FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

For the Type R fans like the boys in FastMotoring, Honda R&D president, Yasuhisa Arai has confirmed a 2.0-litre Turbocharged engine for the upcoming 2015 Honda Civic Type R. Obviously, it is the first Civic Type R in the history that comes with a snail turbine. The Honda’s engineer team is confident the new Civic Type R model will break the lap record at the Nurburgring for a front-wheel drive hot hatch.

In a recent Auto Express report from UK, Yasuhisa Arai confirmed that the new unit will produce as much as 224kW, making it over 70kW more powerful than the predecessor. More importantly, it will make it one of the most powerful hot hatches around.

“We have an idea of the products our rivals are developing and regardless of what anyone else produces, our car will be the fastest front-wheel-drive model around the Nurburgring when it goes on sale. And we will do whatever we need to in order to make that happen.” Arai said. He added that the turbo unit will still possess that traditional high-revving VTEC power curve.

In other areas, the new model is set to come with a mechanical limited-slip differential within the front-wheel drive layout, helping to ensure all that power is transferred through to serious performance and acceleration. An interesting new front suspension setup is also said to be in the works to help eliminate torque-steer.

Lastly, don’t be too excited as this new model isn’t scheduled to arrive until 2015. Precisely, another 3 years from now.

MUGEN has revealed their concept model for the Honda Civic Euro 2012 in England last week. The model is fitted with prototype body parts which consists of  front sports grille, front under spoiler, side spoiler, rear under spoiler, and a rear wing. All these are designed to give the standard Honda Civic Euro 2012 an additional of aerodynamic efficiency.

The design that you see now for the Mugen Civic Euro will be a close to production one which scheduled to be launch end of this year in the Europe. The Mugen Civic Euro Concept will be equipped with 18″ Mugen GP forged alloy rim along with sports suspension. This setup it’s to improve driving stability. The MUGEN active gate brake system provides increased braking ability.

MUGEN as the renowned Honda tuner will improve the overall balance balance of acceleration, deceleration and cornering. The upcoming Mugen Civic Euro 2012 will have a sharper characteristic, controlled ride & handling.

MUGEN did not forget the interior changes for the Euro Civic 2012. Mugen will use the latest addition of the MUGEN’s MS-R full bucket seat to give the driver & passenger full support and keep them securely in position in all condition. The seat, made with full0carbon shell clad and MUGEN’s unique fabric giving a performance-enhancing weight reduction. Check out the gallery below as we hope MUGEN will tune the new Asia’s version of 9th Generation Honda Civic.

Phot Gallery: Mugen Honda Civic Euro Concept 2012

It is such a big surprise that the all-new 9^th generation Honda Civic has sold over 135,000 units from January to May 2012 and beating all the other competitors to become the No. 1 choice in its segment in the USA. In reality, this particular model set to launch on next week and replacing the well-liked 8^th generation Honda Civic in Malaysia.

Today, Honda Malaysia announced that the All-New Civic will soon be making a smart appearance with strings of improvements. Among which are increased fuel economy on all variants, further addition of interactive technologies for personalization and convenience, enhancements to performance, drive and interior styling.

“Civic has always been the number one choice in its segment. With its futuristic advanced technology, the All-New Civic continues to fulfil customers’ demand for a ride with smart technology. Introduced as a smart sedan with energetic drive, futuristic technology, improved fuel efficiency and new level of comfort, the All-New Civic is designed to connect human and machine more closely,” said Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

For Malaysian market, the All-New Civic is readily available in three variants – 1.8L i-VTEC, 2.0L i-VTEC and 2.0L Navi. The 1.8L’s engine remains the same as the existing model but has been enhanced for better fuel consumption. The 2.0L variant now adopts a SOHC i-VTEC engine as compared to the previous DOHC i-VTEC. With this, it is able to achieve better fuel economy yet maintains the much desired driving performance.

The key aspect of smart technology in the All-New Civic is spelled out in its advanced styling. On the outside, the streamlined silhouette evokes a cleaner but yet energetic impression. The unique mono-form framework clearly embodies grace and style. Complete with redesigned exterior, the car presents a wider spectrum on both the front and the rear. Featuring a futuristic cockpit design, the esteemed two-tier dashboard has been greatly enhanced to match the stylish interior. The overall improvement not only makes driving fun, it gives driver better control, comfortable space and intelligent assistance.

With a state-of-the-art multiplex meter, the cockpit resembles a high-tech console that links the main display and a series of other control functions. Through advanced technology, driver is able to access various controls such as audio setting and cruise control from the steering wheel. With a five-inch colour intelligent multi information display (i-MID), informative readings such as fuel consumption, audio details and other supporting information are clearly visible and easy on the eyes. The smart interface concept also promotes safe driving while prompting interactivity between driver and the car.

Taking smart technology further, the All-New Civic is Honda’s first non-hybrid vehicle fitted with ECO Assist functions, which include the ECON Mode button. When activated, the ECON Mode button combines and performs a series of ECO Assist functions including optimizing control of the Drive By Wire (DBW), Automatic Transmission (AT) Shift Map, air conditioner, engine and related powertrain components. This intelligent combination is able to improve the vehicle fuel efficiency markedly.

Furthermore, there is a driver feedback function – the ambient meter display with changing background colours provides real-time guidance to drivers on best ways to achieve higher fuel efficiency.

Another noteworthy smart feature is the built-in NAVI operation system. Through the touch screen display, driver is able to navigate from one destination to the next easily while driving. In addition, the new ride also comes with reverse camera that makes reversing a breeze. Smart and advance, the Civic 2.0 variant offers a series of premium features such as Driver Power Seat, Head Lamp auto-off Timer, Smart Entry and Push Start Button, Cruise Control and side SRS Airbag.

In addition, the All-New Civic is greatly enhanced with sound proof package to minimise noise for a more comfortable ride that makes driving fun.

The All-New Civic has obtained a 5-star EURO NCAP safety rating for occupants and pedestrian. The refined Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure provides improved crash compatibility between vehicles of different size and ride height. It is embedded with front and side Airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA). Taking security to a higher level, the Civic has combined the VSA system with an advanced Motion Adaptive EPS (Electric Power Steering) system that helps drivers to control during oversteer and understeer conditions. Furthermore, The All-New Civic complies with the UN R94 Regulation – Protection of the Occupants in the Event of a Frontal Collision as all variants features come standard with a sun visor label, rear centre head rest, 3 point ELR safety belt and rear ISO Fix.

For individuals that preferred for the hybrid power plant, the All-New Civic Hybrid will also be launch after this, so be patient just wait a little longer. According to Honda Malaysia, the All-New Civic Hybrid is set to be the Advanced Smart Hybrid Sedan with futuristic distinctive efficiency. It will be a 1.5-litre engine instead of 1.3-litre. How futuristic it can be? We are looking forward for this launch as well!!

For more information about the new 9th generation Honda Civic and more photos, check out this link from our affiliate site.

On the last day of March 2012, Honda Automobile (Thailand) officially reopened the Ayutthaya Plant that was forced to close for 6 months following last year’s massive floods.

In December, Honda destroyed 1,055 cars that were damaged in the floods at the plant. It is remarkable getting the devastated plant up and running months ahead of schedule.

As of now, the production at the assembly plant is expected to fully resume by middle of this month. The Honda’s Ayutthaya plant makes Brio, Jazz, City, Civic, Accord and CRV models for the Thailand market and 30 other countries.

As you can see from the photos, the new facelift Honda City is in new production line. This sparks me a question when the Honda City will be facelift in Malaysia?

Honda is also establishing a Honda Thailand Fund to support worthy causes. Under the project, the company will contribute 1,000 baht for every Honda car, 100 baht for every motorcycle and 10 baht for every engine product to the fund. The fund is expected to generate 300 million baht in the first year and will have a target of one billion baht.

Anyhow, check out the video of the New Honda City 2011 too.

Photo Gallery: Honda Ayutthaya Plant in Thailand is back

After the tragedy of massive flood in Thailand, Honda Automobile Thailand started to scrap 1,055 cars which were damaged by the recent floods in Thailand. The 1,055 unit of Honda cars (mostly Honda Brio and City) were destroyed in an action to assure to customers that the flood-damaged cars will not be repaired and sold.

For the rest assure, there will not be any reconditioned ‘new’ Honda cars to be export and circulating in the market (including the spare parts).

It is a bit painful to see the process of scrapping the cars. Anyhow, check out the video below.