But it wasn't all bad news at Suzuka, the Raybrig car placed third giving the HSV a podium spot on its first official outing. While Honda had hoped for a better result this was by no means a failure. The teams had all gained valuable race data and Honda would look forward to the next event at Okayama, a tighter more technical track where the NSX had excelled in the past.
Again the Weider HSV would take the pole position with the fastest qualifying lap. This time the team wanted to make sure they could back it up and finish the race in first. As soon as the race begun the #18 car pulled away from the field and ended up finishing in a very comfortable first and also clocked the fastest lap time of the race, reinforcing the car's abilities. So far it seems that the Weider HSV is the car to beat, we can only wait and see how it does later in the season with more weight. So could 2010 be Honda's year in Super GT? It sure as hell seems like it!
Fun Facts about the HSV
The name HSV is an acronym for Honda Sports Velocity.
The car uses larger wheels in the front than it does in the back. Though it might seem backwards from typical tuning methods it all comes down to weight. Regardless of its aterial composition the smaller a wheel is the lighter it is. The idea is to have a wheel that is as small as possible while still clearing the brakes.
The exterior wing support doubles as an exhaust guard. Honda once had a very bad experience with an NSX-GT catching fire after being rear-ended in a race due to the exhaust being shifted. With the wing in place the exhaust is thoroughly protected.
Unlike most Super GT cars, Honda decided to retain the single-exit style exhaust from the NSX-GT. The HSV uses an 8-4-2-1 design that Honda admits doesn't make as much power as other prototypes they made, but sounds much better. Honda was very persistent about making sure the HSV sounded like a Honda.
The aesthetic design concept for the HSV was based off predatory birds.
Tuning Menu
2010 Honda HSV-010 GT
Power 500bhp (GT500 regulation) 289lb-ft
Engine 3.4L naturally-aspirated DOHC V8 HR10EG
Drivetrain Ricardo constant mesh transmission, paddle shift
Footwork & Chassis Double wishbone suspension with torsion stabilizer bars
Brakes Spoon front calipers; Fastbrakes 2-piece front rotors, solid rear rotor; Carbotech XP-10 pads; Goodridge stainless brake lines; Integra 1'' master cylinder and booster; Cusco master cylinder brace
Wheels & Tires 18X13'' front 17X13'' rear center-locking wheels; 330/40R18 front 330/45R17 rear tires
Exterior Full dry carbon body construction (except roof per Super GT rules)
www supergt.net
www.nakajimaracing.co.jp (EPSON team)
www.alnex.jp (ARTA team)
www.teamkunimitsu.net (Raybrig team)
www.real-racing.jp (Keihin team)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQZYaRYsXjQ