Along with the new Civic Type R

   

The new model Integra the RSX              



               Also the RSX Type R

              

Honda has announced that we here in the USA will be re - experiencing
The Civic SI .
And as the previous Si version was a Coupe , Honda is bring back the
original configuration  SI   Hatch   Back .        

The new Si hatch will feature the
the much improved VTEC-I engine.
Which will sport a broader power band
and bring 160 horse power @ 6500rpm .
And have 130 ft/lbs of
torque @ 5000rpm .
This engine will be the same engine from the
RSX base model .
We were hoping that the Type R Civic motor would
be employed to power the USA 's SI however it seems that we are getting the detuned version that comes with the RSX base model .
This engine only has the VTI effect on the intake side of the head rather than the more powerful
RSX type S / type R and Civic type R versions that employ the iVTEC
on both intake and exhaust valve timing.
iVTEC is a variable valve timing
effect that is employed by adjustable cam shaft sprockets .
This iVTEC will make these engines have a broader
power delivery and offer more torque . As well this engine is said to be 20 % lighter , combine this with a stiffer chassis . And it seems that the USA version SI will still offer the performance
that previous Civic SI's brought to America .
The new SI hatch will feature 4 wheel disc brakes
as well as ABS braking .
Sued Interior with a standard moonroof will
compliment the stylistic interior.

As you can see the shifter is integrated
into the dash console. This also helps in moving the Shifter
closer to the transmission
which will help in shifting the 5 speed close ratio transmission .

Both the Civic type R and the USA Civic SI
will be built inSwindon England .
One can only hope that the the 2 models will share many similar performance parts . Unfortunately for the USA the Civic type R will come with the 200 horse power VTEC-I engine .
Honda feels that this engine
placed in the USA Civic SI would hurt the RSX type S sales .
Honda has many new changes coming down
the pipeline in the coming years . We can hope that Honda will decide to bring over the RSX type R sooner rather than later .
And as Tom Hill president of Honda North America has been quoted saying that the new Accord will need more
than 240 horse power to compete
against the competition .

Moreover Honda is introducing the Model X which is a cross between a SUV with the features of a pick-up truck .
Check out our Article about the new Model X .

Also encouraging is the recent comment by a high level Honda Manager stating that the RSX type R

" Will Be The Fastest Front Wheel Drive Production Automobile " .

Street Tuners is keeping a keen eye on the rumor mill for the new
Civic SI hatch so stay tuned for updates when news breaks .
The Civic SI hatch is slated to be in the USA around
the 1st. of the year 2002.

Now on to the pics !