Honda Civic RS Experience at the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix
Honda's Participation in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Honda's participation in the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was an extraordinary and thrilling experience. To add to the excitement, Honda provided my colleague Zaran and me with a Honda Civic RS to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Features of the Honda Civic RS
For those familiar with the Civic RS, you are likely smiling at what makes this car special. For those who may not know, let me clarify that this is the fastest and most powerful version of the Honda Civic currently available.
Car Design
While the Honda Civic RS shares a similar design with the standard Civic from the front and sides, Honda has added subtle tweaks to distinguish it from the base model.
- A prominent rear spoiler.
- Dual exhaust outlets.
Car Performance
Some may argue that the large rear wing serves no purpose on a front-wheel-drive car, but it actually performs two crucial functions:
- It provides increased stability at high speeds on the highway.
- It offers greater grip at the rear wheels, assisting in quicker cornering.
Additionally, the exhaust outlets provide significant benefits to the car, enhancing airflow through the system, which reduces back pressure and increases horsepower.
Honda's History in Motorsports
As we approached the famous Jebel Ali Free Zone, our discussion took a valuable turn. We realized that when people hear the name "Honda" or see its logo, they often think of reliability and practicality, typically associating it with family cars that lack excitement.
Founder Soichiro Honda began his early career as a mechanic, modifying cars for racing. He grew his company from 12 employees working in a small hut to the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world by 1964.
Soichiro's passion for racing has led Honda to win over 100 titles in the MotoGP and more than 70 titles in Formula 1, with the latest being the Brazilian Grand Prix in November 2019.
Impact of Motorsports on the Honda Civic RS
Over the years filled with modifications, manufacturing, and racing victories, Honda has produced some of the most famous sports cars in the world. Iconic models like the NSX, S2000, and various Type-R models have dominated racing titles, transferring some of their racing knowledge into the Civic RS.
Engine and Performance
In terms of power and performance, the car is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo engine that generates 180 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque, which is an increase of 57 horsepower and 69 Nm of torque over the standard model that features a larger engine.
The reason the smaller engine in the RS produces more power than the larger engine in standard models is due to the turbocharger—this simple component, which originated in racing cars, is now applied to everyday vehicles.
How Turbocharging Works
To quickly explain how a turbocharger works, this small component forces more air into the engine, resulting in greater power and torque by increasing the combustion ratio, thereby requiring less fuel compared to naturally aspirated engines.
Other components that have transitioned from Formula 1 technology to the Civic RS include paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and a flat underbody shield.
Driving Experience at Yas Marina Circuit
Upon arriving at the Yas Marina Circuit, we had the honor of personally experiencing a Formula 1 car and watching the Scuderia Toro Rosso and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing teams, both supported by Honda, in action on the track.
We also had the privilege of entering the garage, which was a remarkable and memorable stage of our journey, reminding us of a significant and inspiring fact: that all of this originated from the dream of just one person.
Technology Used in Formula 1
Through our interactions with engineers and mechanics, we learned that Honda's recent success in Formula 1 was the result of expertise pooled from all departments.
Honda has taken technology used in its jet engines, which operate at incredibly high RPMs, and applied it to the turbo systems found in Formula 1 cars.
Conclusion of the Experience
After our special journey in this comfortable car, we understood why all Honda Civic owners adore their vehicles. The Civic RS offers a reliable, practical, and comfortable means of transportation at an affordable price.
Now, for those seeking all of that with a bit more performance, the RS version is available and undoubtedly will be loved by anyone who owns it.
