Just Debuted:Honda Civic Si ConceptThe Civic Si concept was hailed by Honda as "providing a strong indication of the styling and performance direction for an all-new production Civic Si coupe." The key word here is "strong." We're assuming this concept is very similar to the production 2006 Civic coupe, aside from the center-exit exhaust, rear wing and hood. Completely redesigned for the coming model year, the new Civic lineup will feature a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, Si coupe, Civic hybrid and a natural gas Civic GX. The Si will receive a 200-hp DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with an 8000-rpm red line. Fitted to a six-speed manual transmission, it will be the first U.S. Si released with a stock limited-slip differential. (Yes!) Disc brakes all around with Brembo calipers are also in the works, along with 18-inch aluminum wheels and tires. The greatest thing about the Civic was its bang-for-the-buck performance. With this many features attached to the Si, will Honda be able to produce the car affordably? Prospective WRX and RSX owners will be waiting.
The 2006 Civic Si will debut at the 2005 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nev. We'll make a mental note to be sober enough to get you the latest info on pricing and final production status.
Ring In The (Chinese)New Year:Showoff ChinatownOne of the events breaking open the 2005 season, the Showoff Car Show series, touched down on the heart of Los Angeles on Feb. 13, 2005. In conjunction with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles and the Chinatown Business Improvement District, L.A.'s Chinatown partied like it was the year of the rooster. The celebration took place throughout Chinese New Year weekend. Celebrations included the 106th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, a carnival and the Firecracker 5- and 10K Run/Walk. On Sunday, Showoff opened its doors and the L.A. streets ran thick with spectators. Outside the show awaited food, fun and an open liveliness Chinatown doesn't exhibit all year round. It was more than just import cars; it was L.A.-Chinese style.
A 500-Hp 200-Mph Lexus The Supra Reborn?Unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, this concept car, known as the LF-A, hints at the face of a new Toyota supercar. Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president and COO wrote: "The LF-A is theoretically developed to run a parallel course to our efforts in F1 racing. It would probably feature a drivetrain strongly influenced by whatever is being used in competition at that time." More Aston Martin than Toyota, this car is expected to catapult Lexus into the realm of heavily-lusted-after supercars. Power is estimated to blast beyond the 500-hp mark and top speed is expected to go as high as 200 mph. With expectedly typical Lexus quality and workmanship, and Japanese luxury and reliability, does Toyota have the BMW M5 and Ferrari F430 in its sights? Come on, Toyota, a Celica-swappable 500-hp V10 engine isn't too much to ask for.
Lawsuit Time:Katzkin Vs. NissanKatzkin Leather, Inc., combined forces with Sun Auto Tops, Inc., to file a lawsuit against Nissan North America, Inc. Katzkin, one of the largest aftermarket leather interior manufacturers, accuses Nissan of threatening to increase liability exposure on dealerships that installed aftermarket leather interiors on vehicles equipped with Occupant Detection Systems airbag sensors. The lawsuit also entails that Nissan used the leverage to force dealerships to use its own brand of leather interiors rather than Katzkin's.
Honda Ups The Ante Price Increases For 2005If you're in the market for a Honda Element, Insight, Civic LX or SE, or an Acura NSX, you're in luck. If you want to buy any other product from Honda, be prepared to pay an extra 0.58 percent. According to American Honda, the price increase is the result of rising steel costs, currency exchange rates and other operating costs. If you can't really figure out the ballpark math of those numbers, don't worry, it's only about an extra $100 to $200 more per vehicle. Believe us, you're all right. The dealership will practically charge you that much for the cigarette lighter option.