Wednesday, 11 September 2013

FRANKFURT - Honda

The 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show provides the setting for Honda to publicly reveal the new Civic Tourer. Developed and designed in Europe, the new Civic Tourer offers class-leading trunk volume of 624 litres (rear seats up, measured up to the tonneau cover), advanced technology and distinctive styling.

The Civic Tourer will be offered with Honda’s 1.6 i-DTEC engine which combines competitive power (120 PS) and 300 Nm of torque with CO² emissions of just 99g/km*, offering an impressive balance of fuel economy and driving performance.


The refreshed Civic hatchback will also be shown for the first time. The car will benefit from exterior and interior refinements that give the Civic an even more distinctive, sportier appearance. The Civic and the Civic Tourer will be built at Honda’s UK manufacturing facility in Swindon and will be launched in early 2014.

Both cars will benefit from a new suite of advanced active safety systems that Honda will introduce for the first time on these models under the Advanced Driving Assist Systems name. These sensor based active safety systems use a combination of cameras and short range lidar (laser radar), and radar technologies to help avoid or mitigate accidents, delivering a high standard of safety for the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users in line with Honda’s philosophy of ‘Safety for Everyone’.

Also on display is the CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC unveiled at Geneva earlier this year. The CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC available in two-wheel drive with manual transmission, offers both performance (300Nm of torque and 120 PS) and low CO2 emissions (119 g/km).

Racing is in Honda’s DNA and the coming years herald a return to the brand’s sporty heritage with the introduction of exciting new models and Honda’s return to Formula One (in a joint project with McLaren). In celebration of this and Honda’s current successes in Motorsport across the World, including Moto GP, WTCC, BTCC and Dakar Rally, Honda will showcase a collection of modern and historic racing machines alongside its ultimate supercar, the NSX Concept II first shown in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show earlier in the year. As part of this display, Honda will show the McLaren Honda MP4/4 Heritage F1 Car, the Castrol Honda 2013 WTCC car, the RC213V Race Motorcycle ridden by Stefan Bradl that is currently running in the Moto GP and the 2013 Honda CRF450X Dakar Rally model.

Furthermore, Honda will have on display some if its recently launched motorcycles including the Gold Wing F6B and the NC700X equipped with Honda’s dual clutch transmission.

*Honda internal figures

Honda Civic Tourer
Developed and designed in Europe, allowing Honda’s European R&D team to lead the creative and technical design process, the new Civic Tourer features a sleek and sophisticated exterior profile that does not compromise the car’s practicality. The Civic Tourer delivers exceptional versatility and functionality with class leading interior space of 624 litres (boot volume with the rear seats up, measured up to the tonneau cover).

The Civic Tourer will be offered with the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine from Honda’s Earth Dream’s Technology series. The engine is the lightest in its class, delivering 300 Nm of torque and CO² emissions from just 99g/km*. The Civic Tourer will also be offered with Honda’s 1.8 i-VTEC engine in manual or automatic transmission producing from only 148g* of CO² per km.

A brand new Adaptive Damper System will help to enhance the stability and comfort of the Civic Tourer under varying load and driving conditions and new advanced Active Safety features to deliver a high standard of safety.

Functionality & Form: No compromise on design or space
“I am very proud of the Civic Tourer’s sporty, sleek and dynamic proportions, which somewhat hide the car’s true functionality and versatility. To achieve true utility on a compact car, you have to consider how to make the most of the space in the cabin, which generally also affects the design. Due to the clever platform of the Civic, we had freedom to optimise the package. The end result is a car that has almost a sports-car silhouette. For me, the strength of the car is the synergy of functionality, versatility, and dynamic expression.” Adrian Killham, Large Project Leader, Civic Tourer.

The exterior design of the Civic Tourer is sophisticated and sporty, its style is defined by a bold line that runs continuously from the front A-pillar to the D-pillar creating the impression of a floating roof line.

The development team for the Civic Tourer concentrated on new ways to interpret this section of the car to deliver a premium feeling and character. The glass of the rear quarter window has been extended to cover the body work of the D-pillar and the rear door sash has been raised by 17mm compared to the Civic hatchback to enable this bold styling line and creating an elegant look.


“At first glance it is clear that the Civic Tourer does not look like other Wagons. Recently-launched cars have tended to follow a similar style. The Civic Tourer has a different balance and appeal.” Adrian Killham, Large Project Leader, Civic Tourer.

Behind this sophisticated and sporty design is a hidden versatility that leads to clever functionality and unrivalled practicality.

The Civic Tourer benefits from the same unique centre fuel tank layout used in the Civic hatchback. The fuel tank is located under the front seats allowing the Civic Tourer to offer unparalleled interior space and Honda’s magic seat configuration.

The Civic Tourer offers class leading trunk space across both the C and D segments. The cargo area will accommodate 3 large-sized Samsonite cases with the tonneau cover pulled over to conceal the cases.

624 litres* boot volume (rear seats up, up to window)
1668 litres* boot volume (rear seats down, up to roof lining)
There is a clever, hidden compartment suitable for storing the tonneau cover so that it can be detached and stored out the way when it is not needed.

Furthermore, there is additional under floor storage in the boot which makes carrying tall objects in the boot easy and the height of the loading lip has been reduced by 137mm* compared to the Civic hatchback to facilitate easier loading.


Honda’s unique Magic Seats deliver further practicality and space within the Civic Tourer, enabling a range of seating configurations for maximum versatility.The rear seats assembly folds down in one easy movement, and the interior trunk floor of the Civic Tourer has been raised compared to the hatchback to create a completely flat area when the seats are folded down. The rear seat cushions can also be flipped up to reveal ample floor space for carrying tall objects. A 60:40 split in the seat base offers even more options for carrying both people and cargo and provides an alternative load area if access via the tailgate is limited.

Driving Performance: Advanced and Efficient Technology
The Civic Tourer will be offered with the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, with a six speedmanual transmission. This engine is the first from the Earth Dreams Technology series to be introduced in Europe. The 1.6 i-DTEC engine is also offered in the CR-V and Civic and is the lightest in its class, delivering 300 Nm of torque and in the Civic Tourer, CO² emissions from just 99g/km*.
The philosophy behind Earth Dreams Technology is to deliver an impressive balance between fuel economy and driving performance and this is certainly the case in the Civic Tourer. This new model also delivers low running costs for customers, with only 99 g/km of CO2, the Civic Tourer is VED exempt and 74.3 mpg means it’s longer between fill ups

The 1.6 i-DTEC engine is comprised of an aluminium cylinder head joined to an open deck aluminium block and is the lightest diesel engine in its class. The mechanical friction has been reduced to the level equivalent of a petrol engine. All the rotating parts have been carefully optimised to reduce their friction, helping to provide excellent fuel economy whilst making sure the new Civic Tourer is fun to drive.

The 1.6 i-DTEC engine was designed specifically for the European Market and is built at Honda’s UK Manufacturing plant (where the Civic Tourer will also be built). The Civic Tourer will also be offered with Honda’s proven 1.8 i-VTEC engine in manual or automatic transmission producing from only 148g* of CO² per km.

Adaptive Damper System
The Civic Tourer will feature an innovative rear Adaptive Damper System, a first for a production car. The system has three settings - comfort, normal and dynamic - all of which have been developed to enhance stability and comfort under varying load and driving conditions. This allows the Civic Tourer to remain comfortable during motorway cruising, yet firm and agile when high-performance handling is required.

“By introducing the technology in this format, we expect many customers will be able to experience the benefits of this advanced system.” Adrian Killham, Large Project Leader.

Safety
As with all Honda cars, safety was at the forefront of the development team’s mind when designing the Civic Tourer, particularly the integration of active safety systems known as Advanced Driving Assist Systems.

Honda has introduced a new suite of sensor based active safety systems that use a combination of cameras, short range lidar (Laser Radar) and radar technologies. The Civic Tourer and the refreshed Civic hatchback will both utilise these technologies and many other advanced safety features to deliver a high standard of safety for the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users in line with Honda’s philosophy of ‘Safety for Everyone’.

For details of Advanced Driving Assist Systems fitted to the Civic Tourer please see “Safety for Everyone” section below.

Refreshed and Refined 2014 Honda Civic
Honda will show the refreshed 2014 Civic for the first time at Frankfurt Motor Show. The car will benefit from exterior and interior refinements that give the Civic a more distinctive, sportier appearance. The updated exterior styling focuses on the rear of the car with the introduction of privacy glass to the windows . In addition, smoke coloured rear combination lights have also been introduced. A smart black border now surrounds the license plate, tailgate and a new lower bumper. The Civic also features a new front bumper frame, a darker wheel arch finish and new 17” Aluminum silver and black wheels.


Subtle changes to the interior further emphasise the interior quality of the refreshed Civic. These styling changes include new white stitching detail that has been applied to the steering wheel, seat and knee pad and black buttons on the audio panel and steering wheel switches.

The Civic has also undergone small adjustments to the front and rear suspension and steering in order to optimise linearity, stability and the ride comfort particularly at high speeds. More information will be provided at the European Media Test drive later this year.

The Civic will feature the same suite of new sensor based active safety systems that use a combination of cameras and short range lidar technologies that are being introduced on the Civic Tourer. For details of Advanced Driver Assist Systems fitted to the Civic Tourer please see “Safety for Everyone” section below.

The refreshed Civic will be built at Honda’s UK manufacturing facility in Swindon and will be launched in early 2014.


Safety for Everyone
Honda’s commitment to safety is embodied by the term ‘Safety for Everyone’; safety for drivers, but also safety for passengers, pedestrians and occupants of all vehicles. Honda’s car-to-car crash test facility at the Tochigi R&D plant analyses impacts between models of different sizes and weights and develops solutions to mitigate injuries for both passengers and pedestrians.

As with all Honda cars, safety was at the forefront of the development team’s mind when designing the refreshed Civic and the Civic Tourer. Particularly important was the integration of advanced active safety systems known as Advanced Driver Assist Systems. This suite of sensor based active safety systems will be using a combination of cameras and short range lidar and radar technologies:

Advanced Driver Assist Systems available on the Civic and Civic Tourer will include*;

Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning detects road markings and if the car deviates from your current lane without indicating, Lane Departure Warning alerts you with audible and visual warnings.

Traffic Sign Recognition
Traffic Sign Recognition has the ability to automatically recognise road signs and display them via the intelligent Multi Information Display. Two road signs can be displayed at any one time.

Blind Spot Information
Blind Spot Information is a Honda-first radar technology which can automatically detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot and warns of potential dangers.

Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision Warning detects risk of collision by recognising the vehicle directly infront using a camera. The system operates when the car is at a speed of 9 mph and above. The system offers visible and audible warnings.

High-beam Support System
This system detects oncoming vehicles, bicycles and environmental brightness and automatically applies the High beam on/off when necessary. This system can be switched on or off by the driver.

Cross Traffic Monitor
Honda’s Cross Traffic Monitor system warns the driver when reversing of approaching vehicles using rear side radar sensors that are located in the rear bumper of the car. The direction of an approaching vehicle is shown either on the rear camera screen or displayed using arrows showing the direction of the travelling vehicle on the i-Mid display.

City-Brake Active System**
Specifically designed to help avoid or mitigate low speed accidents. City-Brake Active is a laser radar system that scans the road ahead, automatically applying the brakes if an imminent risk of collision is detected. The system operates at low speeds (19 mph and below).

Adaptive Cruise Control
This system allows you to choose both your speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. If this falls below the set level, the system instantly decelerates the vehicle. Where quicker deceleration is required ACC will alert the driver to apply the brakes.

Collision Mitigation Braking System**
This system monitors the following distance and closing rate between your vehicle and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver when a collision is likely and helping reduce impact speed when a collision becomes unavoidable.

*Available on selected Grades
** City-Brake Active System and Collision Mitigation Braking System/Adaptive Cruise Control are not available in conjunction with each other

NSX Concept II
The Honda NSX Concept II showcases the evolution of the next generation supercar’s styling and design and was first shown in Europe at the Geneva Motor show earlier this year.


The exterior design stays remarkably true to the original concept, maintaining its low and wide stance with the dynamic proportions that are highlighted by clean, modern and simple surfacing, and edgy details that communicate supercar attitude and a high-tech feel.


The NSX Concept offers a glimpse at a potential direction for the next-generation NSX’s interior design. The interior package boasts outstanding visibility, a strong driving position, and an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface” that minimises interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience. Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, Honda’s designers have strived to deliver synergy between man and machine.


With the aim of delivering a new sports car experience that combines supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance, the NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system which is part of Earth Dreams Technology series and maximises the overall drive train efficiency, reaffirming Honda’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.


As previously announced, the new NSX is being developed by a global R&D team led by designers and engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. located in Los Angeles, California, and Raymond, Ohio headed by Chief Engineer, Ted Klaus. The new NSX will be manufactured at a new production facility in central Ohio.

In August this year, the Honda NSX prototype made its first public appearance at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, showcasing the steady progress being made toward the planned 2015 launch.


NSX Concept

  • Length, mm - 4,330
  • Width, mm - 1,895
  • Height, mm - 1,160
  • Wheelbase, mm - 2,575
  • Wheel size - 19x9 (front) 20x10 (rear)
  • Tyre size - 255/35R19 (front) 275/30R20 (rear)


McLaren Honda MP4/4 Heritage F1 Car
Powered by a 1500cc V6 twin-turbo engine, this iconic machine dominated the 1988 F1 series, winning 15 of 16 GPs. It set the record for the number of GP wins in a season and won both the Constructor's and Driver's championships. Honda will return to F1 in 2015 under a joint project with McLaren.

Castrol Honda WTCC Car
Honda is competing in the 2013 FIA World Touring Car Championship with drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro and Honda will be displaying the 2013 car at Frankfurt 2013. The Civic WTCC car utilises the HR412E engine, a completely bespoke 1.6 litre 4 cylinder direct injection turbo-charged petrol engine, fully conforming to FIA regulations for the WTCC.

LCR Honda MotoGP, Stefan Bradl
Honda will also display the RC213V Race Motorcycle ridden by Stefan Bradl that is currently running in the Moto GP for the LCR Honda MotoGP team, further demonstrating Honda’s passion and pedigree in the world of Motorsport.

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