiR Accord, but we can hope. Oh, and the CR-V will have a HP boost to around 140-145, with the possibility of a manual tranny!! Great site, I hit it a couple times a week!!
In the September issue of Motor Trend they do a comparison test between the Prelude Sh and the Integra Type R. The Integra owners will be happy to know that the Type R edged out the SH in performance. However, if you look at the numbers, the previous generation Prelude VTEC (i.e. '92-'96) would have probably won the comparison. It was faster than the current model. I admit my bias is toward the Prelude, I own a 1994 Si (I wanted automatic), but the reality is that a Prelude Type R or more probable Type S would certainly overpower any Integra, as Motor Trend alluded to at the end of its article. Now all Honda has to do is give the "sportscar" look back to the Prelude. Something that would probably make the owners of the previous generation happy.
Got info from Honda, Canada and most likely USA will be getting an Accord Coupe Type 'R' in 98 model year. No details yet. Also heard about a pickup truck in development for year 2000.{Pickup truck!? - hmmm....}
I recently returned from the Honda plant tours in Ohio. The Accord plant was not open to tours this year do to model changes. However, East Liberty plant, Anna engine plant, and Marysville Motorcycle plant was open. I found out that the 1998 Accord EX and LX will come with the Sohc vtec engine and the engine will be a little bit bigger. I saw a car which was covered by a car cover which look to be a Accord. There is no word on the Accord Si-r for the United States in 1998.
Formula 1:
The Jordan team has a contract for a two-year engine deal with
Mugen-Honda. Ralf Schumacher (21 yr old brother of double world champ
Michael) is confirmed to drive next year. The second seat is rumored
to be filled by current Benetton driver Jean Alesi. Alesi is married
to a Japanese actress, and is popular among the Japanese. Jordan
tried to get Alesi for '97 but Alesi was still contracted to Benetton.
Incidentally, Alesi won the F3000 championship in '89 with Eddie
Jordan's team. It is also rumored that Prost-Mugen driver Shinji
Nakano may be a candidate for the second seat at Jordan. Nakano is
engaged to Hirotoshi Honda's daughter. Nakano landed his drive at
Prost to lessen the Mugen engine bill while the Prost team was still
Ligier. Nakano has not performed as well as teammate Olivier Panis.
('96 Monaco winner and 3rd in '97 championship before Canadian GP
accident) The Prost team gets Jordan's Peugeot engines for '98-2000,
after having Mugen engines since 1995.
CART:
Alex Zanardi has moved to the lead in the CART/PPG chamionship by 3
points over Paul Tracy. Zanardi won the US 500 at Michigan. It is
Zanardi's and Honda's third win of the season, following Cleveland and
Long Beach. Team Ganassi has dominated the US 500, winning last
year's inaugural event with Jimmy Vasser (1996 CART champ), and
winning this year with Zanardi. Ganassi won 7 of 16 races in '96,
taking the chamionship with Vasser, and Rookie of the Year with
Zanardi, who was tied for second with Michael Andretti. Zanardi came
to CART after driving for Lotus-Mugen Honda in Formula 1.
CART/NATCC:
The next CART event is at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Alex
Zanardi and Jimmy Vasser finished 1-2 at Mid-Ohio in 1996. Super
Touring will also be at Mid-Ohio. Check out www.cart.com and
www.supertouring.com for details.
I talk to someone from Honda, and he said that in 1998 Honda will win the F1 Championship! He told me that only the first races there will be "Mugen-Honda" on the Jordan car. If the engine works well, it change in "Honda"! Honda made a contract with R. Schuhmacher for at least two years. The Pinifarina "Argento" will cost $ 25000-28000 and we can get it in 1999. The CRX del Sol go out of production at the end of 1997!!! (They will made a "last edition") The SSM will have a 2,0l engine with 250hp, and weights under 1000kg!!!
7.27.97
Hey wassup... TOV is my favorite page... Neway.. some quick news u might want to add u might not (BTW keep me anonymous... It's embarassing what happened) - Took delivery of my Type-R on July 11... - I pushed it with only 124k on the odometer (couldn't help it my friends were testing me) - Raced my friend's '94 prelude .... killed it..., raced another '92 talon destroyed.... Well anyway I want to warn people about their car... On July 14th, 3 days after I got my car it was stolen...... Off a driveway in a safe, good neighbourhood in between 10:30 to 11 AM it was f***ing gone... I freaked and was pissed off for the next couple of days until I was alarm shopping (something that should have been done way b4 I got the car), the installer told me his buddy had his stolen 4 hours after receiving his. This all makes me wonder if, maybe there's either a huge demand for the car in some f***ed up country, or it's an inside Acura job... So... If you hearing anything from other people let me and them know. I now have to wait 30 days (about 18 now) for insurance to give me re-imbursment.... I was lucky there was one R left at my dealer... Main point (I babbling, it's 5:30 in the AM) ***** TYPE-R's NEED ALARMS *****
7.23.97
I got the 8/10 issue of BestCar-magazine, and they had some Civic Type-R articles, so i`ll tell what.... The new Civic type-R will be equipped with Honda`s newly refined engine, B16A97Spec.R....... the maximum engine power on this engine will be 185ps@8000rpm...... the diffrence between the Integra Type-R`s engine is that this B16A engine has shorter stroke than Integra`s engine, therefore this B16A97Spec.R engine can revolute up to9000 rpm..... compared to Integra`s engine, this engine has weaker "kick", however, this higher-revving engine will be much better in the winding...... The price on this Civic is estimated around 2100000 yen....... not a lot of difference between Interga type-R...... Specification (Unofficial) engine - B16A97Spec.R displacement - 1595cc bore&Stroke - 81.0mm x 77.4mm Horsepower - 185ps@8000rpm Torque - 17.0kgm@75000rpm Exterior - Newly designed 7-spoke wheel - Eliminated Front and Rear bumper guards - Re-designed Front air-dam - colored side protectors Interior - red Recaro seats - titanium shift knob - less air-bag colors - white - red - black - silver
Some news from Pininfarina! The "Argento", the car we saw in 1995 at the
Tokyo Motorshow, goes into production. Honda wants to produce 10.000 a
year. The car will be built in Italia at Pinifarina.
We can buy the the car in Europe at the end of 1999. It will based on
the Accord platform with a shorter wheelbase, NO aluminium bodywork and
the roof is in the trunk and can made a coupé out of it, if it´s need.
{From auto, motor & sport 15/1997}
Rumour is now FACT TYPE R's have been unleashed! Holy S*&t we sure got a glimpse last night!! We went out to Confirm the rumor last night around Midnight. We went to the CN Train car unloading Compound in Scarborough. We hopped the fence and made our way onto the compound. There to our amazement were 30-40 Type-R Integras lined up in groups, and there were some scattered throughout the compuond as well. We got a really close look at 2 of them. 2 of them were just beside the retaining fence wall. We didn't jump the interior fence (That would be tresspassing) But we did get our spy shots with the camera's and we should have some pictures later in the day. They were integra Type-R's for sure, Spoilers, stickers, and white rims(Which unfortunatley were covered up for protection) I'll post any pic that I get if they turn out later in the day!! Any Questions? E-Mail me droid@magic.ca
FYI: Honda (AHFC) is offering finacial incentives on all '97 Integras, including the Type R. The rates are: 2 Years @ 2.9% 3 Years @ 4.9% 4-5 Years @ 5.9% Unfortunately, your local dealer may not let you know about these rates, as they can often times make more $$$'s by financing you through a local bank. Usually the one that floors their cars. All you soon-to-be Type R owners may want to take note. This deal is good through this fall. Oh, the US sticker on the '97 Type R is, in fact, $23,100.00. Seems like a great deal... Erik S. Eston ErikEston@aol.com
Just talked with my dealer an hour ago...he confirmed that my Type-R has shipped from Vancouver and should arrive tomorrow (July 10). I can take delivery on Friday or at absolute latest on Monday. Canadian price all in is $32,300, which also includes a set of steel wheels for winter tires. (Sounds like Acura is a little concerned about liability suits from crazy Canucks careening around ice-laden streets on the stock tires...I assured the dealer that there's nothing to worry about; I expect the original tires will be worn out by November). Taking into account the Canadian-U.S. exchange rate, the Canadian price is on par...maybe even a few dollars cheaper...than the U.S. car... George Curnew gcurnew@tigermedia.com
Either my dealer is really great or I'm the only one eagerly anticipating the Type-R arrival any more. It's sure hard to believe that of all the enthusiasts, I'm the only one who knows this. Anyway, my dealer called today. U.S. Type-R pricing is $23,100 base and $435 for freight/delivery. I'd say that's good news. The really cool thing for me is Acura's current "Owner Loyalty" program. If you're a current Acura owner (I'm trading in my '95 GSR on the Type-R) they give you $500 cash back towards the down payment on a new car. It's like $500 dropped out of the sky and hit me on the head! Cool! Anyway, My dealer also promises/guarantys (as much as anything in life is a guaranty) that I will have the car this month, possibly this week. He says they've been released, whatever that means. Anyway, has anybody else reported/confirmed this stuff? Thanks for running the site. It's been really helpful. -- Dan Kok dkok@execpc.comNo problem Dan, it couldn't be done without contributions from people like yourself. jp
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
I took some pictures of a US Type-R at an auto reviewer's house near mine this weekend. The car is real, and it appears to finally be hitting the states. Check out the following URL for the pictures: http://www.jurai.net/~coredump/type-r.html
I just read an article in the US News and they said the BMW 318i Sport won the title as Car & Driver's "Best Handling Car under $30,000". We all know that this is entirely untrue and I think everyone should send US News a little email to make sure they've realized it. Their address is letters@usnews.com.
During the broadcast of the 1997 Canadian GP, the announcers commented on Jordan's possible engine options for 1998. Peugeot is headed to the Prost team, while Jordan may get Peugeot engines if they perform well in 1997. Jordan wants to retain Peugeot, but is rumored to already have signed a deal to run Mugen engines for 1998. Other rumors have Arrows and Minardi as the other likely candidates for Mugen engines in 1998. Benetton, the 1994-95 champions with Michael Schumacher, have not finalized their Mecachrome (custom Renault engines) deal. Mecachrome seems likely for Benetton, though there are also rumors involving Mugen. If Benetton is competitive with the Mugen engine, it would increase their chance of landing a works Honda engine should Honda make a return to Formula 1. Remember, 1998 is Honda's 50th anniversary, though they have denied a return to F1 in the near future, as they will be concentrating on their CART (formerly Indycar) effort.
I went to the dealer this past weekend, and one of the sales reps told me that the '98 Integra wouldn't be released until next summer, rather than later this year. Also, he said that they would definitely change the lights and front fascia, as reported. As for the NSX, he said the NSX would receive a V-8 with around 390 horses!
My name is 7teen. I´m a Honda Fan from Germany. In the Carmagazin "Auto, Motor & Sport" (No. 13, 06.13.97) is the new Accord for Europe. They say the new Accord will be 20 centimeter shorter as now and it will have 1,6 - 2,2 l between 100 and 200 hp. The new Accord will be in the showrooms in early 1999. The wheelbase will not change. There will be a Diesel (Rover, dreadful!), too.
The Natural-Gas Honda Civic produces "nearly unmeasurable" emissions. In fact, its exhaust is cleaner than the air in some cities. It's also a factor of ten less than the ULEV standards. It involved designing new software to manage combustion variables such as fuel-to-air ratio, new fuel injectors and engine parts redesigned for higher compression, two catalytic converters, a completely sealed fuel system throughout the car to eliminate evaporative pollution and a fuel tank made of fiber composites that is strong enough to hold sufficient gas for 220 miles of "real world" driving. The car is scheduled to roll off the same Ohio assembly line as the gasoline-buring Civic this fall and will cost $4,500 more (available to fleet-operators only). (The much-hyped GM EV1 is a finalist for the award.)
Honda's latest special edition Acura NSX Type S•Zero made its debut recently in Japan with scores of automotive journalists salivating for a test drive in this stripped-down version of Honda's flagship line. Luckily, we grabbed a front position in the long queue to conduct an abreviated driving impression. The new 3.2 liter six-speed scorcher outperforms last year's Type-R and rockets to a top speed of 171 mph. The Type Honda NSX Type S•Zero also recently clocked 4.466 secs for the 0-100 kph run at the 4-kilometer JARI test course at Yatabe, Ibaraki, snared 13.020 secs for 0-400m and blew away the Type-R by 1.5 secs with a lap time of 2.32.54 minutes at Hondas Suzuka F-1 circuit. Faster than Nissan's twin turbo Skyline GT-R, Honda's king of the hill challenges the skill of the most experienced driver. And although the Type Honda NSX Type S•Zero lacks a TCS thats standard on other NSX models, an abreviated road test revealed excellent road stick and exceptional handling characteristics on dry pavement. This handling diminished somewhat under wet conditions, especially through sharp curves, mandating strict attention to the wheel with a prudent eye on the speedometer.
THE SSM: ALIVE AND KICKING To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Honda will introduce in late 1998 a sports car based on the slick SSM show car. This roadster will no doubt boast Porsche Boxster-like performance and be sold in limited quantities. The SSM show car is powered by a 2.0-liter VTEC inline-5, but whether this powerplant will see its way into the production car is not yet certain. - Sam Mitani
Currently, we know that Honda will release a GT sedan in 1998, almost simultaneously with the SSM. Their release is in accordance with Honda's 50th anniversary. The GT sedan will share the same chassis as the SSM, and will have a 4-cylinder VTEC in the 2 liter class. The GT class has been absent in Honda lineups, and at a predicted $30,000, it is a lot to look forward to.If you're wondering what the significance of this news is, FR is a term used commonly in the Japanese auto marketplace to describe a particular drivetrain configuration of a car. It stands for Front-engine, Rear-drive. This GT sedan and the SSM will be the first FR cars Honda has built since the 60's, when they began selling the very first Honda car (the S600/S800).
From Car And Driver, July 1997 (The Information Dirt Road section) "...Honda's upcoming Miata-fighting sports car, word is it will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder driving the rear wheels."
I faxed you a promo paper from Realtime racing. It was from Lime Rock park race weekend for the SCCA World Challenge and the main even is the IMSA WRC. This was the second race for the 2 Integra Type-Rs in T2 class and the NSX driven by Peter Cunningham in T1. This was the Integras' second time out to race this season. In their last race at Mosport, Canada, they took third and today they took second and third. The Realtime personnel were very informative to me. The cars are prepared by Comptech and I was informed that they drop the VTEC crossover point in the Type-R by 1000 rpms with a reprogrammed computer and motor works. The brakes were NSX brakes so it uses 16 X 7 rims w/225-50-16 Good Year slicks.
> After reading the US document about the Type R release, I took a copy > of it to my dealership and asked if there were any similar documents > released to Canadian dealers. While they admitted that there were only > going to be 200 US cars, they insisted that there will still be 200 > Canadian cars, which are still shipping at the end of July. A call > to Acura customer relations confirmed this. Not correct. The number has been reduced to 160 for Canada. David Obront _____________________________________________________________________ S h e r w a y A u t o m o t i v e G r o u p | sherway@topcars.com A C U R A & N I S S A N | Toronto, Canada
The long-rumored Civic Type R has finally been unveiled. It will be powered by a 1.6 liter VTEC engine producing 185ps. The release date will be in September of 1997, along with the release of the 1998 Civics with the usual "minor changes". For all 1998 models, ABS will become standard on all Civics. The Civic Type-R's engine, like the Integra Type-R, is treated to a port-&-polish job by Honda technicians. This, however, raises productivity concerns. Rumors have it that Honda has only one technician assigned to port-&-polish the Integra Type-R engines. (The last confirmed number was 2, then was supposedly increased to 5, but...!? What happened?!)
With its already low price and high-performance, many motorsport fans will most likely jump at the Civic Type-R and its reasonable 300,000 yen (about $2700) markup. Dealerships will surely be even more swarmed than when the Integra Type-R was unveiled. If the one Honda technician is going to have to handle the port-&-polish for the Civic Type-R engines as well, not only will the consumer run the risk of having to wait as long as a year, the poor man will surely perish...
In December of every year, the Integra becomes due for some "minor changes". The 1998 model year Integra will have a new rear tail light assembly, a new rear bumper design, and a double-latch on the tailgate. Some grades will have HID headlights as well. Added to this, the Integra Type-R gets its own "minor changes" -- of course, this "minor change" is quite modest in all aspects.
The 1998 model year Type-R will come with a even more powerful 210ps engine -- 10 up from its already impressive 200ps -- all coming from a NA 1.8 liter engine. Currently, it boasts the fastest piston speed of any production automobile, but Honda must have surely outdone itself in order to produce 10 more ps! Now its horsepower/liter ratio is up to 117ps/liter! To keep with this added power, the brakes and tires have been increased in size, accordingly.
With many after-market tuning companies making turbos for many of their NA cars, Honda has been working on creating a turbo version of the S-MX, a mid-compact sized wagon normally costing around $20,000. It was rumored that Honda would announce the S-MX turbo in August of 1997, in accordance to its "minor change" cycle, but they are currently struggling with cost efficiency. The 1998 model year S-MX will receive mainly safety upgrades -- seatbelts and a rear fold-down seat for children.
After reading the US document about the Type R release, I took a copy of it to my dealership and asked if there were any similar documents released to Canadian dealers. While they admitted that there were only going to be 200 US cars, they insisted that there will still be 200 Canadian cars, which are still shipping at the end of July. A call to Acura customer relations confirmed this. I thought that was not exactly the smartest move, but I assume that 200 units is the smallest number they can make a profit off of after certifying the engine for each country. I don't know if this is really news, but I just thought I'd inform you anyway... SolRush
I went to my dealer today and got a copy of the Acura document about the Type-R release. You may use my name if you wish. Here it is: --- cut --- ACURALINK DCS MESSAGE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 4/30/97 xxx ACURA PAGE 1 OF 1 To: All Acura Dealers From: Acura Sales Date: April 29, 1997 Subject: 1997 Integra Type-R Introduction Please be advised that the 1997 Integra Type-R model will be available at your dealership in early July. As we indicated in our March 13th DCS message, availability of the 1997 model has been reduced due to short term production delays. Since availability of the Integra Type-R will be extremely limited, each Dealer will be offered one (1) vehicle on the allocation per dealership. Please notify those clients who have placed sold orders with your dealership and advise them of the scheduled arrival date of the 1997 Type-R vehicles. With strong initial client response to the Type-R, the Acura Division plans to offer a 1998 model. The `98 Type-R is currently scheduled to be released in March of 1998. The Spring launch is designed to bolster sales for the entire Integra line and drive additional showroom traffic into your dealership. Vehicle allocation of the 1998 model year Type-R will be based upon your dealership's previous years sales rate of the Integra 3 dr. and 4 dr. GSR models in calendar year 1997. The planned production level for the 1998 model year for Type- R is approximately 1,000 units. If you have any questions, please contact your District Sales Manager or Zone office.
A friend of mine talked to his Acura dealer recently and found out some interesting information. My friend will receive a brochure on the '98 Integra this August. The dealer told him that the front end of the car will change to be like the Japanese version. No word yet on the engine and the Type-R status.
I just finished a Honda training course and news floating around is that 1998 Accord will come with a 2.3 litre base engine and optional 3.0 V6 for both sedan and coupe, but sadly no 5 speed for V6. Also the coupe's styling will be much different than sedan, more sporty with NSX type rear lights and built in spoiler. I showed them the Accord picture I got from your site but they tell me that's the Japanese version (finally, we get confirmation). Also along with the new V6 minivan being built in Canada there will be a big brother to the CRV. It's an Accord-based sport ute with V6 power.
5.6.97
Don't believe the hype! I spoke with my dealer about the Type-R that I've had a deposit on since February. He said that they have heard nothing about the cars being delivered in early July. So I called Acura Customer Relations... Acura said the car is still undergoing certification to include OBD-II emissions testing. They stated the car is beginning the final stages of U.S. certification and will not be released until late AUGUST! This is straight from the horse's mouth. Their number if you are curious is (800) 382-2238.
Hondas once again dominate the J.D. Power initial quality study. For best intial quality in a compact car the civic scored 3rd - slightly behind the Saturn SL and Toyota Tercel. The Honda Accord had the best initial quality for a Premium midsize car. The Acura Integra had the best initial quality for the sporty car category followed closely by the new 97 Prelude. The Acura TL came in right behind the Infiniti I30 for best initial quality for an entry level luxury car. The Acura RL scored right behind the Lexus SC and LS for the premium luxury car category. The Honda Oddysey topped the study in the compact van category.
The following are excerpts from AUTOSPORT 17 April 1997 article "BARNARD KEY TO ARROWS-HONDA DEAL?" by Andrew Benson. BARNARD KEY TO ARROWS-HONDA DEAL? Team boss Tom Walkinshaw is set to make the next step in building up Arrows. Andrew Benson reports. "The Arrows team looks to have finalised a deal for top Formula 1 designer John Barnard to become its technical director, as part of team boss Tom Walkinshaw's plans to make the team a major Grand Prix force, lure engine manufacturer Honda and retain the services of World Champion Damon Hill. And a tie-up with Barnard, who although not having had great success at Ferrari over the past five years is still rated as one of the top designers in F1, would be a way of Walkinshaw proving to Mugen Honda that he is serious about taking his team to the top in F1. With a supply of the same Renault-sourced customer Mecachrome engines that Williams will use in 1998-9 looking to be heading towards Benetton (see AUTOSPORT, April 3), the best options for Arrows to become competitive would be the highly rated Japanese engine. Hill, like Walkinshaw, is unlikely to want to continue with the underpowered Yamaha beyond this season. The World Champion is known to be a fan of the Mugen Honda and is also aware of Barnard's abilities. Walkinshaw said it was 'totally untrue' that Arrows had an engine deal with Honda for 1998. 'We've no engine deal done for next year,' he said. 'We're talking to Yamaha, Honda and Renault and we have made no decision.' Even though it seems that Walinshaw does not yet have a deal confirmed with Mugen Honda to take over the engines used this year by the Prost team-which is switching to Peugeot in 1998-it is thought likely that the Mugen is Walkinshaw's favoured choice. The Mugen deal is especially inviting to teams, because it is thought that its parent company Honda may be planning to return to F1 around the turn of the century. After great successes in the '80s and early '90s, Honda is perceived as one of the few companies able to produce an engine even better than today's acknowledged standard, the Renault."
"...Not every manufacturer sees the need for so many cylinders, however. Honda, which is working on the next generation Acura NSX, says it won't put a V-10 engine, as once rumored, into its new supercar. Honda executives believe a V-6 is more socially and environmentally responsible. Besides, they reason, it is easy to pull 300 horsepower or more from a six-cylinder. The 3.2-liter V-6 in the current model now makes 290 horsepower."
Honda is in F1 unofficially through its Mugen-Honda engines currently used by Prost (formerly Ligier). Benetton WILL NOT get Mugen engines as they have signed with Mecachrome for '98. Honda has denied involvement for '98, which would be Honda's 50th anniversary year. Supposedly, Honda does not want to split resources between its CART program and an F1 program. Prost will get Peugeot engines in '98, making Jordan and Arrows the most likely candidates for a Mugen deal, though Mugen is still talking with other teams. Mugen stresses that only one team will be supplied in '98.
I should have posted this as soon as I saw it....I'm happy to report
that most of the goodies that made the Type-R so popular in Japan remain
in the N.A. version....engine..just .5 points down in compression,
chassis wise identical, under the hood? Yes, the red valve cover was
there. I'm not so happy to report that the red seats were missing, the
rest of the carbon fiber was not there(on dash) and the BIGGEST miss was
the lights. Oh..well, atleast we've got a 5 bolt wheel pattern...but if
you want the Japanese front end...take a gamble and wait till next
year(my sources, reliable at that...says it's never going to come)or
contact DYNAMIC AUTOSPORT and they'll ship you a whole new front...DON'T
try to put it together by yourself unless you've got an air chisel and
you are a body man....the N.A. radiator support won't fit the Japanese
front end and the only way to remove it is to drill the welds and break
the rest off with the chisel. BTW, count on spending around $4000.
Nothings ever perfect in Canada eh? :8) Still waiting for mine to
come...hopefully I'll be the first with a REAL Type-R with a Japanese
front and interior....hahaha...whatever(I'm dreamin'). Keep it
real...till they arrive!!
POOH
Arrows Honda Hot on the heels of the Arrows Volvo, Yamaha and Renault engine deals comes the Arrows Honda engine deal. Tom Walkinshaw has a long history of dealing with Honda from his Ligier days. Honda have also been linked to Benetton for 98 and it could be that they move from a one team deal to a two team deal. Another bit of news for Arrows is that they are expected to announce a deal with John Barnard soon. The announcement about their 98 engine is expected before Monaco. Website is at http://www.enigmatic.co.uk/formula1/
I read in a March Consumer Review Issue that The '98 Accord will grow longer by 4 inches (and) will have Germanic Type Styling and it's base four cylinder engine will grow to about 2.4 liters and 155 Hp (are they borrowing it from the Altima? 8^) The new 3.0 liter will be optional. I also read that in model year '00 Honda will drop the Isuzu-built SLX and Passport for a new Honda Accord based Meduim sized ute. I also read that in '99. the TL Platform will be droped in favor of a strecthed Prelude/Accord Platform.
I received a tip from Motor Trend Magazine that in 1999 The Acura CL coupe may get a sedan and roadster counterpart. Also in the year of 00, Honda will introduce a new line of engines for the Acura TL's replacement.{This doesn't surprise me, but I figured the TL would get the new 3.0 sooner than 2000...jp}
This might be the U.S. 98 Accord, even though the side marker makes me think it might be the European Accord. Check this homepage: http://onetinc.com/~stank/cars/accord.html
>From The Vancouver Sun, Friday January 24, 1997... Quote: "Honda Canada Inc. announced the official price of a 1997 Honda CR-V. Since its introduction to the Canadian market with a number of right-hand-drive vehicles, the Japanese-based company has maintained that pricing would be "less than 28,000." Honda officials released the price of this vehicle to be $26,800. The CR-V features a new 2.0-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder engine, producing 126 horsepower." Unquote. Come to think of it, the CR-V I saw last autumn was right-hand drive, and it still had it Japanese registration plates on it.
Ray Massop here again. I can definately confirm. I work at a Honda dealership near Toronto, Ontario and we got 1 CRV in today, 16 more coming in February to our dealer and 17 in March.
1.22.97Canada to get CR-V's on January 23?
From Raymond Massop
CR-V will be arriving in dealerships in Canada Jan.23. Prices in Can $26.800. Only 1 model will be availible CRV LX fully loaded. Including ABS.{This seems to contradict the information I have - can somebody confirm this? jp}
1.17.97, 1.16.97Next Generation Integra News
This will be of interest to those of you who have been e-mailing me on a regular basis about the future of the Integra 8^). The Integra will reportedly soldier on with it's current design until the year 2000, when it is due to be replaced by a new model which will be based on the next generation Civic platform. The new Integra will reportedly be larger, but still not as large as an Accord. Yes, I know this is contrary to much of the previous news that has been reported here in the past, but obviously plans have changed at Acura, as this news also contradicts a number of reports in many publications. In my opinion, this could mean that we may see the freshened nose that the Japanese model Integras got in MY96.
1.17.97, 1.16.97'98 Accord News
The '98 Accord is due to debut this fall and will sport the all new Ohio-built V6 that muscles the 3.0CL. This Accord will be built on an all new platform and will be built in the US exclusively for the North American market. The photos that have been floating around the 'net (and e-mailed to me several times over the past year or so) that are supposedly the '98 Accord are actually photos of the current generation European Accord, which is quite different from our present Accord. The coupe is scheduled to appear about 1 month after the sedan and will reportedly be much sportier and quite distinctive from the sedan variant. No word on whether the V6 will be available in the coupe or not. It has also not been decided if a 5-speed will be made available with the 3.0 V6. If I had the e-mail address of either Richard Colliver or Koichi Amemiya, I would post them here so everybody could e-mail them and BEG for the 5-speed.
1.14.97CR-V info
The CR-V is set to roll out beginning Feb. 15 and will be introduced to the US with a 60 second spot during the Superbowl (@ $40K/second). The price will be $19,300 + dest. The only other model available will be sold with an option package of ABS and chrome wheels for $20,300 + dest.
1.12.97Type R Prelude due in March?
I've had a few e-mail messages concerning the possibility of a Type R variant of the new Prelude. Supposedly it will appear in Japan in March and will sport 240hp.
1.9.97 More Type R info from the official brochure
Thanks to Mike Mannina and Chang Fadel
Ratios (:1) 1st 3.230 2nd 2.105 3rd 1.458 4th 1.107 5th 0.848 Reverse 3.000 Final Drive 4.400
