News

Honda Civic Type R at Tokyo Auto Salon

The Honda Civic Type R will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in the middle of next month. Currently, Honda is finishing testing the most powerful version of the Civic at the Suzuka racetrack, Japan. The car has previously passed tests at the Nürburgring and Nardo race tracks.

The new Civic is still covered in camouflage foil so it reveals little. What can be noticed in the photos are the large red brake calipers behind the dark rims with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, as well as the large spoiler on the fifth door.

Although the hybrid option was mentioned, it will not happen because the current concept has proven to be outstanding. The current Type R is powered by an improved 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, from the 10th generation, with more than 306 hp (228 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). Power is transmitted to the front axle, which will be assisted by a limited differential lock, via a six-speed manual transmission.

Since the Covid-19 still has a big impact on the automotive industry, we hope the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon won’t be delayed.

Source: Honda

News

How much does the roof down affect the speed of the car?

How much does the roof down affect the speed of the car? Paul Maric from the YouTube channel CarExpert tried to answer the question. He lined up two Porsche models, the 911 Turbo Coupe and the 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

Both models are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine with 572 hp (421 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. They are equipped with an eight-speed double clutch automatic gearbox that transmits power to all wheels.

The first test was at the 1/4 mile where the 911 Turbo Coupe achieved a time of 11.4 seconds at 206.3 km / h and reached 62 mph in 3.7 seconds. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet (Roof Up) achieved a time of 11.5 seconds at 207.5 km / h and reached 62 mph in 3.7 seconds.

Test 2 (Roof Down) – At 1/4 mile both models had the same time of 11.1 seconds. The 911 Turbo Coupe reached 62 mph in 3.3 seconds, while the 911 Turbo Cabriolet reached 62 mph in 3.2 seconds.

Test 3 (Roof On) – They equalized the weight of both cars, since the Babriolet is 20 kg heavier than the Coupe. This time, at 1/4 mile the Coupe achieved a time of 10.9 seconds and reached 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet achieved a time of 10.8 seconds and reached 62 mph in 3.0 seconds.

Test 4 (Roof Off) – 911 Turbo Coupe achieved a time of 11.0 seconds at 206.6 km / h and reached 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. The 911 Turbo Cabriolet achieved a time of 10.8 seconds at 208.2 km / h and reached 62 mph in 2.9 seconds.

Test 5 – They swap lanes and this time the Coupe was faster with 10.8 seconds, while the Cabriolet achieved a time of 11.1 seconds.

How relevant this was, we’re not sure. Maybe some other tests would show more accurate results. One thing is for sure, it was interesting to watch.

Source: CarExpert via YouTube

News

End of production for Lotus Elise, Evora and Exige

As the start of production of Lotus Emira is approaching, the company announced that it will stop producing its three models: Elise, Exige and Evora. The decision was made to replace the assembly lines with new ones for the production of the Emira and the electric model Evija.

Lotus Emira will be offered in several vibrant paint colors, such as Hethel Yellow, Nimbus Gray, Magma Red, Dark Verdant and Shadow Gray. It will be equipped with LED lights all round, heated power-fold door mirrors and rear parking sensors and titanium exhaust finisher. It will be powered by a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine with 400 hp (298 kW) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddleshift. As an option, there is also a six-speed manual transmission that works at a slightly lower torque.

Lotus Elise began production in 1996, Exige in 2000, Evora in 2008. So far, more than 51,000 have found their way to their owners. “As we say farewell to the last few cars, we look forward to the Emira and Evija in the all-new factories at Hethel and sub-assembly facilities in Norwich, which introduce greater efficiencies and automation, higher quality and flexibility and the hugely exciting next chapter in our Vision80 strategy, ”said Lotus CEO Matt Windle.

Source: Lotus

Cars and catalogues