FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 April 2004
HONDA POWERS UP FOR UK MOTOR SHOW!
With star appearances of Honda's Tokyo Show Concept cars,the unveiling of a new production supercar and an invitation for people to get behind the wheel of the trend setting Civic IMA petrol-electric car, Honda is putting the "show" into Sunday Times Motor Show Live.
Recently the HSC was confirmed as the basis for Honda's next generation supercar, the car to replace the fabled NSX. It is sure to be one of the major crowd pullers at Birmingham, pairing up in a joint British show debut with the high tech IMAS Eco coupe.
The appearance of both vehicles reflects the growing stature of the new Birmingham show, as well as Honda's commitment to it.
HSC (High performance Sports Concept)
The HSC is a design study combining the ultimate in supercar performance with the interior comfort and handling finesse of a true thoroughbred. It features a lightweight body, a compact yet powerful engine and a racing-inspired interior.
The High-Performance Sports Concept features a lightweight 3.5-litre V-6 engine located midship for optimum balance and superior handling. Gear changing is accomplished through a unique dial shifter located on the centre console or an F-1 style paddle shifter located on the steering wheel.
The HSC features a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with six-piston calliper Brembo disc brakes on each wheel. Five-spoke forged aluminium alloy racing wheels are shod with 245/35ZR19 tyres in front and 295/30ZR20 tyres in the rear.
The HSC body is composed of carbon fibre panels over an all-aluminium unit body frame. Short overhangs and a 104.7-inch wheelbase maximise handling and agility.
The cockpit is rounded and sleek for an aggressive look as well as increased visibility. A clear glass engine cover, located behind the cockpit, shows off the engine. The lower body boasts a low waistline, rectangular air intakes on both sides, curvaceous fenders, scissor-style doors and sharp lines that leave no doubt as to the concept's sporty nature.
The wedge-shaped front fascia includes large, lower air ducts, projector-style HID headlamps and smooth lines for enhanced aerodynamics. In the rear, high-illumination LEDs are incorporated into the taillight housing for a visibility-enhancing three-dimensional design. Dual exhaust tips are integrated into the bumper and a rearview camera, located next to the taillights, transmits the view behind the car to the driver via the navigation system tilt-up screen when the concept shifts into reverse.
Inside, the concept features a race inspired cockpit with black nubuck leather trim and anodized aluminium accents on the door panels, centre console, steering wheel and meter housings. Dual gauge clusters feature a tachometer/shift meter on the left and an analogue/digital speedometer on the right. A thick, leather-wrapped performance steering wheel and aluminium foot pedals offer increased road feedback and precise control.
IMAS
IMAS is a concept car that seeks to demonstrate that environment-friendly credentials don't preclude fun-to-drive, sports car performance.
Honda's designers have taken inspiration from and tried to capture the freedom of movement provided by a bicycle - a mode of transport that responds instantly to the rider's input, is highly manoeuvrable, environmentally friendly, and above all, provides that invigorating feeling of slicing through the air.
To achieve this, they have created a highly distinctive and advanced design that is light in weight, aerodynamically efficient and powered by the latest version of Honda's petrol-electric hybrid system, IMA (Integrated Motor Assist).
Constructed mainly from super-light carbon fibre and aluminium, the IMAS weighs in at only 700 kg. The body's sweeping contours feature sharp exterior lines combined with smooth planes to create an exceptionally aerodynamic form, and details such as faired in rear wheels and rear combination lights built in to the rear spoiler contribute to a very low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.20.
The interior makes no pretence at disguising the functional elements of IMAS, instead highlighting the high efficiency design philosophy behind it. Sparse and yet extremely stylish, it is dominated by an exposed central skeletal structure of polished aluminium housing the gear selector, padded armrest and secondary controls. The elements of its construction echo the frame of a racing bike, a design motif repeated in the door-mounted trims.
The cabin's futuristic and minimalist look continues with a slim fascia in blue/black carbon that perfectly complements the exposed aluminium elements. An ultra-thin, transparent instrument panel and similarly styled navigation monitor provide precise, comprehensive information, including images from a CCD camera of the area to the sides and rear of the car. A steering wheel shape reminiscent of those used in dragsters ensures an excellent view of the digital readouts.
Power is provided by the latest version of Honda's IMA system which supplements a highly efficient petrol engine with a thin and lightweight electric motor to assist the engine when accelerating and recapture energy when braking or decelerating. IMA in combination with a slippery and light body results in an outstanding fuel consumption figure of 113 mpg (2.5 l/100 km).
Further technological sophistication is provided by a shaftless VGS steering system and a drive-by-wire throttle for a natural, linear response. Working in perfect synergy, these electronic control technologies produce a crisp and clean driving experience.
NSX Type-R
It has never before appeared at a British Show, but there's good reason why the NSX Type-R is being displayed at Birmingham. This will all become clear, following an important announcement to be made on press day...
The NSX-R represents a further evolution of the painstaking weight reduction, circuit-tuned suspension refinement, and high-precision engine balancing cultivated in the previous-generation NSX-R produced during 1992-1995. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance, resulting in greater driving performance and handling stability than in its previous incarnation.
A carbon fibre hood with outlet duct, finned front under-cover, rear diffuser, carbon fibre rear spoiler, and other innovations create a degree of negative lift rarely seen in a street-ready car. This downforce facilitates a quantum leap in the car's driving performance and handling stability at high speeds.
Racecar-like responsiveness and powerful acceleration are achieved through high-precision balancing of the crankshaft assembly - a measure unheard of in production engines - along with a "shorter" final gear ratio, DBW (Drive By Wire) electronic throttle control, and other specialised tuning.
The suspension has been hard-tuned to cope with the added downforce, and custom-designed high-grip tyres, precision custom chassis tuning, and ventilated brake discs with harder brake pads for potent stopping power have been added.
Other features unique to the NSX-R include a custom ball-shaped titanium shift knob and lightweight mesh shift boot, leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, Recaro carbon fibre Aramid full-bucket seats with leather upholstery and a shift indicator with LEDs to indicate the engine's power peak and rev limit.
The model will be available exclusively in Championship White.
Civic IMA - show visitors can drive tomorrow's car today
The Sunday Times Motor Show Live will provide a rare opportunity for members of the public to experience the capabilities of Honda's innovative Civic IMA. This is the first petrol electric hybrid based on an existing mainstream car model, and is already proving to be a runaway sales success with nearly 50,000 sales worldwide (including 1000 in Britain).
The principle behind the IMA system fitted to Civic is to take a highly efficient but smaller (1.3 litre) petrol engine and supplement its performance during acceleration, or when ascending a hill, with an electric motor. Engine and motor are thus complementary and each is designed to operate within its most efficient range. The motor assists the engine when required, but in turn recaptures energy during braking and deceleration (regenerative braking). This means the electric motor needs no outside power source, nor does it have to be 'plugged in'.
Visitors sampling the Civic as part of the Show's "Taster Test Drive" feature will discover a Civic which drives like any normal car, with nothing complicated or unusual about its operation. The only differences they will observe will be the car's extraordinary level of refinement as well as complete silence when the car is at rest, since the Civic IMA incorporates an "idle stop" feature to avoid fuel wastage at traffic stops.
The Civic IMA has been on sale in the UK since May 2003 and costs £15,013 on the road. Purchasers in England currently receive a £700 Powershift grant and the model is eligible for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.
The Honda stand is located in Hall 5, Stand No. 5-250
ends...
20 April 2004
HONDA POWERS UP FOR UK MOTOR SHOW!
With star appearances of Honda's Tokyo Show Concept cars,the unveiling of a new production supercar and an invitation for people to get behind the wheel of the trend setting Civic IMA petrol-electric car, Honda is putting the "show" into Sunday Times Motor Show Live.
Recently the HSC was confirmed as the basis for Honda's next generation supercar, the car to replace the fabled NSX. It is sure to be one of the major crowd pullers at Birmingham, pairing up in a joint British show debut with the high tech IMAS Eco coupe.
The appearance of both vehicles reflects the growing stature of the new Birmingham show, as well as Honda's commitment to it.
HSC (High performance Sports Concept)
The HSC is a design study combining the ultimate in supercar performance with the interior comfort and handling finesse of a true thoroughbred. It features a lightweight body, a compact yet powerful engine and a racing-inspired interior.
The High-Performance Sports Concept features a lightweight 3.5-litre V-6 engine located midship for optimum balance and superior handling. Gear changing is accomplished through a unique dial shifter located on the centre console or an F-1 style paddle shifter located on the steering wheel.
The HSC features a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension with six-piston calliper Brembo disc brakes on each wheel. Five-spoke forged aluminium alloy racing wheels are shod with 245/35ZR19 tyres in front and 295/30ZR20 tyres in the rear.
The HSC body is composed of carbon fibre panels over an all-aluminium unit body frame. Short overhangs and a 104.7-inch wheelbase maximise handling and agility.
The cockpit is rounded and sleek for an aggressive look as well as increased visibility. A clear glass engine cover, located behind the cockpit, shows off the engine. The lower body boasts a low waistline, rectangular air intakes on both sides, curvaceous fenders, scissor-style doors and sharp lines that leave no doubt as to the concept's sporty nature.
The wedge-shaped front fascia includes large, lower air ducts, projector-style HID headlamps and smooth lines for enhanced aerodynamics. In the rear, high-illumination LEDs are incorporated into the taillight housing for a visibility-enhancing three-dimensional design. Dual exhaust tips are integrated into the bumper and a rearview camera, located next to the taillights, transmits the view behind the car to the driver via the navigation system tilt-up screen when the concept shifts into reverse.
Inside, the concept features a race inspired cockpit with black nubuck leather trim and anodized aluminium accents on the door panels, centre console, steering wheel and meter housings. Dual gauge clusters feature a tachometer/shift meter on the left and an analogue/digital speedometer on the right. A thick, leather-wrapped performance steering wheel and aluminium foot pedals offer increased road feedback and precise control.
IMAS
IMAS is a concept car that seeks to demonstrate that environment-friendly credentials don't preclude fun-to-drive, sports car performance.
Honda's designers have taken inspiration from and tried to capture the freedom of movement provided by a bicycle - a mode of transport that responds instantly to the rider's input, is highly manoeuvrable, environmentally friendly, and above all, provides that invigorating feeling of slicing through the air.
To achieve this, they have created a highly distinctive and advanced design that is light in weight, aerodynamically efficient and powered by the latest version of Honda's petrol-electric hybrid system, IMA (Integrated Motor Assist).
Constructed mainly from super-light carbon fibre and aluminium, the IMAS weighs in at only 700 kg. The body's sweeping contours feature sharp exterior lines combined with smooth planes to create an exceptionally aerodynamic form, and details such as faired in rear wheels and rear combination lights built in to the rear spoiler contribute to a very low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.20.
The interior makes no pretence at disguising the functional elements of IMAS, instead highlighting the high efficiency design philosophy behind it. Sparse and yet extremely stylish, it is dominated by an exposed central skeletal structure of polished aluminium housing the gear selector, padded armrest and secondary controls. The elements of its construction echo the frame of a racing bike, a design motif repeated in the door-mounted trims.
The cabin's futuristic and minimalist look continues with a slim fascia in blue/black carbon that perfectly complements the exposed aluminium elements. An ultra-thin, transparent instrument panel and similarly styled navigation monitor provide precise, comprehensive information, including images from a CCD camera of the area to the sides and rear of the car. A steering wheel shape reminiscent of those used in dragsters ensures an excellent view of the digital readouts.
Power is provided by the latest version of Honda's IMA system which supplements a highly efficient petrol engine with a thin and lightweight electric motor to assist the engine when accelerating and recapture energy when braking or decelerating. IMA in combination with a slippery and light body results in an outstanding fuel consumption figure of 113 mpg (2.5 l/100 km).
Further technological sophistication is provided by a shaftless VGS steering system and a drive-by-wire throttle for a natural, linear response. Working in perfect synergy, these electronic control technologies produce a crisp and clean driving experience.
NSX Type-R
It has never before appeared at a British Show, but there's good reason why the NSX Type-R is being displayed at Birmingham. This will all become clear, following an important announcement to be made on press day...
The NSX-R represents a further evolution of the painstaking weight reduction, circuit-tuned suspension refinement, and high-precision engine balancing cultivated in the previous-generation NSX-R produced during 1992-1995. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance, resulting in greater driving performance and handling stability than in its previous incarnation.
A carbon fibre hood with outlet duct, finned front under-cover, rear diffuser, carbon fibre rear spoiler, and other innovations create a degree of negative lift rarely seen in a street-ready car. This downforce facilitates a quantum leap in the car's driving performance and handling stability at high speeds.
Racecar-like responsiveness and powerful acceleration are achieved through high-precision balancing of the crankshaft assembly - a measure unheard of in production engines - along with a "shorter" final gear ratio, DBW (Drive By Wire) electronic throttle control, and other specialised tuning.
The suspension has been hard-tuned to cope with the added downforce, and custom-designed high-grip tyres, precision custom chassis tuning, and ventilated brake discs with harder brake pads for potent stopping power have been added.
Other features unique to the NSX-R include a custom ball-shaped titanium shift knob and lightweight mesh shift boot, leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, Recaro carbon fibre Aramid full-bucket seats with leather upholstery and a shift indicator with LEDs to indicate the engine's power peak and rev limit.
The model will be available exclusively in Championship White.
Civic IMA - show visitors can drive tomorrow's car today
The Sunday Times Motor Show Live will provide a rare opportunity for members of the public to experience the capabilities of Honda's innovative Civic IMA. This is the first petrol electric hybrid based on an existing mainstream car model, and is already proving to be a runaway sales success with nearly 50,000 sales worldwide (including 1000 in Britain).
The principle behind the IMA system fitted to Civic is to take a highly efficient but smaller (1.3 litre) petrol engine and supplement its performance during acceleration, or when ascending a hill, with an electric motor. Engine and motor are thus complementary and each is designed to operate within its most efficient range. The motor assists the engine when required, but in turn recaptures energy during braking and deceleration (regenerative braking). This means the electric motor needs no outside power source, nor does it have to be 'plugged in'.
Visitors sampling the Civic as part of the Show's "Taster Test Drive" feature will discover a Civic which drives like any normal car, with nothing complicated or unusual about its operation. The only differences they will observe will be the car's extraordinary level of refinement as well as complete silence when the car is at rest, since the Civic IMA incorporates an "idle stop" feature to avoid fuel wastage at traffic stops.
The Civic IMA has been on sale in the UK since May 2003 and costs £15,013 on the road. Purchasers in England currently receive a £700 Powershift grant and the model is eligible for a 100% discount on the London Congestion Charge.
The Honda stand is located in Hall 5, Stand No. 5-250
ends...
