Honda Reveals Customized Concepts for
Civic, Fit and CR-V at 2006 SEMA Show
High Performance Civic MUGEN Si
Sedan prototype makes worldwide debut
LAS VEGAS October 31, 2006 --
More than 15 Honda project and concept vehicles made worldwide
debuts at the 2006
Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA)
show in Las Vegas, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
Honda revealed a prototype Civic MUGEN Si Sedan equipped with a
high performance suspension, aerodynamic body styling and a sport
exhaust system. In addition to the MUGEN vehicle, Honda Factory
Performance (HFP) showed its new lineup of dealer-installed
accessories for the new-for-2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan.
"The Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan elevates the already-impressive
Civic Si Sedan into new performance territory," said John Mendel,
senior vice president of American Honda. "Performance and racing are
part of Honda's heritage and the Civic MUGEN Si Sedan along with the
rest our vehicles at SEMA demonstrate that passion."
In addition, Honda-customized concept vehicles included the Honda
Fit Sport Extreme Concept and Sport Concept CR-V with custom
versions of accessory body kits, interior accessories and wheels. A
Honda Element-D drift racecar also debuted with a radical powertrain
consisting of a 500-horsepower V6 and rear-wheel-drive. Project
vehicles built by aftermarket accessory companies on display
included numerous Fits, Civics, an S2000 and a customized off-road
racing Ridgeline.
Honda's announcements at SEMA coincide with the on-sale date of the
new-for-2007 Civic Si Sedan. The Civic Si Sedan embraces the style
and performance of the Civic Si Coupe and marks the first time that
"Si" performance has become available in a sedan body style. Similar
to the existing Civic Si Coupe, the Civic Si Sedan serves as another
performance halo for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower,
16-valve, DOHC 2.0 liter i-VTEC(R) 4-cylinder engine with an 8,000
rpm redline - all mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual
transmission and a helical-type, limited slip differential.
Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan
The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and
around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan,
has been closely associated with Honda for decades in the design and
manufacture of racing and premium performance components. The Civic
MUGEN Si Sedan draws inspiration from a "Formula Sport" concept,
adding an aggressive dimension of performance to the Civic Si Sedan
with a track-tuned suspension, aerodynamic body styling and a
performance exhaust system. The track tuned suspension, tested at
the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by
0.6 inches (15mm) with highly aggressive spring and damper tuning
for enhanced handling performance. The full-vehicle aero-package
adds a front spoiler and sports grille, side spoilers, a rear
diffuser and a rear wing. The lightweight MUGEN forged alloy wheels
measure 18x7.5 inches and are shod with high grip 215/40R18 summer
tires. The sports exhaust system reduces back pressure from the
catalytic converter back resulting in an enhanced power curve.
Additional accoutrements include front and rear MUGEN emblems along
with a serial number placard on the instrument panel. A spherical 50
mm MUGEN aluminum shift knob replaces the standard aluminum and
perforated leather shift knob. Planned for production in a limited
quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic MUGEN Si will be available
at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer's
suggested retail price (MSRP) of less than $30,000 and includes a
full factory warranty.
Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Civic Si Sedan
As a dealer installed accessory, Honda's in-house HFP products carry
the same 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of
the vehicle and are designed to genuinely enhance the ownership
experience. Similar to the Civic Si Coupe HFP package on sale since
spring 2006, the Civic Si Sedan HFP package includes a wide range of
performance- and style-enhancing products. High-performance springs
reduce ride height by about one-inch and lower the vehicle's roll
center. High-performance dampers enhance road handling
characteristics and decrease body roll. Larger wheels and tires
include 18x7 alloy wheels (plus 1-inch diameter) designed for
high-performance 215/40ZR-18 tires (sold separately). A chrome sport
muffler emphasizes performance and enhances engine sound. A full
aerodynamic body kit (front, sides and rear) further elevates the
style quotient of the entire vehicle. Interior and exterior HFP
emblems complement the package. The HFP package for the Civic Si
Sedan goes on sale in the spring of 2007 with an estimated MSRP of
$3,800 plus installation (estimated at 5.6 hours). HFP components
can also be purchased individually. American Honda launched its
performance accessory program in 2002 with the introduction of a
Honda Factory Performance package for the Civic EX Coupe.
Fit Sport Extreme Concept
Envisioned as an entry-level performance car, the Scorched Orange
Metallic and matte black Fit Sport Extreme Concept features an
aerodynamically styled front bumper fascia with carbon fiber
components along with HID fog lights and LED daytime running lights.
Large fender flares and low, aggressive side skirts accent its
ultra-low profile. A rear carbon fiber diffuser with a center
exhaust outlet along with an extended rear aero wing helps enhance
style and high-speed downforce. The factory Japan Domestic Market (JDM)
rear LED taillights and side mirrors with integrated turn signals
further accent the high-tech feel of the vehicle. An advanced,
track-tuned suspension package lowers the Fit Sport Extreme Concept
ride height and enhances the vehicle's handling dynamics. Brembo(R)
brake components on all four wheels provide amazing levels of
stopping force.
Graphite black wheels (17 inch) incorporate Bridgestone Potenza
RE-01R tires (215/45R-17). Interior modifications focus on the
creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment
with carbon fiber accents that match the exterior styling. The
interior features custom Recaro sport seats with Civic Si-style
synthetic suede. A dashboard-mounted prototype portable navigation
system accessory is also shown.
Sport Concept CR-V
Following the theme of "urban sport," the Sport Concept CR-V is
designed to increase the athletic feel of the already sophisticated
CR-V. Highlights include aerodynamically styled front and rear
bumpers along with a sports suspension package that lowers the Sport
Concept CR-V for a customized presence. Custom 19-inch wheels are
shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires (245/45R19). Interior
modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech,
performance-oriented driving environment with the addition of Civic
Si synthetic suede fabric on the seating surfaces. Carbon fiber trim
panels further accent the interior. Outside, the Sport Concept CR-V
is painted in Agile Blue.
Honda Element-D
The Honda Element-D ("D" for drifting) racecar shows what can happen
when enthusiastic Honda associates raid the company parts bin. Built
for the racing sport of drifting, the Honda Element-D racecar
replaces the stock 4-cylinder/Real Time(TM) 4WD drivetrain with a
custom-designed and longitudinally-mounted 3.2-liter Honda V6 and
rear-wheel-drive. Producing 500-horsepower, the lightweight
twin-turbocharged powerhouse is guaranteed to light up the rear
tires and accelerate sideways at full opposite lock. Associates from
Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Ohio plan to campaign the Element-D in
the 2007 Formula Drift Series.
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