Gran Turismo 7: a generous month of May 2024 in vehicles with update 1.48

5 new cars added this month

• Honda Civic SiR･II (EG) ’93

(On sale at the used car dealership)

The top-of-the-line model of the 5th generation Civic combines speed and comfort.

In September 1991, the fifth generation of Civic took over, with a VTEC engine and an increased top speed. It was available in a 3-door version, in the new 4-door version called “Ferio” or in a 5-door Shuttle version. The slogan for the car was “the sporty Civic”. The continued development of the VTEC system has made it possible to increase the number of engines. The basic versions included the 1.3 liter and 1.5 liter, but there was also the easy-to-maintain 1.5 liter ACT VTEC and the very economical 1.5 liter VTEC-E. The top of the range was the SiR model with its powerful 1.6 liter DOHC VTEC. Chassis-wise, all models used Honda’s new standard double-wishbone suspension. The SiR model, spearhead of the “sports Civic”, developed 9.9 BHP more than the previous generation to reach 167.7 BHP. The firmness and travel of the suspension had also been reworked to give them a sportier feel. As with previous models, the SiR aimed to reduce weight through simpler equipment, while the SiR･II was equipped with several comfort options such as automatic air conditioning, electric windows and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. .

(On sale at the Legendary Cars dealership)

A new design with a lower center of gravity was the key to success for this JGTC champion.

During the 2000 Japanese GT Championship (JGTC) season, the three major local manufacturers, Honda, Toyota and Nissan, engaged in an unprecedented fight for the GT500 category title. The NSX development team decided to make major changes to the 2000 model, including repositioning the transverse engine. Mounting a V-shaped engine transversely reduces the length of the car, but generates problems linked to the exhaust outlets of the two banks of cylinders. Until then, the exhaust outlets ran under the engine, but the development team decided to move them to the side and lower the engine itself. But in this configuration, the box mounted on the side of the engine was in the way. To free up space for the exhaust pipes, the team managed to design a smaller gearbox. The result was a completely bespoke transmission that used formula car gears, thinner and more compact than usual.

Five NSX teams were entered during the 2000 season. Among them, the Castrol Mugen NSX team, like the Takata Dome NSX, played the role of “works cars” for the advanced development of the NSX. The Takata Dome NSX performed excellently and took the victory. But with the weight handicaps provided for by the JGTC regulations, the team failed to win the title. In its shadow emerged the Castrol Mugen NSX, which achieved a string of good results. It was driven by Ryo Michigami and Osamu Nakako, but the latter was replaced by Hidetoshi Mitsusada mid-season. The Castrol Mugen NSX team managed to manage the weight handicaps due to their finishes in the lead, and managed to win the title.

• Nissan Skyline GTS-R (R31) ’87

(On sale at the used car dealership)

An improbable monster, inspired by the elegant lines of the 7th generation Skyline.

Even having retained the sporty character of the previous generation R30 model, the range changed direction in August 1985 with the release of the 7th generation R31 Skyline. At the time, sales and popularity of “luxury” vehicles had exploded in the Japanese automobile market. These were generally 4 or 2 door models. To respond to this enthusiasm, the Skyline was repositioned in the luxury sedan segment. At its beginnings, the range was rather sober, with a 4-door, a sedan and a station wagon. Fans had to wait until May 1986 for the release of the highly anticipated 2-door coupe.

But the real jewel of the 7th generation did not appear until much later: the GTS-R which was marketed in August 1987 in a limited edition of 800 copies. The GTS-R was developed with the aim of regaining the Group A title, and was a very sporty model. Its engine was derived from the GTS’ RB20DET turbocharged DOHC inline-6, which produced 177.5 BHP and 23.0 kgfm of torque. The GTS-R version featured a stainless steel exhaust manifold and a T04E turbocharger, and developed 207.1 BHP and 25.0 kgfm of torque. This very particular engine was named RB20DET-R.

The suspension and exterior were also modified. If the base GTS-X had an automatic front spoiler which deployed depending on the speed of the vehicle, the GTS-R was equipped with a fixed front spoiler, without forgetting the wider spoiler at the rear. back. Additionally, the car was offered in an exclusive blue-black color.

• Volvo 240 SE Estate ’93

(On sale at the used car dealership)

A historic model that has made station wagons loved around the world.

Who says Volvo, says station wagons. And who says station wagons, says Volvo. This was the automotive landscape for a long time, until the SUV sector took off in the late 1980s. And the car that best illustrates this adage is the 240 Estate.

The 240 series debuted in 1974, consisting of the 244 4-door sedan, 242 2-door and 245 5-door station wagon, with the third digit of the model number corresponding to the number of doors. It was not until 1983 that all these models were grouped under the single 240 model. In addition, in the early days of its marketing, the car’s headlights were round, and the emblematic square headlights did not appear until 1979 The 240 retained the essence of its original styling throughout its production run until the end of 1993, although its safety equipment was constantly updated with additions such as airbags and airbags. ABS as standard equipment. Even when saloons ruled the market, more than a third of total production was made up of station wagons, a testament to the Estate’s popularity within the 240 range. One of the most striking features of the 240 Estate was its styling which appeared boxy, whatever the angle from which you observed the car. It had a long overhang at the front which incorporated anti-shock zones and at the rear, a long overhang which helped absorb shocks and increase space. for luggage. This is how the car’s characteristic long, thin silhouette was born.

• Volvo V40 T5 R-Design ’13

*On sale in Brand Central

Volvo’s successful model, sedan, station wagon and coupe in one.

The V40, a C-segment 5-door hatchback, was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Even if it was positioned as an entry-level Volvo model, the role of the V40 was enormous, since it replaced 3 decidedly different models: the traditional S40 sedan, the V50 family station wagon and the sporty 3-door C30. To create a car capable of combining the comfort of a sedan, the capacity of an estate and the sportiness of a coupe, it was necessary to start the design from scratch. If the basic structure is based on a platform shared with Ford, the styling is resolutely innovative and retains no trace of Volvo’s past conservative image. Incorporating elements of the classic P1800 of the 1960s and the later 1800ES, the car features flowing curves and an expressive silhouette, for a coupe or estate interpretation. The car was a hit from the moment it was launched, attracting attention from all over the world for its aesthetics and practicality, since it was capable of comfortably accommodating 4 adults and their luggage. The T5 R-Design is the sportiest model in the series. Its 2.0 liter 5-cylinder in-line turbocharged engine delivers 210.1 BHP and good acceleration. Its 18-inch wheels and suspension ensure good handling and a smooth ride. The special bumper at the front and the diffuser at the rear provide good aerodynamic performance, as well as a bold line.