Honda Debuts Si in Chicago
10 February 1999
Hot Si Returns to Civic Lineup
CHICAGO, Feb. 10 -- Honda's high-performance 1999 Civic Si made its debut today at a press conference prior to the opening of the Chicago Auto Show.
It will arrive in Honda dealerships this week with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $17,445.
Underneath the hood of the Civic Si is an all-aluminum, 160-horsepower, DOHC, VTEC engine redlining at 8000 rpm. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder produces 111 lb.-ft. of torque at 7000 rpm. And with front and rear stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and front strut tower brace, the Civic Si adds up to a package that delivers fun for driving enthusiasts.
Inside the cockpit, the driving experience is enhanced by a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and amber instrument panel illumination with special graphics. The front seat headrests have an open style, and the seat fabric is a sporty two-tone. The audio system features an AM/FM tuner with CD player.
As with other 1999 Civics, the Si gets electronic controls for the heating and ventilation system. Fresh new styling adorns the 1999 Civic line, enhanced further in the Si with the sporty front spoiler and side sills.
Other standard features on the Civic Si include air conditioning, power moonroof with tilt-up feature, power windows and door locks, and keyless remote entry system. Driver convenience features include cruise control, adjustable steering column, height-adjustable driver's seat and dual power mirrors. Additional convenience items include a fold-down, 60/40 split rear seatback with lock; remote fuel filler and trunk release; and dual vanity mirrors.
Honda engineers gave the Si engine a larger (60mm) throttle body and a specially tuned single-port intake manifold designed to complement the long duration, high-lift camshaft profiles. Fundamental engine strengthening features include a new die-cast aluminum engine stiffener, high-strength connecting rods and a very rigid, fully counterweighted (a total of eight weights are employed) crankshaft.
The Civic Si's engine has a compression ratio of 10.2:1 and features a nearly square bore and stroke configuration (81.0x77.4mm). A low-friction, high-silicon piston is used in the Si engine to handle the higher output level.
To optimize the Si's engine potential, the exhaust system features a fabricated primary exhaust manifold with a larger pipe diameter (41mm). Similarly, the catalytic converter leads to a larger diameter outlet pipe and muffler specific to the Si.
The Si also features a suspension tuned for spirited driving, one that delivers ultra-flat cornering and nearly neutral steering. The Si's independent, double-wishbone, front suspension features springs that are 25 percent stiffer than those used on the EX and a 26mm stabilizer bar that is 4mm larger than the Civic EX. A front strut tower brace has also been added to the Si.
The rear suspension is an independent double-wishbone with trailing arms, coil springs and 13mm rear stabilizer bar.
The Si's gas-charged struts feature Honda Progressive Valve (HPV) technology with overall damping rates significantly higher than those found on the Civic EX. In addition, new compression/rebound ratios provide the Si with an improved road feel.
The Civic Si is equipped with new 15-inch machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels and low-aspect-ratio 195/55-R15 tires. Four-wheel power disc brakes feature 10.7-inch ventilated discs up front and 9.4-inch rear discs.
The Civic Si will be offered in three colors: Flamenco Black, Milano Red and, exclusive to the Si, Electron Blue.
