"I welcome all the rumored changes, they're not drastic enough to even worry about the S turning into a slush box. A few hundred rpm lower for peak hp and torque comes up sooner and flatter. This is all good. It's a car, not a motorcycle. More elbow room, more aerodynamic fascia, 17" wheels with retuned suspension. These are all improvements to me.
Sounds like some are jealous they're not getting an '04..."

I agree compleatly, other then the jealous part. The lower revs are actually more attractive to me, less stress. More TQ, great. The softer suspension would suck, but hey, some rims/tires/shocks/springs would fix that. Not like the amazing chassis will be changed. So other then the softer suspension, which can be fixed, I see nothing wrong with the changes.

 

I think we all need to take a collective deep breath here and put things into perspective. I seriously doubt the subtle changes are going to change the character of the car all that much. C'mon, we're talking about 200cc, 10lb-ft or so more torque, a few hundred fewer revs, little bit bigger wheels, and a little more room. Doesn't sound too drastic to me. I think, all in all, the car will be better for the changes.

They're not turning it into a Buick, they're just making the power a little more accessible during most daily driving. That's not so bad, is it? As for the suspension, softer doesn't necessarily mean compromised handling. Lotsa people have complained about bumpsteer and snap oversteer, and perhaps a slightly softer suspension with bigger contact patches will remedy these characteristics without compromising overall handling. I dunno, but lotsa people also praise the handling of BWMs (M3 understeer aside) and Porsches while remarking on their relatively comfortable rides.

As for the gearing, we have seen the advantages of the 4.44 final drive ratio (which is, in fact, "shorter" or "lower" gearing that the stock 4.11 even though it is numerically higher). I suspect Honda may swap the stock final drive of 4.11 to the 4.44 and revise the box's ratios as well (likely giving it a taller 6th so as not to reduce full economy). That's not so bad, either.

If there is one thing we can be sure of, I think it is that the new S will be quicker in a straight line and around a course than the old S. The only things we are likely to lose are some technical bragging points (highest specific output and redline, which may go to the 360 Stradale), which, in my opinion, should not count for much if the new car offers superior performance with virtually the same character.

In my opinion, the most interesting question has not really been addressed. Is the engine going to remain an F20C with old-school VTEC, or are they swapping it out for the new K series with iVTEC? That is a change that could actually affect the car's character, but no one seems to be talking about this.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bjohnston
[B]
In my opinion, the most interesting question has not really been addressed.

 

what are you talking about? A shorter gear yields a lower speed but faster acceleration. In the rear end a shorter gear is numerically higher. The current gearing is in my opinion to tall. 4.44=higher number but shorter gear. A 4.44 rear end coupled with slightly taller 3rd 4th 5th and especially 6th gear would be a major benefit for this car.

 

"In my opinion, the most interesting question has not really been addressed. Is the engine going to remain an F20C with old-school VTEC, or are they swapping it out for the new K series with iVTEC? That is a change that could actually affect the car's character, but no one seems to be talking about this."

How wold it effect the character of the car? So long as it is still a vertically apposed engine, and still mounted behind the front axle, what exactly would it change? Sorry if this is a stupid question, I just am really not sure.

 

My understanding from this board is that the K series is more "mod friendly." I have read that 300 n/a h.p. is possible with that motor. But, this is just what I've read here.

 

It will not be iVTEC equipped. It will remain an Fseries. F22C. It's not an all new car, it's just updated.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by STL
[B]Once we know what tires are coming on these new 17" OEM rims then all our questions will be answered (IMHO).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by bjohnston
[B]My understanding from this board is that the K series is more "mod friendly."

 

When I read that in C&D I just rolled my eyes and realized they dont have a clue, they're just reading these forums like everyone else.