Honda gets defensive with Civic upgrades

Honda won’t be resting on its laurels when it begins its IRC 2WD Cup title defence on SATA Rallye Acores from 23-25 February.

Despite winning the prestigious IRC 2WD Cup manufacturers’ crown in 2011 with its Civic Type R, the Japanese car make is homologating a series of upgrades from 1 April designed to maintain the machine’s competitiveness in 2012 and beyond.

"The most important evolutions include an improved Mugen-tuned engine, lightweight dashboard, new gearbox with the newly homologated set of ratios and rear anti-roll bar," explained William De Braekeleer, Honda Motor Europe Motorsport Manager. "We want to continue to give opportunities to up-and-coming talents and bring the joy of rallying to a larger audience. These upgrades reflect that vision."

The homologated parts will be available through JAS Motorsport, Honda’s Racing Customer Support partner.