2012 Honda Civic Si

All-New 2012 Honda Civic Si Adds Power and Features

Civic Si Coupe and Sedan models increase peak torque by 22 percent
The all-new 2012 Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan prioritize the performance potential of the Civic platform with a 201–horsepower i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, a sport-tuned suspension and exclusive features for the enthusiast driver.

'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 @ 7000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. torque @ 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 215/45R17 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.

2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder Engine and 6-Speed Manual Transmission

The Civic Si engine is designed to provide spirited acceleration with low exhaust emissions and good fuel economy for a compact vehicle. The 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is constructed of lightweight aluminum and features a valvetrain system that incorporates dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder (16 valves total). A performance version of Honda's i-VTEC system pairs Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) with Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™). The Civic Si i-VTEC system allows for the production of both low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower, which can be a distinct benefit compared to conventional engine designs with fixed valve timing. A high-volume intake manifold and a high-flow, low-backpressure exhaust system elevates the sporty demeanor and aggressive sound of the Civic Si. Dual balance shafts provide exceptional smoothness for a 4-cylinder engine.

Compared to the previous generation, the 20-percent-larger engine displacement contributes to peak power production at 7000 rpm instead of the previous engine's 7800 rpm peak. The increased displacement also contributes to a substantial 22-percent increase in peak torque, now occurring at 4400 rpm, a substantial 1700 rpm lower than the previous engine's 6100 rpm. The result is stronger and more immediate acceleration in a typical city driving environment.

The EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating1 of 22/31/25 miles per gallon is 1 mpg higher in the city and 2 mpg higher on the highway compared to the 2011 model. The Civic Si engine also meets stringent Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV-2) tailpipe emissions standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)

In keeping with the performance enthusiast mission of the vehicle, a 6-speed manual with a short-throw shifter is the only transmission available. Compact and lightweight, the transmission provides firm and direct shift action. The Civic Si also has a lightweight, high-capacity clutch utilizing a pedal assembly optimized for both low-effort actuation and a broad, smooth engagement band.

Coupe and Sedan Body Styles

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 Sedan suggest a sophisticated and athletic appearance. The Civic Coupe with its shorter length and unique front and rear styling result in a more aggressive and dramatic styling demeanor. Both vehicles feature 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 and Civic Si Sedan models add 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 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).

Source - Honda