The City Turbo debuted one year after the City was introduced, and presented several improvements over the previous year's model. Displacement for the Turbo II increased by 6 cc, but most notable was the addition of a small, IHI RHB51 turbocharger that offered the benefits of minimal lag and high speed. Tuned with Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection and re-chipped 8-bit ECU, output was increased by nearly 40%, to right around 100 hp and 108 lb-ft of torque. The City Turbo was also given a more aggressive, four-wheel independent suspension that the previous year's model did not receive, along with a slightly re-designed exterior appearance. The interior saw the City's analog speedometer upgraded to digital in the City Turbo, as well as a newly designed tachometer and the addition of a boost gauge. Oh, what Civic builders of today would do to get their hands on one of these...
The following year saw the City Turbo revised again, with a wider stance and flared fenders, a hatch-mounted rear spoiler, redesigned front fascia, and "Turbo II" vinyl labeling on its flanks that it would retain until production ceased in 1987. Engine improvements were also made; the Turbo II was given an intercooler, raised compression (to a still-low-by-today's-standards 7.6:1), a modified intake manifold and throttle body, and larger turbo--good enough for an 8 hp jump in power, but increased reliability was more the focus.
Contrary to what may be apparent to us in the States, Honda's soire into turbocharging with the City Turbo didn't end when production of the Turbo model ceased in 1987. Two years later, Honda released a variant of the 2.0L C20Z V-6 Legend for the Japanese market that included a "Wing Turbo"--a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) that used a vacuum-controlled diaphragm around the turbine housing to speed exhaust flow at low rpm for increased boost production and decreased lag; a technology shared by other automakers, and one we see in today's RDX.www.honda.com
Toyota's Electric Slide Ride?
Toyota announced that it will begin producing an all-electric small city car for the US market by 2012. Based on the iQ commuter car, the concept FT-EV was unveiled at the Detroit auto show, along with a redesigned Prius and all-new Lexus HS 250h hybrid--showing the manufacturer's commitment to gas/electric hybrid technology, along with its entrance into the zero emissions vehicle race, alongside rivals Honda, Nissan and Smart. The car is expected to be marketed almost solely to urban buyers who drive less than 50 miles in a day, and can charge their vehicles at home. www.toyota.com
By The Numbers
300,000
The amount, in dollars, spent building the RB26-powered Mustang of The Fast and The Furious:
Tokyo Drift. And yes, it does run.