It certainly is premature to class a car based on reports. I am simply
telling you and anyone who is interested, my feelings on this particular
car. Unlike the 1999 Cobra Mustang, the largest car magazine have driven
and reported on said vehicles. The stats on the car are:
240hp @ 8300
151lb/ft @ 7500
Curb Weight: 2750
Wheels: F 16 x 6.5" R 16 x 7.5"
Close Ratio 6 speed
50/50 weight distribution
Couple of data points to consider while debating an appropriate class for
this car:
Honda's perform better at the track than on paper.
The lack of VTEC torque is grossly 'overconsiderd' (didn't someone say that
the top Type R's ran the South course all in 2nd gear?)
The Curb Weight of a car IS NOT the real weight. Every manufacturer
measures it differently. Honda's have been known to be off as much as 8%.
Power to weight ratios: RX-7 11.0 : 1 S2000 11.4 : 1
968 12.6 : 1
The moral of the story is (to me) that on paper, it fits near the bottom of
SS. I expect this car and all Honda's and BMW's to perform better at the
track than on paper. Is it better to class it in AS and have it
potentially run away with the class or to class it in SS and move it down
if it proves to be an AS car?
I stand by my recommendation until the real car comes out and the SCAC has
a real vote.
Just my thoughts.
AB
Andy,
As you have said it is premature to guess classing based on magazine
reports. Consider also that the car is heavy (~2800# reported),
torqueless (VTEC), and has pretty skimpy wheels/tires compared to the
SS field (I think I remember 6" & 7" rims F/R). It's not impossible
that it would be better suited to BS.
Regards,
Craig Blome
Texas Spokes SCC, Austin, TX
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