(continued from above)
"The Civic Si represents the sporty flagship of the Civic series," said John
Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The
broadened torque band of the 2012 model increases its appeal as a daily driver
while adding a new dimension of mid-range performance."
More powerful
than the 2.0-liter engine in the previous generation Civic Si, the new 2.4-liter
engine produces 201 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at 4300 rpm, an
improvement of 4 horsepower and 31 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous
model. A sport-oriented six-speed manual transmission sends power to a
helical-type limited-slip differential (LSD). The LSD helps the Civic Si
accelerate powerfully and confidently when exiting corners as both wheels can
deliver more equal torque distribution to the road compared to a conventional
open-type differential.
Exclusive Civic Si exterior features include
17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires (summer tires available on the
coupe), a body-color deck lid spoiler with an LED center brake light, fog lights
and a chrome exhaust finisher. Inside is an exclusive aluminum shift knob with
leather, textured aluminum pedals and firmly bolstered perforated cloth sport
seats with suede-like trim and red stitching. The steering wheel is
leather-trimmed with red stitching. The new "intelligent" Multi-Information
Display (i-MID) on the Civic Si includes an exclusive Power Monitor (as one of
its screens) that can indicate the percentage of total horsepower generated by
the engine. In addition, a Sequential Rev-limit Indicator located on the upper
instrument panel can show when the i-VTEC high-lift camshaft profile is engaged
and incrementally when the engine redline is approached and reached.
Exterior Design
Designed with a sleek windshield rake, a sweeping
roofline and a new interpretation of the previous model's "one-motion" profile,
the lines of the 2012 Civic Si Coupe suggest a sophisticated and athletic
appearance. It features a low and wide stance that contributes to a distinctive
visual presence, while thinner A-pillars stretch further toward the front of the
vehicle than before to improve visibility and the perception of interior space.
The C-pillars also stretch further toward the rear of the vehicle compared to
the previous generation to better complete the flowing one-motion appearance.
Adding to the extensive 2012 Civic color palette, the Civic Si Coupe adds the
availability of a new Sunburst Orange Pearl paint color that change in
appearance depending on sunlight conditions, further amplifying the dramatic
bodylines.
The 2012 Civic Si embraces Honda's tradition of making its
vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension
design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The
front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty
driving fun, yet provide refined ride comfort. Ride and handling improvements
are made possible by a 10-percent more rigid unit-body structure resulting from
enhanced structural designs and increased use of high-strength steel (55 percent
on the sedan compared to 50 percent on the previous model).
The Civic Si
receives exclusive suspension tuning compared to the Civic Sedan and Coupe.
Front and rear spring rates are increased, sport-tuned damper settings are used
front and rear, and Civic Si models have a 0.4-inch lower ride height. Front and
rear stabilizer bars are larger, measuring 18 mm in the front and 15 mm in the
rear. The Civic Si Coupe has a 17.7:1 steering ratio, identical to the other
2012 Civic models. The Civic Si has 4-wheel disc brakes with 11.8-inch vented
front rotors (up from 10.3 inches on all other Civic models) and 10.2-inch solid
rear rotors.
Honda Civic Si Coupe: Review (2/2)