Shared by @grunty_diecast (Instagram)
This is an '00 Honda Civic Si. Designed by Masakazu Udagawa and Yoshi Kigoyoshi, the Si returned to the Honda lineup in 1999. Using a 1.6L B16A2 inline-4 with 160 BHP mated to a 5-speed manual, the Civic Si was available in coupe form only. Featuring stiffer springs, a larger throttle body an improved intake manifolds, tower brace, stiffer anti-roll bars, tilt steering and numerous other changes, the Si also became largely a US-specific badge with the adoption of the VTi badge in Europe and the Type R and SiR badges in Japan. Aesthetic features and options include three colors - Electron Blue Pearl, Flamenco Black Pearl and Milano Red - a power sunroof, a chin spoiler, painted side sills and Si badging. Production of the Si ended in 2000; despite its short production cycle the car gained a dedicated following. Today the car is popular with enthusiasts and is a popular candidate for modification.
Now this casting was designed by Alec Tam and introduced in 2001 in a red livery replicating that of a Civic Si built for the Honda Civic Si Challenge by Super Street Magazine. Dave Martis, the designer of that actual Civic, assisted in the design of this casting alongside Tam; Eric Tscherne did graphics. This casting has seen twenty-four known releases and was last seen in 2018 as part of the Honda 70th series. The casting was then retooled in 2021 and is now slightly shorter, has side mirrors, an open moon roof and slightly different contouring; the first version of the retool was blue, as seen here. That version has seen two releases with a third upcoming.
