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Automobile November
5 , 2002 |
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| Accord Factory Performance Package Unveiled, 2003 Race Cars and New Concepts Set the Pace for Honda and Acura at 2002 SEMA |
Las Vegas, Nov. 5, 2002 ---
American Honda today unveiled nine performance vehicles at the 2002 Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas where it also
announced a new Factory Performance (FP) package for the 2003 Accord Coupe
and sponsorship support in various racing series.
Headlining show vehicles include a specially constructed ultra high performance
2003 Honda Accord Concept Coupe and 2003 Civic Si Concept, RealTime Racing's
new Acura RSX Type-S SCCA Pro racecar, Adam Saruwatari's Civic Si Pro Drag
car, plus Honda and Acura vehicles modified by some of the biggest names
in the performance aftermarket.
"The ideas and concepts displayed at SEMA explore new approaches to maximizing
the potential built into every Honda and Acura platform," said Jim Roach,
American Honda Vice President of the Parts Division. "People who drive and
modify our cars understand that Honda and Acura products integrate an extra
measure of performance into every vehicle as part of the company's design
and engineering philosophy."
American Honda also announced the expansion of available Factory Performance
packages through Honda Accessories with the addition of an Accord Coupe
FP package. The Accord Coupe FP package provides high performance suspension
components, 17-inch wheels and tires, a full body kit and FP trim. When
it goes on sale in early 2003, the Accord Coupe FP package will join the
Civic EX Coupe FP package in the Honda Factory Performance lineup. Acura
currently offers a similar FP package for the RSX Type-S. All FP packages
are engineered by Honda and carry the same warranty as the rest of the vehicle.
Six cars total debuted at SEMA for the Honda division. Designed by Honda
R&D Americas, the 2003 Honda Accord Concept Coupe makes its world debut
and features a 300-horsepower V-6 engine with a semi-manual six-speed transmission
with paddle shifter, a complete aero package, wide body kit, race suspension
and lightweight prototype parts. The Civic Si Concept accents the car's
class leading potential for ultimate performance. Another Civic Si, modified
by King Motorsports with Mugen aftermarket equipment, delivers intense performance
designed for the street and the track. A third Civic Si, a pro drag racing
car driven by Adam Saruwatari, made its world debut. The Honda Element on
display showcases some of the accessories that will be available when Element
goes on sale in December.
Acura brings three models to SEMA delivering in the category of ultimate
high performance - the RealTime Racing Acura RSX Type-S that competes in
the Sports Car Club of America's SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship,
an RSX Type-S equipped with the newly-introduced Factory Performance package,
and a supercharged CL Type-S with a six-speed manual transmission and a
prototype aerodynamic body kit.
In addition, American Honda's racing contingency sponsorship plans for 2003
include continued support for Racers Against Street Racing (RASR) in various
racing series including the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National
Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The contingency sponsorship program awards Honda
and Acura racers from amateur to professional ranks that win races and show
their support for RASR, a SEMA organization dedicated to promoting alternatives
to street racing.
FACT SHEET
2003 Honda Accord
Concept Coupe
With the debut of the completely redesigned 2003 Honda Accord comes a new realm of possibilities for customization. Envisioned and customized
by Honda, the 2003 Honda Accord Concept Coupe exemplifies a new direction for
a platform that has traditionally been among the most popular in the industry
to modify. Now with an available 240-horsepower V-6 engine and a six-speed manual
transmission, the performance demeanor of the Accord has increased to a new level.
The Accord Concept Coupe goes a few steps further and strives to integrate useful
modifications that give it even more horsepower, lower curb weight, increase handling
performance, and improve acceleration and braking to practically race-ready levels.
Powertrain / Chassis Modifications: High-flow intake and exhaust, 300-horsepower
3.2-liter V-6 engine, limited slip differential, semi-manual 6-speed transmission,
prototype 8-piston Brembo brakes, lowered racing suspension and widened track.
Exterior Modifications: Carbon fiber body kit (includes bumpers, side sills, grill
and underbody diffuser), dual aluminum integrated exhaust ports, aluminum/carbon
fiber rear wing, black chrome finish headlights and taillights, 20-inch black
chrome wheels, Bridgestone Potenza S03 235/45 ZR20 tires, fender flares and NSX
Spa Yellow paint. Interior Modifications: F1-style paddle shifter on steering
wheel, prototype multifunction meter display with on-board diagnostics, Sparco
carbon/Kevlar backed bucket seats covered in Alcantera suede, 4-point front seat
harnesses, three-spoke racing steering wheel, and aluminum sport pedals.
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Honda Accord
Concept Coupe
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2003 Honda Civic Si Concept
The 2003 Honda Civic Si Concept delivers hard-hitting power and showcases the
adaptability of the Si to aerodynamic enhancements and other customization. Modified
with a prototype GReddy turbocharger for street use, the Civic Si Concept produces
230-horsepower. Underneath, the Civic Si Concept employs a Honda-developed racing
suspension with a widened track and ultra high-performance springs, shock absorbers,
Brembo brakes, 18-inch wheels and more. The Honda CBR motorcycle red paint taps
into Honda's championship-winning motorcycle racing heritage. Parts of the body
that channel air for cooling and heat exhaustion are constructed of nickel carbon
fiber. The interior houses carbon fiber race seats and a Mugen digital display
replaces the traditional gauges with a multi-program LCD screen that can convey
extensive engine information. An additional Mugen information center with an LCD
screen mounted on the center of the instrument panel provides additional on-board
diagnostics.
Powertrain/Chassis Modifications: GReddy T518Z Turbocharger with integral wastgate,
prototype GReddy front-mounted intercooler kit with aluminum piping, GReddy Airinx
high-flow intake system, GReddy e-manage engine control manager, GReddy Profec
E-01 electronic boost controller (with e-manage programmer), widened track, Factory
Performance sport suspension, center mounted high-flow exhaust system, 4-piston
Brembo brake system. Exterior Modifications: Rally-inspired body kit, 18-inch
polished titanium-finish wheels, carbon fiber grill, front intake and rear bumper
diffuser, black chrome finish headlights and smoked taillights, high-mounted 2-stage
rear wing. Interior Modifications: Mugen carbon fiber and Kevlar race seats covered
in red Alcantera suede with 6-point racing harness, sport 3-spoke steering wheel,
aluminum pedals and shift knob, Mugen high performance LCD screen gauge package,
center mounted information display.
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Honda Civic Si Concept
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2003 Honda Accord Coupe
with Factory Performance Package
The 2003 Honda Accord Coupe can be equipped with a new Factory Performance (FP)
suspension package that will be available in Spring 2003 through all Honda dealerships
nationwide. The kit lowers the ride height of the Accord by approximately 1-inch
and enhances overall handling performance with aggressively tuned shock absorbers,
springs, and 17-inch wheels and tires. The dealer-installed FP package is available
for the 2003 Accord V-6 Coupe on LX and EX trim levels with either manual or automatic
transmissions. An MSRP for the FP suspension has not been announced yet. The 2003
Accord Coupe display car at SEMA features the FP package.
Chassis/Exterior: Factory Performance suspension (shock absorbers, springs) underbody
aero kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, 215/50VR-17 high performance tires, rear wing
spoiler. Interior Accessories: Factory Performance shift knob, FP trim.
Accord Coupe Factory Performance
components include:
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High performance springs reduce ride height by about one-inch and lower the Accord's roll center |
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High performance shock absorbers are tuned for enhanced
road handling characteristics and decreased body roll |
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17x7 alloy wheels |
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High performance tires (215/50VR-17) |
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Full aerodynamic under-body kit (front, sides and rear) |
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Rear wing spoiler |
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FP Badging and Shift Knob |
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Honda Accord Coupe
with Factory Performance Package
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2003 Honda Element with
Genuine Honda Accessories
The 2003 Honda Element goes on sale in December 2002 and delivers an affordable,
rugged and adaptable platform that incorporates the best traits of a pickup with
a hard flat floor, an SUV with the rear enclosed area and a car with its responsive
handling and good fuel economy. Starting around $16,000, the Element leaves room
for extensive customization, and the display car at SEMA shows some of the new
accessories available from Honda for this totally new segment of light truck.
A 160-horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine powers Element and it is available
in 2WD or 4WD, automatic or manual transmissions. The interior can adapt to items
as large as a 10-ft surfboard and the side cargo doors make loading big objects
from the side easy. The standard urethane-coated utility floor is water and scratch
resistant.
Overall, Element is rugged in all the right places. A 2003 Honda Ruckus, an all-new
runabout scooter from Honda, is on display in the back of the SEMA Element.
Exterior Accessories: Sidesteps, fog light kit, roof rack, surfboard attachment,
16-inch machine finish alloy wheels, wheel locks. Interior Accessories: Metallic-finish
interior panels, seat back bungee cord, tailgate cushions.
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Honda Element with
Genuine Honda Accessories
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2003 Acura RSX Type-S
with Factory Performance Package:
The 200-horsepower Acura RSX Type-S has quickly built a reputation as being one
of the sleekest and most sought-after machines in its class. Acura is offering
its first Factory Performance package for the RSX Type-S at dealerships nationwide
beginning in early 2003. The Factory Performance package features track-tuned
shocks and springs that lower the car by approximately one inch. The shocks and
springs combined with lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, 17-inch high performance
tires, slotted brake rotors and performance pads give the RSX Type-S razor sharp
handling, reduced body roll, increased cornering grip and enhanced braking performance.
A rear wing spoiler, an under-body spoiler kit and an interior trim package featuring
a Factory Performance shift knob and badging also give the car an aggressive,
high performance look. The kit will have an MSRP of $4,800, plus installation.
Chassis Modifications: Factory Performance Package (track-tuned shocks and springs,
slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads, lightweight 17x7.5 inch alloy
wheels, high-performance 225/45VR17 tires). Exterior Modifications: Factory Performance
Package (rear wing spoiler, under-body spoiler kit). Interior Modifications: Factory
Performance Package (metallic-look interior trim kit, factory performance shift
knob, factory performance badging).
The RSX Type-S Factory Performance
package will include:
High performance, track-tuned shocks and springs
Slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads
Lightweight 17x7.5 inch
alloy wheels
High performance tires (225/45VR17)
Factory performance rear wing spoiler
Under-body spoiler kit
Metallic look interior trim kit
Factory Performance shift knob
Factory Performance badging
In addition to an Acura RSX Type-S equipped with the newly-introduced Factory Performance package, Acura will feature two other models at SEMA; a supercharged CL Type-S with a six-speed manual transmission and a prototype aerodynamic body kit, and the new Real Time Racing Acura RSX Type-S that recently debuted in the Sports Car Club of America's SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship.
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Acura RSX Type-S
with Factory Performance Package
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RealTime Racing Acura
RSX Type-S Racecar
The all-new RealTime Racing (RTR) Acura RSX Type-S will be replacing one of the
legendary Acura Integras the team has campaigned over the past five years to the
most wins of any models ever in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing
SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship. The RTR RSX made its first on-track
debut in October 2002 at Road Atlanta and will be the car of choice for the 2003
season. The Touring Car Championship series uses production vehicles with appropriate
modifications for professional road racing. The RTR RSX features a 230-horsepower
2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with factory and aftermarket performance parts.
Powertrain Modifications: 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, high performance
camshafts, 6-speed manual transmission, limited slip front differential, Gemini
stainless exhaust header with RealTime Racing exhaust system, EFI Technologies
fuel management system. Chassis Modifications: Required minimum weight 2,475 lbs.,
Moton triple adjustable struts, Eibach springs, RTR Mombo anti-roll bar, Brembo
12.6-inch front brake rotors with four-piston calipers, Brembo 11.0-inch rear
brake rotors with two piston calipers, Hawk Performance brake pads, 17x7.5 SSR
aluminum wheels, Series Spec 225/45ZR17 Toyo tires. Exterior Modifications: RTR
front aerodynamic splitter and undertray, series specification 6-inch rear wing.
Interior Modifications: EFI Technologies digital dash display with data acquisition,
Hella master switch and relays, Sparco seat and five-point seatbelts, Sparco steering
wheel.
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RealTime Racing Acura
RSX Type-S Racecar
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2003 Civic Si Pro Drag
Car
Professional drag racer Adam Saruwatari debuts his all-new 2003 Civic Si Pro Drag
Car that will be competing sometime during the 2003 season. Designed to compete
in the NHRA Pro-Comp classes, the 2003 Civic Si Pro Drag Car features a tube chassis,
rear-wheel-drive and a 1,000+ horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 NSX engine. Last year at
SEMA, Saruwatari showed a street version of the Civic Si Pro Drag Car.
Powertrain Specifications: 1000+ horsepower 3.2-liter Acura NSX V-6, Tial Sport
turbo, Motec M880 ECU, G-Force sequential 5-speed transmission, East-West custom
adjustable titanium double disc clutch. Suspension Specifications: Hansen Race
Cars chassis, Lamb coil-over adjustable suspension, Eibach ERS springs, Enkei
drag wheels, Nitto drag slick tires. Exterior Specifications: Hansen Race Cars
custom wing, lowered roof line and fully modified body with carbon fiber hood,
front clip, doors and rear hatch. Interior: Sparco Seats, Motec ADL Dash, custom
carbon fiber and aluminum interior pieces.
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Civic Si Pro Drag
Car
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King Motorsports/Mugen
Honda Civic Si
Using Honda performance specialist Mugen's vast array of aftermarket high-performance
parts, King Motorsports (the sole authorized North American distributor for Mugen
Co., Ltd) has created the ultimate street performance Civic Si that maximizes
the potential throughout every corner of the vehicle. Making its world debut at
SEMA, the King Motorsports/Mugen Civic Si has a K20 DC5R engine and 6-speed transmission
with a limited slip differential. The modified engine produces 240-horsepower.
Powertrain Modifications: Japan Domestic Market (JDM) K20A DC5R engine, JDM DC5R
six-speed close ratio transmission with limited slip, Mugen cold airbox, JDM DC5R
exhaust manifold and down pipe, Mugen stainless steel twin-loop cat-back exhaust,
Mugen ECU, Mugen low temp thermostat, Mugen hi-pressure radiator cap, Mugen reserve
tank covers. Suspension Modifications: Mugen N-1 coil-over adjustable suspension,
Mugen 25mm rear stabilizer bar, JDM Civic Type-R front stabilizer bar, 5 lug conversion
with RSX Type-S brakes front and rear, Mugen Micro Mesh brake line set, Mugen
MF10 forged wheels 17x8, Bridgestone S0-3 225/45 ZR 17 Tires, rear adjustable
upper control arms. Exterior Modifications: JDM Civic Type-R front and rear bumpers,
JDM Civic Type-R side skirt kit, JDM Civic Type-R rear bumper valance, Mugen carbon
fiber aero hood, Mugen front spoiler, Mugen sport grill kit, Mugen carbon fiber
radiator duct kit, Mugen adjustable rear wing. Interior Modifications: Prototype
Mugen digital instrument panel, Mugen S-1 bucket seat with Mugen seat rail kits,
Mugen Sports Pedal Set, Mugen Race II steering wheel with Mugen hub adapter.
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King Motorsports/Mugen
Honda Civic Si
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Supercharged 2003 Acura
CL Type-S Concept
The addition of an available close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with a limited
slip differential on the 2003 Acura CL Type-S lineup provides a new level of excitement
to an already potent performer. Acura developed a special CL Type-S concept that
can take full advantage of the new six-speed manual transmission and limited slip
differential by increasing horsepower with a supercharger. The CL Type-S concept
incorporates a CARB-legal Comptech Supercharger and headers along with other Comptech
modifications to provide 312-horsepower at the front wheels.
Comptech springs lower the CL by about 1.5 inches, and other Comptech production
parts are used including the front and rear sway bars. Honda R&D Americas designed
the prototype aero body kit, and high performance 19-inch wheels and tires are
fitted.
Powertrain/Chassis Modifications: CARB-certified Comptech supercharger, Comptech
cold air intake, Comptech CARB-certified exhaust headers, Comptech high-flow exhaust
system, prototype Brembo brakes, Comptech sport suspension with Titanium front
upper strut bar, 19-inch Maya DTM wheels from DAZZ Motorsport. Exterior Modifications:
Front and rear prototype bumpers and side moldings, deck lid tail spoiler, custom
aluminum exhaust tips.
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Supercharged 2003 Acura
CL Type-S Concept
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