- Thu Jul 04, 2013 7:47 pm
#3652073
During my shift today we had 2 of the new Civic Tourer models on our sealer/paint line [destined for the Frankfurt Motor Show], i had a little chat to one of the 'new model' associates about the new Type R.
We had the chassis pass through our line a few weeks ago, this being the car they will use at the Nurburgring.
I asked how things were progressing. The car is currently in Japan being tested to the absolute max. Its 2.0ltr Turbo, 320bhp engine being thrashed at every opportunity, things seem to be going well. Apart from the night on the oval test track where they went through a full set of tyres !
Anyway, no date has been set for the Nurburgring challenge as they have realised that the chassis is not quite strong enough. So still plenty to do.
I then joked about the Tourer being made into an 'R' for which the new model team said "Well, actually......................"
Just this week, our home grown race team, Synchro Motorsport, who race the Jazz and Civic in the Brit Car Championship, have taken one of the Tourer's and are looking to perhaps race it next season.
And, the BTCC Honda team have also expressed some interest for the new car [remember the old Volvo 850's ?].
Maybe a little bit of a marketing coup to help with sales when we go mass production later this year. Who knows. Watch this space.
Norro