Students overhaul Honda Civic into racing beast and it is hybrid

KUALA LUMPUR: Students at Clemson University have designed a high-performance, fuel-efficient, next-generation rallycross race car prototype. It is built upon the Honda Civic. The car was recently unveiled at the ‘All-In’ Auto Rally at Clemson University on October 6, 2018. This project, called "Deep Orange 9", is funded primarily by Honda.

Honda had challenged the students at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) to create a Motorsports concept for rallycross race car. While sustaining Honda’s idea to create a carbon-sustainable society and providing customers with joy and freedom of mobility. The project was carried out by a team of 19 students at CU-ICAR.

Deep Orange 9 uses the body of the latest tenth generation Honda Civic, but the transmission does not come directly from the Honda plant. Instead, the team created a 609 hp hybrid drivetrain that delivers race-ready acceleration by reaching 0-100 kmph in just 2 seconds. The main power comes from the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder mill, generating 400 hp, housed behind the seats. It sends power to the rear wheels. The reaming 200 hp comes from the electric motor located at the front mill bay where the standard mill was placed. It powers the front wheels.

The students claim that fuel economy is improved by 30 percent compared with a conventional rallycross car. It’s plausible since about 30 percent of the power is now electric. The regenerative braking enhances fuel economy and allows the hybrid powertrain to be operated in the charge-sustaining mode, preventing the need for recharging the vehicle batteries between races. The added four-wheel steering system improves turning. It is also fitted with a semi-active suspension to handle different terrains, jumps & bumps.

They have also designed an integrated mill and after-treatment system that reduces emissions while also meeting the demands of an intense racing environment. A specially engineered roll cage with high-strength steel to match the heavily modified stock chassis has been created to accommodate the mid-engine through-the-road hybrid powertrain layout and ultra-long travel suspension.

The project name is injected everywhere in the vehicle. The Civic, which is portrayed with an African orange on black, has gained the identity of the warrior with its carbon lips. Rims are made of multi-sleeve 483 mm and are black. The brake calipers are splashed in blue. The riveted mudguards expand the vehicle by about 50 mm. The rear wind wing is more frightening than Standard civic. The top of the DTM wing screams the project name!

We admit that the car is a unique combination of cuteness and improved fuel economy and expect Honda to patronize more of such projects!