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. |

|
 | Integra: |
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
its 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
 | The 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!
 | The 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.

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

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(left)Zanardi
lights the tires (Picture from SpeedCenter.com)(right)A Honda ChampCar
engine on the Dyno |
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