Honda Built A Civic Si Racecar You Can Buy For $55,000

Honda Performance Development (HPD) has announced pre-orders for the exciting 2022 HPD Civic Si FE1, a race-ready touring car built to provide plenty of thrills on the racetrack. Available from Autumn this year, the $55,000 racer is based on the current generation Honda Civic Si sedan and, as such, makes use of the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-pot motor.

No figures are provided, but HPD has bestowed the race car with several performance-enhancing modifications. Specially developed HPD/Hasport engine mounts replace the factory-fitted items while, elsewhere, the Civic Si has been equipped with an HPD/Borla exhaust pipe (with dual outlets) and downpipe. The six-speed manual gearbox has also been extensively reworked for motorsport use.

The close-ratio transmission features a strengthened fourth gear but retains its OEM clutch and flywheel. The Cusco clutch-type limited-slip differential should come in handy on the track, though. "We are proud to be able to develop the Civic Si FE1 in-house and make it available for sale," said HPD's John Whiteman.

What starts as a regular Civic Si is skillfully transformed into a true track weapon. Built at the company's Ohio-based Performance Manufacturing Center - where the NSX is produced - the American-built racer arrives as a body in white. To reduce weight, bodies arrive without soundproofing, insulation, and a sunroof (among other things) before being turned into race cars.

It is at this facility that the Civic Si receives its FIA-spec roll cage, uprated brakes, and performance-oriented suspension. Cornering prowess is afforded by the front MacPherson setup, with HPD/Bilstein adjustable coilovers. At the rear, you'll find adjustable dampers and rear spring perches, with HPD noting the front/rear spring rate and camber can be calibrated to the driver's preferred settings.

Serious stopping power comes courtesy of HPD/Wilwood floating slotted rotors and Pagid RST3 brake pads, with brake cooling provided by HPD-developed air ducts. The rear retains the original rotors and calipers but does, at least, receive Pagid RST4 pads. A specially designed Motec electronics package and 16-gallon fuel cell round off the changes.

While the handsome exterior shares myriad components with the road-going car, the interior is a different story. The stripped-down cabin boasts several safety features for the track. OMP has supplied the six-point safety harness and steering wheel, along with a fire extinguisher.

It's not completely barren, though. HPD has retained the adjustable side mirrors and also fits a 12V auxiliary power outlet for the driver cooling systems and radio. The crash diet has paid off; the HPD Civic Si FE1 tips the scales at a mere 2,600 pounds - 306 lbs lighter than the road car.

If you're still not convinced, HPD will proudly point you in the direction of its motorsport success. The Civic Si has already been victorious in two TCA races, with numerous class podium finishes. Interested? A $25,000 deposit secures your pre-order, with the remaining amount required upon completion of the car.

Deliveries are expected to commence in Autumn this year, with vehicles being delivered in Pearl White. All that's left to do is adorn your Civic racer in your preferred color scheme/decals before hitting the track. This isn't merely a track-day special. HPD has said the vehicle is homologated for the SRO TCA competition, much like the previous-generation Civic Type R TC customer race car.

Following months of teasers, Honda will soon show the latest Civic Type R sans camouflage. Representatives are suggesting an imminent reveal in Europe, but US customers will be able to catch a glimpse of the Golf R killer at the upcoming Indy 200, between July 1 and 3.

With any luck, HPD will turn its attention to the new model when it arrives. The outgoing Type R is already a magical car to pilot and is often said to have one of the best front-wheel-drive chassis' of the modern era. The new model will undoubtedly build on this and make a great foundation for a turn-key racer.