Engine Automotive

Honda can't seem to make up its mind regarding its Civic Si. It was a hatchback for three vehicle generations. It was a great car, but hatchbacks just don't sell that well here in the States. So, the Civic Si became a coupe in 1999. The first Civic Si Coupe was a hit. We still see these cars everywhere we turn. We can't escape them -- they're everywhere.

However, just as the original Civic Si Coupe was hitting the apex of its popularity, Honda pulled it off the market. Honda fans all over the U.S. mourned the loss of their favorite sporty coupe. But all was not seemingly lost, as a new Civic Si hatch was introduced in 2002.

One would think that the introduction of a new Civic Si hatch would have caused celebration in the streets. But the 2002 Si wasn't well-received. It looked like a minivan, had a so-so 160 horsepower motor, and was a little overpriced. This last hot hatch wasn't the hit Honda was hoping for.

We'll be the first to say it: this new Civic coupe is very reminiscent of the Scion tC -- especially in the rear. It even looks like it has a bit of Audi TT-inspired styling queues thrown into the mix as well. All in all, the shape of the new Civic coupe is very sleek and very clean. This new Si looks much better than the old minivan-styled Si hatch. We really hope the final production version looks like this concept.

We also hope that the Civic Si Concept's engine makes it into final production, too. The Si Concept comes powered by a 200 horsepower inline four. And like all true race-inspired Hondas, the Si has a very high redline -- 8,000 rpm to be exact. Also, as this is a race-inspired vehicle, the Si's engine is mated to a close-ratio 6-speed transmission. That's not the only goodie found in the transmission case. A helical limited slip differential is also packed inside to aid in cornering and launching the car.

Speaking of cornering, the wheels aren't too shabby, either. 18-inch cast aluminum rims adorn all four corners of the Si, and those are wrapped in 225/40R18 rubber. Large, cross-drilled disc brakes also sit at all four corners of the car. Clamping force on these discs comes from beefy four-piston Brembo calipers. Needless to say, we are praying for these brakes to make it to the final version of the car.

As the new Civic Si is still just a concept, not too many details have been made available. We'll all have to wait until SEMA in November when the actual production version of the Civic Si makes its debut. Hopefully, we'll learn about the features and the price by then. Stay tuned...