Saturday, October 17, 2009

Honda Ek

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX


The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (Evo 9 to its friends) is like Frank Sinatra: So talented that it can get away with behaving badly. This is one of the meanest, fastest, most capable cars you can buy, with the power and agility to embarrass exoticars twice (or thrice) its price. It's not for novices; if you light a fire under the Evo's cauldron, you'd better know what to do when it boils. But skilled hands can play it like a Baldwin Grand.

The Evo 9 isn't just some tarted-up subcompact. Virtually every piece you see on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX -- the hood scoops, the minimalist wheels, the hug-you-like-your-mother seats -- everything (with the possible exception of the trunk spoiler) contributes to make the Lancer Evolution IX a frighteningly fast car. Behind the holes in the hood resides the intercooler that helps give the Lancer it's blinding speed, while the big red brake calipers peeking out from behind lightweight wheels make the Evo's deceleration just as impressive. And underneath it all is an all-wheel-drive system and a suspension as firm as Frank's handshake that gives the Evo it's seemingly impossible grip on the road.

On the Road

Here's where the Evo shows its true talent. Thanks largely to a turbocharger, intercooler, and a diet of premium fuel, the Evo pulls an amazing 286 horsepower from a relatively small 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. But it's the poster child for turbo lag; below 2500 RPM it has all the gusto of a self-propelled lawnmower. The show starts at 3500 RPM when the turbo springs to life and all hell breaks loose. Three words of advice: Hang on tight.

S-14 Nissan Silvia


The S14 Silvia debuted in Japan at the end of 1993. It was lower and wider than the S13. New rounded styling contributed to the illusion of a much greater increase in size than actually occurred. Wheelbase and track were both increased, leading to slightly improved handling. Unlike export markets, where sales of the S14 chassis variants faltered, the Silvia remained popular in Japan.

Trim level designations were similar to the S13, however the Club Selection package was dropped. "Aero" variants of the Q's and K's were offered that featured large rear wings and mild ground effects.

The S14 Silvia K's received a new version of the SR20DET, boasting a slight bump in power due to the implementation of Nissan's variable valve timing system, VTC, and a larger T28 turbocharger.

There was a mild styling update to the S14 during 1996, which added aggressive-looking projector headlamps and tinted taillights to all models. Fascias and other exterior trim pieces were also revised. The turbocharger now used a more efficient ball bearing center section. This updated version is popularly known as the kouki (literally "later period") S14, or by enthusiasts as the S14A. This car was sold as the second generation 240SX in North America from 1995–1998. The final model year of S14 production in all markets was 2000.

270R

The Nismo 270R was a limited edition vehicle developed by Nissan Motorsports. The vehicle was built on the S14 chassis but had many enhancements over the Silvia. Only fifty 270Rs were ever built and they were only produced in 1994. The '270' is in reference to the horsepower of the unique car as opposed to the displacement of the engine (as other vehicles, including the 240sx, were previously named upon). The 270R featured a vented hood, Nismo 'Edge' Aero kit, heavy duty clutch, 2-way limited slip differential, and a front mount intercooler among many other upgrades. All the 270s were painted black with 'Nismo 270R' badging above the rear wheels and a product numbered plaque in the glove compartment.

Autech Version K's MF-T

Tuning company Autech, has a tuned adaption of the CS14 King's variant. This includes Aero style HUD with white displays and gauges for oil pressure, boost, and voltage in the centre console, along with a MOMO steering wheel and leather gear knob. The interior trim is also revised.

Handling improvements include multi-link suspension, firmer shocks and springs, front strut brace, and a rear sway bar. A large F40 style rear spoiler and aero bodykit with Autech indicators are also fitted. An "Autech Version K's MF-T" badge and sticker can be found on the boot.

An IHI ball bearing turbo (VN14) was fitted in favour of the Garrett T28 for slightly quicker response and flow. Larger 480 cc Injectors found in the later S15 Spec R's were also fitted as well as a thicker 80 mm intercooler also found in S15's. To help expel exhaust, a higher flowing Fujitsubo Giken (FGK) exhaust was fitted.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Type R models














Type R
models are special performance editions of their respective model families. The design of Type R models was originally focused on race conditions, with an emphasis on minimizing weight, and maximizing performance potential (e.g. engine tuning, suspension set-up). Thus, Type R models were first conceived for racetracks. However, due to Honda's increased focus on their highly regarded VTEC engines, the Type R was eventually designed for a much wider market.

Type R vehicles traditionally have a red Honda badge and championship white paint as an option to relate to their first F1 winning car. Honda's racing and F1 cars often feature a red Honda badge.

Integra Type R (DC5)


the DC5 Honda Integra Type R carries back over 3 years. That was for the first appearance of the car in Hypertune's pages and the specimen we procured for that coverage was a completely standard black one. Back then, I was amazed how Honda managed to create such a capable successor to the now legendary DC2 Integra Type R.
It was a challenge like no other for the Honda engineers for they had to come up with replacement for a car that rewrote the book on front-wheel drive performance which led Honda's immeasurable motorsports pedigree for its wide-ranging compact car segment. Added to that, the DC2 Type R had in its belly the fiery disposition of the unparalleled B-series powerplant family in the shape of the 187bhp B18C.

The K20A powerplant brought the new range of Honda street racers into the 2.0 litre class, including the Civic Type R which shares a similar but less tuned engine.

This updated version of the Integra Type R (DC5) was slated for sale in Japan and the U.S. The special color, Championship White, celebrates Honda's first victory in Formula One. The DC5 Integra Type R features a K20A 2.0-liter engine with 220 horsepower, a new six-speed manual gearbox, Recaro front seats, a leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, aluminum pedals, aluminum shift knob, exclusive aero parts, and Brembo front brakes.