November 1997

 

Finishing First!

November 22, 1997             A Newsletter By Colin Sato              Volume 2, Issue 1

1998! The New Car Edition!

This is the Finishing First new car issue! I would like to take the time to highlight some or the changes to our lineup for the coming year.
A detailed look at the new headlight treatment for the 1998 Integras.

headlight.jpg (35190 bytes)

bulletIntegra:

The Integra continues to be the last Acura that has a "real" name! There are some styling and functional changes in store for the standard bearer in the affordable sport coupe / sport sedan class. The front and rear bumper covers on all models have been revised slightly, with the headlights positioned nearly flush with the bumper. All LS-and-up models have a new height adjustable drivers seat, and all sedans have a new glass mounted antenna, replacing the old power antenna. The "LS" Integras have received all new 14" aluminum alloy wheels (replacing the previous models' wheel covers) giving a sportier appearance and reducing weight for better performance. Integra GS-R's will get new machine polished 8 spoke directional aluminum wheels, and a leather wrapped steering wheel (finally!). Although it’s only available on the GS-R coupe, the new "Super Sonic Blue Pearl" is a stunning addition to the Integra color palette.The new headlights for Integras, also note the revised front air intake and spoiler

bulletThe CL:

The four cylinder CL has been re-named the 2.3 CL because of its larger, more powerful 150 horsepower motor and comes with new split-spoke machine-polished aluminum wheels. The 200 horsepower 3.O CL continues with the addition of beautiful new "diamond-finished" aluminum alloy wheels. On the inside, all CLs have received an updated center console, and the music system has the volume controls on the steering wheel. Premium model 2.3s and both base and Premium 3.0 CLs will receive our new Homelink™ feature.Homelink™ allows owners to program a transmitter in the car to remotely operate features in your home like a garage door opener or turn on the exterior lights!

bulletThe TL:

The TL lineup has been simplified for '98, now all cars will have the following standard features: leather interior, moonroof, and remote keyless entry. The "driver oriented" 2.5 TL will continue with its 5 cylinder 176 horsepower motor intact. The 3.2 TL will power into '98 with its 200 horsepower "Legend" V-6 quietly running up front.

RIM4.JPG (24060 bytes)

(L to R) The three new rims for 1998. The 3.0 CL, 3.5 RL and the Integra GS-R
bulletThe RL:

The ‘98 3.5 RL should be in our showrooms by the time you receive this newsletter, however changes to our flagship should be considered "evolutionary" rather than "revolutionary". All RLs will have the Bose™ music system as the only audio choice. To me the most exciting change is the addition of a new machine polished directional aluminum wheel! I realize this does not sound like a really big deal, but I've never been a big fan of the old wheel that has been on the car since it debuted in '96.

Well as you can see, there are a host of changes in store for you all designed to keep our cars at the front of a competitive pack. As always I hope it is our service and my commitment to customer satisfaction that sets us apart! Please have a safe Holiday Season, buckle up, and I’ll see you next year!

The Fastest Lap

Honda Powers the Drivers Championship...Again!

With the conclusion of the 1997 PPG Indycar World Series, Honda has again powered the champion’s car. Alex Zanardi took his Honda powered Reynard to the victory circle 5 times en route to a dominating season. All totaled, he led the most laps at 338 and completed 3278 out of 3948 miles. In fact he had wrapped up the title by the second to the last race of the season at Laguna Seca Raceway in California. His Target / Chip Ganassi Racing teammate and defending PPG Cup champion Jimmy Vasser won the Laguna Seca race and finished third in points for the season. Gil de Ferran took his Honda powered Valvoline sponsored car to second in the points, giving Honda the top three positions!

The Top Five in points were:

1) Alex Zanardi 195

2) Gil de Ferran 162

3) Jimmy Vasser 144

4) Mauricio Gugelmin 132

5) Paul Tracy 121

zanardi2.jpg (30478 bytes)

(left)Zanardi lights the tires (Picture from SpeedCenter.com)

(right)A Honda ChampCar engine on the Dyno

dyno2.jpg (10721 bytes)

Back Up Next

 
Built by Colin in 1999......with lots of luck!