SS: What kind of parts do you offer for the CR-Z?
TI: We will offer a full range of products, just like any application we take on. Aero, suspension, engine tuning, intake/exhaust, drivetrain and more for anyone who is serious about racing the CR-Z, or someone who just wants to enjoy sports driving. The CR-Z is naturally an oversteerer, but with Spoon's suspension and our new subframe rigid collars, the handling improves and the ride becomes much smoother. Our subframe rigid collars are a new concept and patented product we just released and it is being accepted very well. We offer our subframe rigid collars for all kinds of cars and are not limited to Hondas. That's a first for us.
SS: Wow, Spoon making parts for Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi? Why now?
TI: That's right, but only this subframe rigid collar though. It's such a small compatible product that we decided to offer it for other makes. It's compatible because it's basically like a washer that you squeeze shut between the suspension and subframe. Usually this part moves around and causes uneven movements of the chassis. But by stabilizing this point, the chassis becomes rigid and results in a very smooth ride.
SS: Spoon has always been involved with racing. Will you enter any races with the CR-Z?
TI: Of course. Spoon will enter the Super Taikyu Series this year and the NASA 25 hours endurance race in the US again. We have been competing in the 25-hour race for many years and last December we entered the Civic Type R.
SS: You've raced with many people in the past all over the world. How is racing in the NASA 25 hours like compared to the other races?
TI: In my last race in December, Playstation 3 Gran Turismo producer, Kaz Yamauchi, who is good friend of mine, joined us for his first ever 25 hours race. I have known him for a long time but it was the first time I really saw his driving. I knew Kaz was a good driver but I didn't know he was that good. I guess all of that time he spends in front of the driving simulator really pays off. The race itself is a very exciting, long race with many challenges, but we managed to finish the race in one piece. Our hybrid CR-Z racer will be done by this year's race and NASA has a hybrid class in which our CR-Z will compete in. Our foremost goal will be to finish the race but we will also be aiming for the podium this time.
Tuning Menu
2010 Honda CR-Z (ZF1)
Owner Spoon Sports
Hometown Ogikubo, Japan
Occupation honda tuning specialist
Engine
LEA-ME6; Spoon Sports baffled oil pan, magnetic drain bolt, heat barrier tape, big thottle-body assembly, thermostat, oil filler cap, engine torque damper kit, racing sparkplugs, radiator cap, 4-1 exhaust manifold, N1-type exhaust
Drivetrain
Spoon Sports limited-slip differential, cross gear set and final gear set
Engine Management
Spoon Sports ECU
Footwork & Chassis
Spoon Sports subframe rigid collar kit, steering gearbox rigid bushing kit, damper kit with springs
Brakes
Spoon Sports front/rear brake pads, brake reservoir covers and brake lines
Wheels & Tires
Spoon Racing C93 wheels; Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 (front) and RE11S RS (rear) tires and lug nuts
Exterior
Spoon Sports carbon hood and side mirrors
Interior
Spoon Sports carbon bucket seats and steering wheel
www
spoon.jp