GENEVA - Honda wows with Concepts, Limited Editions, F1, WTCC and so much more.

Honda has revealed its 2014 Geneva Motor Show line-up, including the worldwide debut of the Civic Type R Concept model, the European debut of the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Concept, the powertrain layout of the new NSX and the 2014 Civic World Touring Car Championship race car. 

Racing Car for the Road – Civic Type R Concept 

Honda’s appearance at the 2014 Geneva Motorshow will lead with the worldwide reveal of the Civic Type R Concept model, providing the styling direction for the exterior design of the highly-anticipated production version that debuts in 2015. Dubbed by the design team as a ‘racing car for the road’, its bold and aggressive styling reflects the strong performance characteristics for which Type R is renowned. 

Advanced Technology Leadership – FCEV Concept 
Further underlining Honda’s leadership in the development of advanced technology, the FCEV Concept makes its first European appearance. Sleek and aerodynamic, the Concept points to the potential styling direction of Honda’s next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle which launches in the U.S. and Japan in 2015, followed by Europe. 

Further Evolution – Honda NSX 
Making its Motor Show debut, Honda will highlight the powertrain layout of the new NSX supercar. The model showcases the longitudinal, V6 direct injection engine with twin turbo, alongside Honda’s innovative 3 motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Racing Spirit – 2014 Civic World Touring Car Championship livery
Following winning the Manufacturers' Championship of the 2013 World Touring Car Championship, Honda will also reveal the livery of the 2014 Civic WTCC car. Additionally it will showcase its long history in Formula One with the RA271 that competed in 1964 making its debut in the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring and the record-breaking turbo-charged RA168E engine which dominated the 1988 season. 

Racing Car for the Road – Civic Type R Concept 

Bold and Aggressive, Styled to Reflect Performance
Honda’s appearance at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show will lead with the worldwide reveal of the Civic Type R Concept model, providing the styling direction for the exterior design of the hotly-anticipated production version that debuts in 2015. Its bold and aggressive styling reflects the strong performance credentials for which Type R is renowned.

Described by the design team as a ‘racing car for the road’ rather than a high performance version of a road car, the new Type R looks set to signal a new era for the marque- this model is set to be the most extreme Civic Type R yet. Its sleek and aerodynamic profile reflects a car designed for function and performance whilst maintaining the look of a road car and the distinctive character of Type R.

“Type R represents Honda’s racing spirit. It is built with a passion for motorsport.”
Masaru Hasegawa – Chief Stylist, Civic Type R

Styling is heavily linked to performance, with the Type R Concept showing its credentials in the exterior design. Many of the styling features offer real function, rather than just aesthetics, as confirmed by feedback from prototype testing at the famous Nurgburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The need to reduce drag, add down-force, provide cooling and achieve optimum airflow, were key considerations for the design team.

The front spoiler is designed to add down-force, the vertical side wings and the cut out shape of the front bumper help to reduce drag and control airflow around the front tyres. A red stripe running along the front spoiler further accentuates the Type R’s low and wide stance.

Furthermore, the new headlight design with integrated LED daytime running lights and the sharp horizontal fog lights, add a strong character to the face of the Type R Concept. The upper and lower front grilles have been enlarged and air outlets on the bonnet provide cooling for the high output engine. The front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate wide tyres and air outlets are integrated to optimise airflow. 

One of the most stand-out advances on the Concept model is the new rear spoiler featuring LED tail lights integrated into the rear wing which accentuates the Type R’s futuristic look. The shape and angle of the double rear wing has been designed to provide additional down-force, as a direct result of feedback gained through testing on the track.

Supporting the design direction are 20-inch wheels, edged by a red ring, with visible red brake callipers and a bright red stripe running along the bottom of the front spoiler. Such features add to the aggressive appearance which reflects the inspiring driving experience that the Type R promises to deliver.

Styling and modelling of the new Concept has been carried out in Europe, with the team based at Honda’s R&D centre in Swindon, UK. The design team maintained close contact with production colleagues, as they worked towards achieving the styling direction of the Concept model.

Building on Honda’s History for Turbo-Charged Engines
While further detail on performance is yet to be announced, Honda has confirmed that the forthcoming Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature one of its brand new VTEC TURBO engines from the Earth Dreams Technology range. The two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder turbo is expected to deliver class-leading output of at least 280PS and will be EURO 6 compliant.

Turbo engines have not been seen in Honda’s production cars in Europe for some time, however, the company has continued to actively develop turbo technology, deploying it on the race track and in road cars in other regions. The 2013 WTCC season saw Honda successfully return to the track with the turbo-charged HR412E in the Civic; powering the Castrol Honda World Touring Car team and Zengo Motorsport team to Manufacturers’ Champion in Honda‘s first full season.

Honda’s successful return to WTCC in 2013, has been instrumental in gathering knowledge that has helped shape the new Type R, providing the development team with analysis and feedback on performance and styling collected from the track to assist in the creation of a ‘racing car for the road’ from the Civic hatchback.

The manufacturer’s long history in developing turbo engines for success on the track dates back decades, with one stand-out example being Honda’s turbo-charged RA168E used in Formula One. In the 1988 F1 season the RA168E powered Honda to set eight new records, including the most race victories (15 out of 16), the most Constructors points (199) and the most one-two finishes (10). The season also saw Honda take both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships for the second consecutive year.

Additionally, the 2013 American Le Mans Series saw Honda Performance Development and its teams dominate, with Scott Tucker taking his third consecutive drivers title in the ARX-03b. Powered by the Honda HR28TT twin-turbo V6 engine, the ARX-03b produces 450hp from 2800cc displacement. In the Japanese Super GT series, GT300 class, the CR-Z GT has used a turbo engine since 2013; while the 2014 NSX Concept –GT, in the GT500 class will feature a two-litre turbo engine coupled with hybrid technology. 

Honda also continues to deploy turbo-charged engines in production cars in markets outside of Europe. The 1988 Legend introduced a 2.0-litre 24-valve V6 engine with a variable “Wing Turbo” that could regulate exhaust stream and efficiently utilise charging pressure. More recently, the Acura RDX launched in 2008 with a 2.3-litre 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine utilising i-VTEC intake valve control; combining Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™). With the variable flow turbocharger working in unison with i-VTEC, the RDX delivers strong power and torque, excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Rated output for the engine is 240 hp at 6000 rpm, with 260 lb-ft Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. 

Many smaller Honda models also utilise turbo engines in order to deliver a dynamic ride; for example, the 1982 City Turbo through to the successful N-ONE turbo model released in Japan, in 2012. 

The unveiling of the new Type R Concept model follows Honda’s announcement at the Paris Motor Show in 2012, where it confirmed the return of the Civic Type R, with a commitment to setting new standards in performance and handling, with the application of technologies developed through its participation in the World Touring Car Championships. The company also announced its aim for the new Civic Type R to become the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle to lap the Nurburgring.

The Civic Type R Concept model will appear on the Honda stand at Geneva Motor Show, in a vivid red with a gold highlight, a colour developed especially for this car, aiming to express its performance credentials and unique character.

Advanced Technology Leadership - FCEV Concept

Further underlining Honda’s commitment to leadership in the development of advanced technology, the latest FCEV concept model makes its debut European appearance. Sleek and aerodynamic, the concept points to the potential styling direction of Honda’s next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle which launches in the U.S. and Japan in 2015, followed by Europe. 

Showcasing exciting and modern styling, the Honda FCEV Concept features sweeping character lines underscored by an ultra-aerodynamic body. It also delivers ample interior space and seating for five passengers, thanks to new powertrain packaging efficiencies. 

Honda’s next generation FCEV will feature the world’s first application of a fuel-cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle, allowing for efficiencies in cabin space as well as flexibility in the potential application of fuel-cell technology to multiple vehicle types in the future. 

Significant technological advancements to the fuel-cell stack have yielded more than 100kW of power output, with power density now 3kW/L, an increase of 60 percent, and the stack size reduced by 33 percent, compared to the current FCX Clarity. The next-generation Honda FCEV is anticipated to deliver a driving range of approximately 700km, according to Japan cycle (JC-08 mode) with a quick refuelling time of around three minutes at 70 MPa. 

“Building on twenty years of fuel-cell leadership with the FCX and FCX Clarity, the FCEV Concept sets the direction for our next-generation fuel-cell vehicle and for future improvements in electric-drive technology. While this car is a concept, it points towards a very real future.“

Thomas Brachmann – Fuel Cell Technology, Honda R&D Europe

For almost two decades Honda has led the development and deployment of fuel-cell technology through extensive real world testing, significant advancements in fuel-cell operation, and meeting stringent emissions and safety regulations.

In 2011, Honda joined the Clean Energy Partnership, the CEP is Europe's leading fuel cell vehicle and hydrogen infrastructure demonstration project. More recently, Honda’s participation in the H2 Mobility Programmes in Germany and the UK demonstrate its commitment to synchronise the rollout of vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure.

Launched in Europe in 2008, Honda’s current fuel cell-electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity, was quickly heralded as a technological breakthrough in design, packaging and efficiency. As the world’s first dedicated fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity features a striking silhouette and a low-slung cabin. With the V-flow fuel-cell stack positioned down the centre of the vehicle and the electric motor located in the front, Honda was able to maintain the car’s futuristic styling while delivering a driving range of 240 miles.

Honda FCX Clarity Contribution in Europe:

• 2009- FCX Clarity promotion program throughout Europe
• June 2011- Honda joins CEP (Clean Energy Partnership) and H2 Demonstration Project in Germany. Support with 2 FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicles.
• September 2011- Opening of the first 70MPa and 35MPa public hydrogen station in Swindon, UK
• September- October 2012- “H2 Moves Scandinavia Road Tour” from Hamburg via Munich, Bolzano, Paris, Cardiff, Bristol, London, Copenhagen
• October 2012- Entering into Nordic MoU to prepare for H2 station and FCEV launch in Scandinavian countries
• October 2012- Joining the German H2 Mobility program to prepare for H2 station and FCEV deployment
• January 2014- Joining the UK H2 Mobility

Further Evolution – NSX Concept 

Also making its European debut at Geneva is the latest evolution of the NSX Concept, revealing a chassis layout with a longitudinal, V6, direct injection engine with twin turbo.

The forthcoming new NSX will feature Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), delivering a whole new level of both fuel economy and superior driving performance by combining a new mid-mounted V6 direct-injection twin turbo engine and an all new dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Utilising a unique two-motor Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, delivering far superior handling performance to previous AWD systems. 

The SH-AWD system on the new NSX will have a mid-mounted powertrain, with the electric motors on the front wheels.

Racing Spirit

2014 Civic WTCC Livery

Following winning the Manufacturers' Championship of the 2013 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), its first season of full participation as a factory works team, Honda will reveal the 2014 livery of the Castrol Honda WTCC Civic at the Geneva Motor Show.

Honda has recently confirmed that in the 2014 season the Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team will continue to compete with its Championship winning driver line-up of Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro; and that Honda will also provide the 2014 WTCC Civic to the private teams of Zengo Motorsport with Norbert Michelisz, and to Proteam Racing with Mehdi Bennani.

Honda’s First Formula One Car – the RA271

Honda is also using its appearance at the 2014 Geneva Show to showcase its long history in Formula One with the RA271, the first Honda to race in F1, which made its debut at the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring in 1964. 

Symbolising Honda’s challenging spirit, the RA271 featured an all-new chassis, with a light alloy panel design, replacing the obsolete space frame concept employed on the RA270F test car. Development of this state-of-the-art aluminium monochrome chassis took the team into new territory, leading them to consult textbooks on aircraft technology to support their efforts. A key priority was to ensure optimum stability and weight distribution once the engine was mounted, and so, drawing upon its expertise in motorcycle production, Honda took the innovative choice of installing the V12 engine transversely in the chassis. 

Honda had originally planned to paint its first made-for-racing F1 car in gold, to match the RA270F prototype. However gold had been assigned to South Africa by the FIA, so Honda elected to finish the car in ivory white accented with a red rising sun on the cowling. 

Honda’s Record-Breaking Turbo-Charged Engine – the RA168E

Completing Honda’s racing line-up will be the turbo-charged RA168E, which dominated the 1988 Formula One championship in the year that engine supply shifted from Williams to McLaren.

In this the last season of competing with turbo-charged engines Honda faced a huge challenge with regulation changes, which saw fuel tank capacity reduced to 150 litres and maximum boost pressure reduced to 2.5 bar. Rather than switching to a naturally-aspirated version, Honda fought on with a turbo-charged engine; reducing fuel consumption, boosting power output and reducing engine weight to just 146kg.

The RA168E went on to help Honda set eight new records in the 1988 season, including the most race victories (15 out of 16), the most Constructors points (1999) and the most one-two finishes (10). The season also saw Honda take both the Constructors‘ and Drivers‘ Championships for the second consecutive year. 

Next-Generation Powertrains – Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC 

The lightest in class 1.6 i-DTEC engine first introduced in the Civic five-door, has recently been added to the new European Civic Tourer and CR-V models. This engine, the first engine from Honda’s next-generation Earth Dreams Technology series, offers an exceptional balance of power, performance and efficiency. The new Civic Tourer, CR-V and 2014 Civic hatchback will appear at Geneva alongside several other models from Honda‘s current line-up. 

Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC

Designed and developed in Europe, the British-built Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC combines distinctive styling with a segment-leading mix of versatility, practicality and technology in a compact car with high fuel efficiency and surprisingly low running costs. 

The frugal new 1.6 i-DTEC engine, along with innovations including the unique Eco Assist™ and Idle-Stop offers a competitive 120 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque, yet still delivers 74.33mpg on the combined cycle, giving a range of 817 miles on one tank of fuel and CO2 emissions starting from 99g/km.

The space inside the Tourer defies its dimensions. Despite being the lowest and most compact estate in the segment and just 235mm longer than the Civic hatchback, the new Tourer offers a class-leading 624 litres of trunk space up to the tonneau cover; enough to accommodate four golf bags or three large suitcases and two flight cases. Additionally, utilising Honda’s unique Magic Seat system, the rear seats can be pulled down to create a completely flat load area with 1668 litres of capacity up to the roof lining; comfortably accommodating two full-sized mountain bikes with the front wheels removed.

The significant luggage space is cleverly supported by the Tourer’s newly developed rear Adaptive Damper System (ADS), a world first in a production car. The system automatically adjusts the rear suspension damping force to ensure optimum stability and comfort in varying load and driving conditions.

The new Civic Tourer is also available with a 1.8 i-VTEC petrol engine. 

Comprehensive safety

Honda’s commitment to safety is embodied by the term ‘Safety for Everyone’; safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles. Honda achieves this through a range of both passive and active safety features, which aim to prevent or mitigate accident and injuries. The new Civic Tourer and the 2014 Civic hatchback feature Honda’s new suite of sensor-based safety technology. . This new Driver Assistance Safety Pack is a £780 option on all SE Plus, SR and EX Plus models. The sophisticated sensor-based technologies included in the Pack help avoid a collision and ensure that high levels of safety are affordable and accessible to a wide range of customers within the compact family-car segment.

Technology in detail - City-Brake Active system 

Specifically designed to help avoid or mitigate low-speed accidents, City-Brake Active system 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 speeds of 18mph or below, and is designed to detect cars and trucks. 

When the system identifies a risk of collision, pre-braking with audible and visual warning will occur, followed by full autonomous braking. The system can be turned off by the driver only when the vehicle is stationary and it will remain off until the driver turns off the ignition. The system will come back on once the ignition is switched back on. 

Forward Collision Warning

Forward Collision Warning detects the risk of an impact by recognising the vehicle (car or truck) directly in front using a multi-purpose, forward-facing camera. The system operates when the car is travelling at speeds of 9mph and above. On detecting the risk of collision, it will offer visual and audible warnings. The warning distance can be adjusted to the driver’s preferences and the system can be turned off by the driver.

High Beam Support System

The High Beam Support System works at speeds of more than 24mph to switch High Beam headlights on / off automatically depending on oncoming / preceding vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles), bicycles and environmental brightness. The system can be turned off by the driver at any time. 

Lane Departure Warning

Lane Departure Warning uses the multi-purpose camera to track lane markings on the road. If the car deviates from its current lane without indicating, Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver with audible and visual warnings. The system operates at speeds of more than 39mph where the road has a curve radius of 250m or more. The system can be turned off by the driver at any time. 

Traffic Sign Recognition System

Traffic Sign Recognition System uses the multi-purpose camera to detect road signs whenever the vehicle is moving forward. The system automatically recognises and displays the signs via the intelligent Multi Information Display (iMID) once the vehicle has passed the sign. 

The system is designed to detect circular road signs displaying speed limits and ‘No Passing’ information. Two road signs can be displayed at any one time – the right side of the display only shows speed-limit signs and the left side is for ‘No Passing’ signs and speed limits with additional information, such as weather conditions. 

The Traffic Sign Recognition System can judge if a sign is relevant to the vehicle or not, and will only display it if it is relevant. For example, signs depicting speed limits specifically for Heavy Goods Vehicles will not be displayed. Traffic Sign Recognition System can be viewed through the dedicated page on the iMID or can be selected to appear below the normal display. 

Honda’s Traffic Sign Recognition System uses a camera rather than GPS which means the information is always accurate. 

Blind Spot Information

Blind Spot Information uses radar technology to automatically detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, warning of potential dangers when the vehicle is travelling at speeds of more than 12mph. The system is designed to detect cars and trucks and can help to support drivers in situations such as passing other vehicles and merging or changing lanes.

When a vehicle enters the driver’s blind spot a visual warning is displayed on the wing mirror. This remains until the vehicle leaves the blind spot. If the driver operates the indicator whilst the vehicle is in the blind spot, the visual warning will blink and an audible warning will sound to further alert the driver to the potential danger. The system can be turned off by the driver once the vehicle has stopped. 

Cross Traffic Monitor 

Honda’s Cross Traffic Monitor system uses rear-side radar sensors to warn the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing. The direction of an approaching vehicle is shown either on the rear-view camera screen, or displayed using arrows showing the direction of the travelling vehicle on the iMID accompanied by an audible warning. The system is designed to detect cars and trucks travelling up to 15mph, and can be turned off by the driver once the vehicle has stopped

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.

Honda CR-V Black Edition and White Edition 

Honda (UK) has recently launched two eye-catching, Special Edition variants of the popular CR-V, the Black Edition and White Edition. Both share a range of bold exterior enhancements that give the car even greater road presence.

With both the Black Edition and White Edition, the CR-V’s distinctive styling is enhanced with the addition of bold 19-inch Orion alloy wheels, exhaust finisher and privacy glass. A new patterned front grille gives a more powerful expression of performance, while a tailgate spoiler extends the flowing lines of the roof over the rear window to give a sleek, dynamic look. Smoothly integrated running boards add practicality and visual impact, while front and rear skid plates top the styling upgrades while protecting the underside of the car. 

The Special Editions also benefit from the generous specification offered with the CR-V SE-T, which features dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth HFT, front and rear parking sensors and power-folding door mirrors, plus metallic paint and satellite navigation all as standard.