Honda has launched a limited WTCC edition of the Civic 2.2 i-DTEC road car that will be on sale in Autumn on the Swiss market at the price of 31,900 francs.
The new car is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that supplies 150 bhp at 4000 rpm and a torque of 350 Nm. Its look and livery have been directly inspired by the Civic WTCC racing car, including 17 wheels. The gearbox is manual, with 6 speeds and suspension has been set to enhance precision and grip.
The Civic i-DTEC WTCC combines sporty look and performance with respect for the environment: its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are limited to 4.4 litres/100 km and 115 g/km respectively.
Tiago Monteiro and Gabriele Tarquini had the opportunity to discover Hondas new road car during their recent test at the Slovakia Ring, where they also offered a thrilling ride to Hungarian swimmer Daniel Gyurta, gold medalist in the 200 metres breaststroke at the London Olympics.
MORE TESTING FOR HONDA AT VALLELUNGA
The Honda Racing Team JAS returned to Vallelunga this week for two more days of testing with the Gabriele Tarquini and the Civic WTCC car, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Team Principal Alessandro Mariani commented: The rain spoiled the first day, but on Thursday we completed
many laps and tested different set up solutions. We were not looking for performance, but as soon as Gabriele were given new tyres, he was also able to clock good lap times. We have improved significantly from our previous test here.
The team will test again at Portimão soon. We have two priorities before shipping the car to Japan: keeping on with the technical development and giving Tiago Monteiro the opportunity to get used to the car in view of the races at Suzuka, Shanghai and Macau. In the Portuguese test Gabriele will be at the wheel on day one working on the technical choices, while Monteiro will take over on the second day to drive as more kilometres as possible, Mariani explained.
MULLER RETURNS TO THE WRC RALLYE DE FRANCE
WTCC reigning champion and current point leader Yvan Muller will take part in the WRC Rallye de France Alsace at the wheel of a MINI John Cooper Works car run by Prodrive WRC Team.
This will mark Mullers third participation to his home event, after he drove a Citroën Xsara WRC in 2010 and a Peugeot 207 Super 2000 in 2011.
I love this rally that is held in my home region, and I was obviously delighted to be offered this opportunity to drive for a professional team and in a competitive car that will put me in the position of aiming for a good result, commented Muller who will be teaming with co-driver Guy Leneveu.
The Rallye de France Alsace will take place from 4 to 7 October.