Synchro

20th February 2020 CTRO site stuff, Honda articles, Journal, Latest, News, Newsflash

HONDA EXPANDS CIVIC TYPE R LINE-UP!

For Immediate Release

20 February 2020

HONDA EXPANDS CIVIC TYPE R LINE-UP WITH TWO NEWCOMERS – SPORT LINE AND LIMITED EDITION

  • New Civic Type R Limited Edition Purest Type R to date
  • Just 100 Limited Edition models will be built for Europe
  • New Civic Type R Sport Line model combines outstanding performance with stealthier design
  • All 2020 Civic Type R models receive styling upgrades and performance enhancements
  • Introduction of Honda LogR, which analyses driving performance data and supports the development of driver skills

Honda is expanding its Civic Type R range with the addition of two new variants, Limited Edition and Sport Line. Building on the dynamic performance capabilities of the standard Type R GT, the new models each offer a different style and performance proposition, further broadening the appeal of Honda’s award-winning hatchback.

With the Civic Type R Limited Edition, Honda is unleashing the most extreme version of
its renowned high-performance car. Built as the purest expression of Type R to date, the Limited Edition features new lightweight components, a stripped-back interior, enhanced driving dynamics and stand-out styling.

The second new addition to the Type R range is the Sport Line. Designed to appeal to a customer who seeks a subtler look from their performance hatchback, Sport Line features a low height rear spoiler, 19-inch alloys and an all-black interior, yet retains the outstanding performance that is a trademark of Type R models.

2020 Civic Type R range

All models in the newly expanded 2020 Honda Civic Type R line-up, including the existing Type R GT, receive a number of styling enhancements. The front bumper is revised with a smoother design, while the lower fog light surrounds feature a new symmetrical design incorporating smooth surfaces and sleek styling blades. Redesigned full LED headlight clusters and daytime running lights complete the cleaner styling direction that features across the Civic range.

A new larger air intake and thinner grille beam deliver a 13 per cent larger opening.
Along with an updated radiator core, these improvements deliver a decrease in coolant temperature of up to 10 degrees (Honda internal testing) in high-demand situations, such as on track. In a testament to Type R engineers’ attention to detail, a small reduction in front downforce resulting from the new larger grille opening was countered by a redesigned front under-bumper air dam, which is now deeper and includes new ribbed sections on each end to divert air back onto the spoiler.

The suspension for the 2020 Civic Type R has also been updated for more responsive
and sharper handling. At the front, updated compliance bushings and new lower-friction ball joints result in sharper steering feel. At the rear, bushings for the lower B-arms have been stiffened for an eight percent improvement in lateral loads, resulting in better toe-in characteristics when cornering.

For improved brake performance, the updated Civic Type R now features an upgraded braking system of two-piece floating front brake discs and new brake pads. This new front system reduces unsprung weight by 2.5kg to aid handling response. The enhancements also improve thermal efficiency to reduce brake fade, increasing the car’s capabilities during repeated high intensity driving, such as on track. The brake pedal also now benefits from a more immediate feel with roughly 15mm less pedal travel.

Inside the vehicle, Honda has enhanced the usability of the infotainment and climate controls for all Civic models by adding physical buttons and dials. The addition of a new Alcantara®-wrapped steering wheel improves grip, whilst a new tear drop style gear knob, similar to previous Type R models, has been introduced and includes a 90g internal counterweight to help improve shift feel and accuracy. Also new for the 2020 model year is the addition of Active Sound Control (ASC) which features individual settings for Type R’s Sport, +R and Comfort driving modes. It works through the audio system’s speakers to enhance the engine sound during aggressive driving in Sport and +R modes and refines it in Comfort mode during acceleration.

Introducing Honda LogR

Making its debut in the 2020 Civic Type R is a new performance datalogger, known
as Honda LogR. Exclusive to Type R, the new system combines data from the onboard computer and sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters. It also helps improve driving skill both on and off the track through the use of a driving-smoothness algorithm. With access to the Type R’s onboard computer, Honda LogR can deliver much more detail than third-party performance logging apps.

Honda LogR features three main functions: a Performance Monitor, a Log Mode, and Auto Score Mode. The Performance Monitor provides vehicle information to the driver on the Display Audio screen while the app is functioning. Log Mode records lap times on the track, allowing drivers to improve their driving skills on track. The Auto Score function encourages smoother day-to-day driving by monitoring braking, acceleration, steering and straight line driving, and generating an overall score based on the smoothness algorithm.

While driving, all interaction with Honda LogR is through the Display Audio screen. Log Mode and Auto Score both offer more in-depth analysis through the user’s smartphone including previous drives, performance traces and replays using Google maps, and detailed vehicle information.

  • Performance Monitor

When connected to an app-equipped smartphone, the Type R’s centre screen displays
a Performance Monitor, which allows the driver to see key vehicle functions in real time, including current gear, coolant and oil temperatures, oil and atmospheric pressures and engine intake air temperatures.

Drivers can also choose between a “G-Meter” view that indicates acceleration, braking,
and cornering on a “bowl” graph, or a “3D” view that provides a bird’s-eye visual of the
car’s cornering, braking, and acceleration behavior. 

  • Log Mode

Log Mode is designed to help drivers achieve the best possible lap times on the track. The program uses GPS to monitor and map the vehicle’s location and the car’s internal sensors to gather data on acceleration, braking, cornering G, and other parameters. The app encourages smooth, controlled driving through the use of a color-coded trace of each lap. The goal is to encourage smooth inputs to the clutch, gear shift, steering, brakes and accelerator to keeping the car balanced, and thus improve overall driving skills, not just the skills required for a particular track. Users can save their lap times to compare their improvement over time. 

  • Auto Score

The Auto Score function operates whenever the Honda LogR app is in use, monitoring
the driver’s behavior over time by tracking inputs for acceleration, deceleration, turning,
and straight-line driving generating a score for each. A combination score of those four parameters is generated against the same expert driver baseline that is built into the app and used in the Log Mode function. However, the Auto Score encourages smoothness of inputs to help improve routine daily driving, rather than seeking faster lap times. Similar to the Log Mode, Auto Score also keeps a historical record that ties in with the GPS function to show driving improvement over time.

 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition 

Developed with track performance as its core focus, the new Civic Type R Limited Edition has been designed and engineered to be the most dynamic front wheel drive hatchback available. With new lightweight components and a stripped-back, driver-focused interior, this is the most extreme version of the iconic Civic Type R ever made.

Just 100 will be built for Europe, featuring lightweight flow-formed 20“ forged BBS alloy wheels with Michelin Cup 2 tyres, which are designed for high-speed track driving but still deliver exceptional on-road performance. Modified dampers optimise this new wheel and tyre combination and recalibration of the EPAS offers maximum control and feedback.

To reflect its extrovert nature, an exclusive new colour, ‘Sunlight Yellow’, is introduced for the Civic Type R Limited Edition, along with a dark chrome Civic badge on the back. With the addition of contrasting gloss black paint on the roof, wing mirrors and intake vent on the bonnet, the bold colour scheme reflects Honda’s sporting heritage and ensures the Limited Edition stands out as a unique proposition in the performance hatchback segment.

The Civic Type R Limited Edition’s interior echoes Honda’s sporting bloodline: featuring the iconic red bucket seats and red Alcantara steering wheel complemented by the teardrop gear knob. Each model features a plaque marking the build number of the car.

Continuing its track-focused nature, the infotainment and air conditioning systems are omitted to save weight. Additional weight is saved by reducing sound-deadening materials in the roof, rear hatch panel, front bumper and dashboard. The Limited Edition Type-R is 47kg lighter than a Type R in GT specification. Unlike other brands’ track-focused performance hatchbacks, the Limited Edition retains its rear seats and the everyday usability for which the Civic is renowned.

The new Limited Edition model retains the Type R’s powerful 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine. Peak power output is 320PS at 6,500rpm and peak torque is 400Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. 0-62mph is achieved in 5.7 seconds.

Sales of the 100 Type R Limited Edition cars for Europe start in summer 2020 and prices
will be announced closer to the launch. 

Honda Civic Type R Sport Line 

Further expanding the Civic Type R line-up for 2020 is the understated Type R Sport Line, which retains the sporting pedigree and outstanding driving dynamics of the Civic Type R, but with more discreet styling and a more refined ride.

The Type R Sport Line’s most notable departure from the distinctive styling of the regular Civic Type R is a low-deck rear spoiler instead of the high-level wing, giving a subtler silhouette to the car. The Civic Type R Sport Line is also distinguished by a grey accent
line which runs along the lower edge of the car. 

A more refined driving experience

The Civic Type R Sport Line delivers a more compliant and refined driving experience than its more extreme siblings. New exclusive dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sports 4S tyres with a softer sidewall that enhance on-road comfort, with noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) further improved by additional soundproofing materials in the boot and tailgate.

The interior of the new Civic Type R Sport Line retains a performance-focused appeal with a more subtle ambience. Black bucket seats with red stitching are complemented by the new tear drop style gear knob and Alcantara steering wheel. The red stitching is continued throughout the interior, including door panels to reflect Honda’s sporting heritage.

As with the standard Civic Type R, the new Type R Sport Line is equipped with a range
of comfort and safety features.The new variant also retains the seven-inch infotainment system, which incorporates DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Adding to the range of colour options, the 2020 Civic Type R GT and Type R Sport Line will be available in a bold new paint finish, Racing Blue.

2020 Civic Type R

6th September 2019 Honda articles, Journal, Latest, News, Newsflash

MASS PRODUCTION HONDA E REVEALED

  • First images of Honda e in final mass production form
  • Honda e set for official debut at 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show
  • Honda confirms further technical specification details of new compact EV
  • Honda e designed to meet the needs of customers looking for an EV to suit their urban lifestyles

Honda have unveiled the first official images of its new Honda e electric vehicle (EV). The car is the next step towards Honda’s commitment to making 100% of its European automobile sales electrified by 2025 and is set to make its official public debut at 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside Honda’s range of electrified and sporty automobiles.

Honda e design details

Developed with a focus on simplicity in design and usability, the Honda e will meet the needs of modern urban lifestyles through seamlessly integrated connected technologies and exceptional driving dynamics.

Clean external lines are accentuated by the Side Camera Mirror System that replaces conventional side view mirrors with compact cameras, providing live images to two six-inch screens inside the vehicle. The camera technology, a first in the compact segment, brings significant benefits for styling, safety, aerodynamics and refinement.

The car is distinguished in profile by its smooth styling contours, enhanced by pop-out door handles that provide a seamless look. Inside, a next-generation five screen full-width digital dashboard and connected infotainment system are incorporated within a relaxing and modern passenger cabin that uses subtle, contemporary materials.

The largest area of the Honda e’s full-width digital dashboard is occupied by dual 12.3-inch LCD touchscreens. These act as the primary infotainment displays, presenting a range of applications and connected infotainment services that help the car to seamlessly integrate with the owner’s modern urban lifestyle. As a result, the driver and passengers – whether the car is driving, parked or charging – can enjoy the same connectivity and comfort.

Honda e technical specifications

The Honda e is equipped with a high-power electric motor available with two power outputs of 100 kW (136ps) * or 113kW (154ps) *, and impressive torque of 315Nm*. The 35.5kWh battery is one of the most compact in its class yet delivers a range of up to 220km * from a single charge, perfect for every day urban commuting. A fast-charging capability also allows recharge to 80% capacity in 30 minutes *. On the road, the car delivers a responsive and fun experience, with the powerful electric motor driving the rear wheels for a sporty and connected feel. The Honda e delivers outstanding acceleration from a standing start and will reach 0-100km/h in approximately 8 seconds *.

 Honda e connected services and artificial intelligence

Connected services and applications accessed via the touchscreen interface can also be activated using voice commands to engage with the Honda Personal Assistant service. The intuitive Honda Personal Assistant is a smart artificial intelligence (AI) facility that uses unique contextual understanding to create natural conversations and provide access to a range of online services.

The unique Honda Personal Assistant is activated by saying, “OK Honda”, followed by the question or instruction. Machine learning enables the technology to develop a greater understanding of an individuals’ voice over time, in order to deliver more accurate responses.

Away from the car, Honda e owners can enjoy the peace-of-mind of being able to stay connected to their vehicle remotely through the My Honda+ smartphone application.

The mobile service, originally launched in 2017, has been updated to deliver a wider range of functionality, including easy navigation to a detailed vehicle condition report, remote climate control, and security and location monitoring. Additional EV-specific functions include battery charge control and range monitor, while charging station and navigation search results can be sent to the car from a mobile device.

The Honda e is also accessible using a digital key, allowing the car to be locked and unlocked using only the smartphone application.

Customers can make a reservation for priority ordering online in UK, Germany, France and Norway, or register their interest in other European markets on Honda national websites.

* Honda Internal data

Honda E

8th July 2019 Honda articles, Journal, Latest, News, Newsflash

Honda e Makes Goodwood Debut

  • Honda e sets new standard for zero emissions urban motoring
  • High-power, high-torque motor delivers a fun and effortless driving experience
  • Rear-wheel-drive platform and advanced Honda electric vehicle technology assures exceptional driving characteristics
  • Reservations for priority ordering are now open in select markets

The new Honda e has been engineered to deliver an exceptional driving experience in urban environments. With an outstanding blend of highly responsive dynamics, efficiency and performance, Honda’s next-generation electric vehicle will bring unrivalled fun-to-drive characteristics and usability to the compact electric car segment.

The Honda e, is equipped with a high-power electric motor delivering up to approximately 150PS (110 kW) and impressive torque in excess of 300Nm. The 35.5kWh battery in the Honda e is one of the most compact in its class, contributing to an exceptional balance of low weight, fast-charging capability of 80% in 30 minutes, and a range of over 200km, perfect for every day urban commuting.

Honda engineers paid special attention to enhancing the driving dynamics to deliver a fun and engaging experience. With the battery located low under the vehicle floor, the car’s centre of gravity is approximately 50cm from the ground. With a 50:50 weight distribution, wide yet compact size and short overhangs at the front and rear, the Honda e delivers an optimal balance of stability and handling performance to the compact electric car segment.

To help deliver a sporty character, power is delivered through the rear wheels, which also enables a greater steering articulation for the front wheels. As a result, the turning radius is approximately 4.3 metres, ensuring the Honda e is exceptionally manoeuvrable in small city streets.

The low centre of gravity and planted stature of the Honda e allows body roll to be managed without stiffly-sprung suspension, delivering outstanding handling through fast lane changes. Honda engineers benchmarked the ride quality of the car against larger segment cars, utilising a four-wheel independent McPherson Strut design to ensure a comfortable and refined ride for occupants.

 

The Honda e will also offer Single Pedal Control, enabling the driver to accelerate and slow the car using only the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator pedal is depressed the car will accelerate as normal; when it is released, automatic regenerative braking will occur, and will slow the car. The Single Pedal Control improves driving efficiency in urban environments and reduces the need to use multiple pedals, making the drive more engaging, exciting and seamless with maximum control for the driver.

High-strength materials used in the skeletal structure contribute to structural rigidity while also reducing weight. This lightweight chassis provides the ideal platform from which to fine tune suspension and steering settings for a dynamic driving experience. The Honda e’s dynamic characteristics can be further enhanced by ‘Sport Mode’, which boosts performance through faster acceleration response.

The Honda e is designed to meet the needs of the modern lifestyle. It achieves a unique combination of standout design, advanced functionality and sporty driving dynamics, to create the perfect vehicle for the urban environment.

Honda’s new compact electric car forms part of the brand’s strategy to feature electrified powertrains in all cars it sells in Europe by 2025.

The production version of the Honda e will be unveiled later this year and customers can make a reservation for priority ordering online in UK, Germany, France and Norway or register their interest in other European markets on the Honda national websites.

Honda E

7th March 2018 Honda articles, Journal, Latest, News, Newsflash

Geneva Motor Show 2018

Geneva Motor Show 2018

All-new CR-V.
The latest generation of the Honda CR-V will make its European premiere in Geneva. Available for the first time in Europe with the option of a hybrid powertrain, the new SUV raises the bar in terms of quality, interior packaging and refinement.

A trio of Honda electric concepts.
The Urban EV Concept makes a return to Europe following its global premiere at Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2017. The Concept signifies Honda’s intention to enter the European electric vehicle market, with a production version planned for launch next year.

Fresh from its premiere at 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in October, Honda will also display the Sports EV Concept. With an eye catching design and low centre of gravity, it gives a glimpse of how an electric sports car of the future might look.

The final member of an electric trio at Geneva is NeuV. First shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2017, the NeuV is an advanced electric concept packed with autonomous features and artificial intelligence.

Honda’s celebration of Motorsport.
Alongside the range of new electric cars, Honda will show an extensive display of four and two wheel motorsport. The Civic Type R TCR will lead this display and make its first motor show appearance ahead of the inaugural season of WTCR. The TCR will be alongside many examples of Honda racing machinery, including the NSX GT3. On two wheels, Honda’s championship-winning MotoGP bike will feature alongside World Superbike and Dakar Rally challengers.

Jazz X-Road motor show debut.
Honda’s display will be finished with the debut of the Jazz X-Road. Designed as a more rugged option in the range alongside the recently launched Dynamic 1.5-litre i-VTEC, the car features rugged black plastic mouldings around the wheel arches and side skirts, and silver painted front and rear underruns. The exterior look is finished with 16-inch alloy wheels. Power comes from a 103 PS 1.3-litre engine mated to a manual gearbox or optional CVT automatic transmission.

2. Honda to unveil the all-new CR-V at the Geneva Motor Show.

  • New European production version of the world’s best-selling SUV* shown at Geneva Motor Show
  • Elegant and athletic design with sharper contours and wider stance
  • All-new seven-seat option will also be available
  • Honda hybrid technology available in CR-V for the first time in Europe
  • First European customer deliveries expected from Autumn 2018

Honda is set to reveal the European production version of the all-new CR-V at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. The new generation of the world’s best-selling SUV* raises the bar in terms of interior quality, refinement and spaciousness – including, for the first time, the option of seven seats.

The chassis is also the most sophisticated ever created for a CR-V, and ensures the car delivers an engaging driving experience with exemplary ride comfort, as well as genuine off-road capability.

Evolutionary exterior design and premium quality interior.
The all-new CR-V has a fresh and sophisticated exterior design, with broader, muscular wheel arches, sharper contours on the bonnet and rear quarters, as well as the latest Honda family ‘face’ with its signature headlight graphic.

Thinner A-pillars, sculpted front and rear bumpers, and under-engine and under-floor covers all help to make the new CR-V one of the most aerodynamically efficient vehicles in its class. It also incorporates Honda’s Active Shutter Grille system, which further improves fuel efficiency.

The new interior design incorporates a horizontal emphasis to the dashboard layout to highlight the more spacious cabin, by accentuating the feeling of width and conveying a sense of strength. The dashboard features two 7-inch displays, while the layout of controls has been rationalised with a simple cluster for air-conditioning management located beneath the central touchscreen.

Class-leading practicality and new seven-seat option.
The all-new CR-V boasts slightly larger exterior proportions than its predecessor, and the longer wheelbase and wider stance enable a significantly roomier interior. Best-in-class space efficiency is highlighted by generous accommodation for all occupants, as well as a wider, deeper boot with a longer load bay. A new two-position boot floor enables a flat surface for loading larger items, while a Hands-Free Action power tailgate enables convenient loading access.

Clever features make the new CR-V easier to use every day. For example, the height of the tailgate when opened can be programmed to avoid contact with low ceilings, and cabin flexibility is boosted by a three-mode centre-console storage. Furthermore, new single-action ‘dive down’ 60:40 split-fold second-row seat backs enable faster, easier loading.

For the first time ever, CR-V will be available with the option of seven seats. Where selected, the third row offers exceptional leg room and heel step height, as well as a 101-degree seat angle to ensure long-distance passenger comfort. Access to the third-row seats is also class-leading, thanks to a wide and low step-in aperture.

New engines deliver impressive efficiency and driveability.
For the first time ever, Honda hybrid technology will be offered in an SUV for Europe. The all-new CR-V will be available with Honda’s Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system, comprising a 2.0 litre i-VTEC Atkinson cycle petrol engine and two electric motors, to deliver real-world efficiency and effortless driveability. The i-MMD system does not use a conventional transmission – instead, a more compact unit has a single fixed-gear ratio, to create a direct connection between moving components and a smoother transfer of torque.

A 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, which provides strong performance and class-leading fuel economy, is also available. Power is delivered via a six-speed manual gearbox, or an optional CVT automatic transmission tuned to deliver a more linear response.

The petrol and hybrid powertrains are front-wheel drive as standard, but both can be specified with Honda’s latest all-wheel drive technology – ‘Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™’ – which gives the CR-V genuine all-terrain capability. Ground clearance has been increased by 38mm for all variants, up to a height of 208mm for the AWD petrol model.

First deliveries of Honda CR-V fitted with the 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine are expected in Autumn 2018 with hybrid models following early in 2019.

*as measured by JATO Dynamics, cumulative sales CY2013-2016

3. Order books for production version of Honda Urban EV Concept open from early 2019

  • Order books for a production version of Honda’s Urban EV Concept to open from early 2019
  • New model will be Honda’s first mass-produced battery electric vehicle sold in European region

Honda took the opportunity at its 2018 Geneva Motor Show press conference to confirm that order books for a production version of its Urban EV Concept will open in early 2019.

Speaking during Honda’s 2018 Geneva motor show press conference, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe, Philip Ross confirmed the news, “A production version of this highly acclaimed concept will be introduced to Europe during late 2019, and in response to the positive feedback to this model, we expect to open order banks for the Urban EV during early 2019.”

Urban EV Concept.
The Urban EV Concept previews Honda’s first mass-produced battery electric vehicle sold in Europe. The Concept features a simple and sophisticated design, slim A-pillars and wide windscreen that appears to sweep around the entire front of the passenger cabin.

Inside, four occupants can be accommodated in comfort across the concept car’s two bench seats, which are finished in different materials to create the ambience of a lounge. The front row is upholstered with a natural grey fabric and embellished with contemporary wood finish accents. The dashboard features a wrap-around screen that extends into the doors. The dashboard display presents a range of vehicle information, while the extended door screens function as the car’s side mirrors through digital camera displays.

The Urban EV Concept will feature as part of Honda’s booth at 2018 Geneva Motor Show from 8-18 March

4. Honda moves into Customer Racing

CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING TEAMS SELECT NEW HONDA CIVIC TCR FOR FIA WTCR

  • ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport and Boutsen Ginion Racing choose Honda for FIA World Touring Car Cup
  • Tiago Monteiro and Esteban Guerrieri to race Civic TCRs
  • Support package available to customer teams from JAS Motorsport

Multiple examples of the new Honda Civic TCR, built by JAS Motorsport, have been ordered by ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport and Boutsen Ginion Racing to contest the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) this year.

Tiago Monteiro and Esteban Guerrieri, who drove for the Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team in 2017, are the first two drivers confirmed to race the Civic TCR.

ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport have chosen Esteban to lead their line-up while Boutsen Ginion Racing have recruited Tiago for their team.

Tiago, 41, was a standout performer in World Touring Cars last year and was cruelly denied a chance of turning his championship lead into a world title when he sustained injuries in a mid-season testing accident that forced him to sit out the rest of the campaign.

The only Portuguese driver to finish on a Formula 1 podium, Tiago is one of touring-car racing’s global stars with 11 wins and 44 podiums in the WTCC to his name as well as victories in the prestigious Macau Guia Race and TCR Benelux.

Esteban, 33, joined Honda for the final three WTCC events of 2017, substituting for the injured Tiago, and took a dominant victory from pole position at the season-ending race in Qatar on his way to fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship.

He is a multiple race winner in Super TC2000 in his native Argentina and has also claimed victories in the Indy Lights and Formula Renault 3.5 single-seater series to add to championship success in the Formula Renault Eurocup.

All-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport, who have previously run a Honda Civic TCR in the FIA European Touring Car Cup, bring a wealth of racing success to the Honda Racing family.

FIA GT1 World Champions in 2012, the team from Friedersdorf, Germany, have claimed a number of WTCC victories and have twice triumphed at the Macau Guia Race. Boutsen Ginion Racing have been customers of the Civic TCR programme for the past two seasons and achieved huge success in both.

Stephane Lemeret claimed the TCR Benelux drivers’ crown in 2016 while Benjamin Lessenes did likewise in 2017 as well as adding the junior drivers’ title for the team from Wavre, Belgium.

Technical support will be offered to all customer teams by JAS Motorsport with an on-site supply of spare parts and technical assistance at each event, aimed at helping all Honda drivers with their title challenges.

The new Honda Civic TCR, designed and manufactured by JAS, made its global race debut in January this year at the 24 Hours of Dubai. It is the successor to the Civic TCR which won 12 championship titles last year – seven drivers’ and five teams’ crowns.

The FIA World Touring Car Cup begins at the Circuit Moulay el Hassan in Marrakech, Morocco, on April 7-8 and comprises 10 events in Africa, Europe, South America and Asia; concluding on the iconic Macau street circuit on November 17-18.

Tiago Monteiro, Boutsen Ginion Racing, said: “I’m delighted to remain part of the Honda Racing family for another year. Since I first worked with Honda in 2012, I feel we’ve been getting stronger and stronger by the season and by last year we were in a very good place to win the championship before my accident. The past six months have been incredibly tough, but thanks to some amazing support I’m now well on my way to getting back in a racing car. Boutsen Ginion Racing are a strong team, who I’ve won races with in TCR before, so I can’t wait to drive the car and for the season to start.”

Esteban Guerrieri, ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport, said: “I felt like last year was a real breakthrough year for me in world touring cars, so I’m extremely pleased to be racing a Honda Civic in 2018. TCR is the fastest-growing touring car category in the world and I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this programme. I had some great races against the ALL-INKL.COM Münnich cars in the WTCC last year and it’s clear they can run a very fast machine, so I’m optimistic of putting together a title challenge.”

Masashi Yamamoto, General Manager of Motor Sports Division, Honda Motor Co., said: “We are delighted that ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport and Boutsen Ginion Racing have chosen Honda and the Civic TCR for the FIA World Touring Car Cup. We are also honoured to continue the relationships with two of the world’s best touring car drivers within the Honda Racing family and trust that JAS Motorsport will provide a state-of-the-art racing car that will challenge for victories regularly. With the Civic TCR, we wish for brilliant success from both teams and drivers in the WTCR.”

Alessandro Mariani, JAS Motorsport CEO, said: “We are pleased that the Honda Civic TCR, built at our Milan headquarters, will contest the FIA World Touring Car Cup with teams with such strong records as ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport and Boutsen Ginion Racing. We have good relationships with both teams and a relationship with Honda that dates back to 1998, and we look forward to supporting the teams in WTCR as they hunt for more success. Since it first turned a wheel last October, the Civic has undergone more than 3000km testing, tackled a 24-hour race on its competitve debut and has proven to be an improvement in all areas over the previous model, which delivered 12 championship titles in 2017. We look forward to the challenge ahead.”

5. Type R lap records – Jenson Button leads Honda’s Civic Type R Time Attack 2018

Honda announces ‘Type R Time Attack 2018’, setting new front-wheel drive benchmarks at a range of iconic European race circuits
Challenge inspired by Honda’s successful 2017 Nurburgring Nordschliefe front-wheel drive production lap record
Jenson Button will be joined by a squad of Honda drivers from WTCR championship

Honda is aiming to reinforce the class leading status of the award-winning Civic Type R by using a squad of racing stars to set new lap time benchmarks at iconic European racetracks.

Although the complete driver line-up is still to be finalised, Honda has confirmed that former Formula 1 World Champion and current NSX Super GT driver Jenson Button (UK) will take part in the challenge. WTCR drivers Tiago Monteiro (Portugal), Esteban Guerrieri (Argentina) and NSX Super GT star Bertrand Baguette (Belgium) will join Jenson for the challenge.

A similar challenge in 2016 saw benchmark lap times set at Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Estoril and Hungaroring using the previous generation Civic Type R. The drivers included racers from the British Touring Car Championship and World Touring Car Championship.

For the 2018 edition, Honda will aim to exceed the times set at Silverstone (UK), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and Estoril (Portugal) in 2016, with further tracks set to be announced.

The new Honda Civic Type R retains the heritage of Honda’s high-performance hatchback bloodline and is the fastest accelerating and quickest car in its class. The latest car to sport the famous ‘red H’ was part of the all-new tenth-generation Civic’s development programme – the largest in Honda’s history – and was engineered to deliver the most rewarding drive in the hot hatch segment, both on road and on the race track. It features a lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell, low centre of gravity, and sophisticated dual-axis strut front suspension system, which reduces torque steer and enhances on-the-limit cornering.

Powered by a 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine, the new Honda Civic Type R offers a peak power output of 320 PS at 6,500 rpm, and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The car has a top speed of 272 km/h (169 mph) and 0-62 mph is achieved in just 5.7 seconds. In April 2017, a production development car became the fastest front-wheel drive production car ever around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with a lap time of 7min 43.8sec.

Honda will show the 2018 Time Attack Civic Type R at the Geneva Motor Show from 8 – 18 March.

6. Honda Accessories

  • Jazz X-Road motor show debut
  • Jazz Chrome pack
  • Carbon Pack for award-winning Civic Type R
  • Civic 4D Sports pack
  • Honda Racing Teamwear

Honda is showcasing a wide variety of individual accessories and customisation packs for various models at the Geneva Motor Show. These accessories allow owners to enhance or adapt their car to suit their personal requirements and tastes.

Jazz X-road
Step into your Jazz X-Road and get ready to live an adventure. With its bold off-road look it adds a rugged twist to your urban car. It incorporates unique features that help protect your Jazz X-Road from life’s little bumps and scrapes. The pack contains: front and rear lower decorations, wheel arch decorations, side body trims, side skirts and X-Road floor mats.

Jazz Chrome pack
The Chrome Pack highlights your Jazz with dashes of chrome which enhance its sophisticated style. Pack contains: front lower decoration, tailgate decoration and window decorations.

Carbon Packs for the Civic Type R
The Carbon Exterior Pack for the new Civic Type R is designed to perfectly accentuate the hot hatch’s aerodynamic details, and features a unique red element embedded into the carbon pattern. The Pack includes carbon door mirror caps, carbon B-pillar trim, carbon rear wing spoiler and a carbon rear diffuser decoration.

The option of enhancing Type R’s interior is provided by a Carbon Interior Pack, which incorporates carbon accents on the dashboard, centre console and door sills.

Civic 4D Sports pack
Give your Civic a more purposeful and dynamic edge. Includes: Berlina Black front skirts, lower door decorations, Berlina Black rear skirts and boot lid spoiler.

Honda Racing Teamwear
Racing is at the heart of Honda. This year, Honda proudly embraces its racing heritage by putting the launch of our new Honda Racing Merchandise Collection in the spotlight. The collection consists of seven unique Honda Racing garments, which are destined to become any racing fan’s new favorite wardrobe essentials.

Our garments were developed in close cooperation with a renowned brand, who’s expertise helped us to ensure the best quality, guaranteed to meet our customers’ high expectations. Thanks to the Honda red piping, contrast fabric and 3D PVC printed logos, the garments perfectly reflect the Honda spirit.

We took extra care of details, which is why we’ve added laser engraved buttons, soft-touch push buttons and 3D PVC zipper pullers on certain garments. As icing on the cake, we’ve left enough space on the garments for your own personal logos and customisations.

Whether you like to pimp your clothing to the fullest or whether you like to keep it simple, our garments will make heads turn! As a matter of fact, you might even bump into some race team members wearing the same setup as you… And last but not least: we’ve developed a high quality, classy sports watch to complement the collection. Don’t miss out on this one!

All-new Honda Civic Type R races into view at Geneva.

2018 Honda CRV

Civic Type R Awards

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