Overview
The chassis of the Civic Si is designed to provide outstanding
handling response, a smooth and fluid ride, excellent stability, and
contribute to packaging efficiency to maximize cabin space.
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
The Si starts with the Control-Link MacPherson Strut front suspension
design found on Civic and RSX models. It was then tuned to provide
optimum performance. It provides the precise handling, stability, and
comfort of a double-wishbone configuration, with additional packaging
efficiency.
- This front suspension system design provides engineers with the space they need to incorporate a high-mounted steering box with extra-long control arms (43 percent longer than previous designs). This provides for improved toe control and tracking stability.
- Combined with refined suspension geometry, damping and carefully tuned spring rates, the suspension helps increase the front tire's contact patch with the road--improving stability and handling performance.
- Low-friction, progressive-valve, gas-pressurized shock absorbers effectively absorb bumps and other road shocks for a smooth, compliant ride.
Double-Wishbone Rear Suspension
Like the front suspension, the Reactive Link double-wishbone rear
suspension of the Civic Si has been carefully tailored to deliver
high-performance handling, superb stability, excellent ride comfort,
and outstanding space efficiency.
- Because there is no trailing arm alongside the fuel tank, Honda engineers were able to move the exhaust pre-chamber from the cabin floor to the rear--providing for a wider trunk and a flat floor in the interior.
- The geometry of the rear suspension arcs the tires rearward when compressing over bumps--reducing road shock and providing a smoother, more comfortable ride.
- A well-balanced roll axis further enhances the Civic Si's stable handling.
Wheels and Tires
In keeping with its sporty-hatch breeding, the Civic Si wears large
195/60R15 all-season tires mounted on lightweight 15-inch alloy
wheels.
Power Steering
The 2002 Civic Si is the first Civic model in the U.S. to be equipped
with an Electrical Power Steering System (EPS) for optimized steering
performance and enhanced fuel economy. Unlike conventional hydraulic
systems, the Civic Si's EPS system uses an electronically controlled
center take-off pinion shaft assist that eliminates the power losses
of an engine-driven pneumatic pump--improving fuel economy by 2
percent. The system also benefits from variable-assist steering
effort, which adjusts the amount of power assist as speed rises
(adjustments occur every 5 mph from 0 to 99 mph) for excellent
steering feel at all road speeds.
In addition, the Civic Si employs a VGR ("Variable Gear Ratio") system that blends high-ratio steering near the center of the steering rack (for quick, precise on-center feel) with low-ratio steering at the rack's edges (reducing steering effort at full lock--such as when entering a parking space).
Braking
For outstanding stopping power and excellent resistance to fade, the
Civic Si is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. The front disc measures
10.3 inches in diameter while the rear disc measures 10.2 inches in diameter.
An electronic brake distribution system is also standard.
Anti-Lock Braking System
Standard on the Civic Si is a three-channel Anti-Lock Braking System
with a speed sensor located at each wheel. The system modulates
braking power to the front wheels independently and to the rear
wheels in tandem--enhancing driver control during maximum-effort
stops.
Flat Floor
The unique flat floor of the Civic Si--made possible by the compact
rear suspension and such innovations as the high-efficiency exhaust
system--helps provide a spacious and comfortable cabin. To improve
the floor's torsional rigidity, the Civic Si uses a "tunnel side
frame" with a large, flat cross-section for added rigidity instead of
the usual tunnel structure.
Resin Fuel Tank
The 2002 Civic Si incorporates a blow-molded, four-layer resin fuel
tank for reduced weight, increased capacity, improved safety, and
reduced emissions. Capacity is maximized because the resin tank can
be molded to fit around other components. The Civic Si also
incorporates a non-return fuel supply system that helps reduce
emissions from vapor loss.