I've was given a selection of old car mags recently and while flicking through one full of Audi 80s and 911 when I came across this interesting article on the recently launched JDM Concerto
It contains several points:-
- Power seats were available on JDM Concertos
- It augured well for the R8
- Hondas of the era were improved by the relationship with Rover
- Isn't it a pity Rover didn't fit INTRAC to any models?
- Rover and Honda teams worked well together
I like Twin Cams.... and Single Cams...and now Turbos
GTiJohn wrote: ↑Fri Nov 25, 2022 9:32 am
- Rover and Honda teams worked well together
Didn’t they just. Given Dad’s experience with working with them, he reckons Rover would have still been with us now, had they been allowed to continue the relationship. The benefits certainly flowed in both directions, despite what the media would have us believe!
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)
1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 Si 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
I've got a number of both UK and JDM Concerto brochures covering a range of years from 89 onwards.
There were several build and trim levels on the JDM cars (JX, JXi, etc.) and there were a number of luxury refinements we never got in the R8.
As well as Intrac and 4WD, there was a fully electronic climate control unit that fitted where the heater controls are on UK models. It pulled the same cables but using motors all from the press of a few buttons at the front. There was a deg.C-2-digit display and an "air-sampling" intake grille built in. Via a combination of hot and cold air switching and A/C it could maintain a constant cabin temperature regardless of the number of occupants or the outside air temperature.
GTiJohn wrote: ↑Fri Nov 25, 2022 9:32 am
- Rover and Honda teams worked well together
Didn’t they just. Given Dad’s experience with working with them, he reckons Rover would have still been with us now, had they been allowed to continue the relationship. The benefits certainly flowed in both directions, despite what the media would have us believe!
In fairness it's a well known fact by the time the R3 was launched the Honda/Rover partnership was almost already finished.
214 Sprint track car
216 GTi track car
216 GTi DOHC
216 GTi Dunlop challenge race car
JOHNDQ wrote: ↑Sun Nov 27, 2022 6:46 pm
In fairness it's a well known fact by the time the R3 was launched the Honda/Rover partnership was almost already finished.
Yes, I know but the point I was trying to make was had they been allowed to continue the partnership instead of being passed from pillar to post, I also believe that Rover would have survived.
Dad worked with a Honda counterpart can’t remember on what) and got on really well with him. I do remember, however, that he went home to Japan as pleased as Punch, with a brand new Mini he had been able to buy at a discount! Presumably, they were eligible for the Employee Purchase Scheme as well.
Topcat Tomcat (aka Conductorwomble)
1990 216 GSi Auto 5 Door
1995 214 Si 3 Door - White Gold
1998 VVC Coupe - Tahiti Blue/Red Piccadilly & Leather
2001 1.8 Connie 45 4 Door - Wedgewood Blue
2004 75 CDTi Connie - Firefrost
The last article about the rear seats is interesting but very diplomatic. The R8 was wider than what Honda wanted and longer than what Rover wanted. Then there is the front suspension..so shaving 10-20mm off the rear seats is a bit trivial in comparison.
As for the photos, how badly painted is that Concerto?
