Overview:
Each of the participating magazines will be provided a 2005 RSX Type-S to modify within the following guidelines (see rules). The RSX Challenge provides each magazine the opportunity to showcase their styling creativity, technical prowess and driving skills. The winner of the Challenge will be announced at the 2005 SEMA show in Las Vegas, held November 1-4. To determine the winner, the following events will take place leading up to the SEMA announcement:
- Participants deliver vehicle to American Honda Motor Co.
- Emissions and dyno testing at AAA in Diamond Bar
- Track Challenge Competitions – 1/4 mile, road course, braking and slalom at California Speedway in Fontana
- Car show at NHRA Sport Compact World Finals, Pomona Raceway
- Car show at American Honda
- Announcement of winner at SEMA Show in Las Vegas during Media Days
Each car will be loaned to the selected participants on a one-year term from American Honda with no option to purchase the vehicle at the conclusion of the loan period. In addition to the build-up of the Challenge cars, each company will be encouraged to document the build and challenge results in their publication. All vehicles will be featured in American Honda sponsored display spaces at the 2005 SEMA Show.
Rules:
Each Challenge Car must maintain the same component configuration for the duration of the challenge beginning with the dyno/emissions and track events on October 4th (the cars must be in the exact same condition for the show, emissions, dyno and track challenges). Only one set of tires may be used for the duration of the Challenge. No additional components may be added after this date. Defective equipment may be replaced only with an identical component and only during the designated “testing times” to be named later. Only the component “settings” may be altered at any time during the challenge (i.e. camber, caster, ignition timing, wing adjustments).
Cars must retain “Full Stock Chassis” with no modifications to frame. Stitch welding, adding cross braces or adding to existing body for structural integrity or rigidity is allowed.
Stock wheelbase must be retained.
Must maintain front engine front wheel drive configuration with engine’s original transverse mounting location.
Each car must utilize a minimum of two separate A-SPEC components supplied by Acura Accessory Marketing.
At time of testing cars must pass exhaust emissions testing (sniffer only, not visual) per CARB regulations as conducted at an independent facility.
Original transmission factory bellhousing must remain intact. Part numbers will be recorded to ensure compliance.
Must maintain original equipment windshield.
The front driver and passenger airbags must be retained and operational (this does not include the airbags in the factory seats). Door panels, dash, headliner and carpet must remain in place. The front seats may be replaced but must remain in the original location. Windows and door switches must work as designed by manufacturer. Back seat and all interior trim from driver back can be removed. Sunroofs must remain in place and be operational.
Must retain original block (internals may be modified). In the event of a catastrophic failure American Honda will supply a replacement block on an exchange basis. Only one replacement will be provided. Part numbers will be recorded to ensure compliance.
All performance products must be based on commercially available equipment (modifications to these aftermarket production products is allowed).
Increased bore and stroke, superchargers, turbochargers, individual throttle bodies or any power adder (other than nitrous oxide) is allowed.
Nitrous Oxide is NOT allowed.
Headlights, horn, turn signals, wipers, taillights must be retained and operate in stock condition. Direct replacement lenses and assemblies are allowed.
No limit on tire width, but no slicks. Tires must be DOT approved. Inner tubes are permitted. Absolutely no temporary spares or non-speed rated tires permitted. Only one set of tires is allowed for the duration of the Challenge. The tires may be rotated. In case of a flat each team is allowed only one direct replacement tire and wheel. Hand treaded tires are not allowed.
Cars must run on 91-octane or less “pump” gasoline only. To ensure parity, we will fuel each car with “premium unleaded” at a designated gas station on the way to each testing location. The tanks will then be sealed.
Cars must run mufflers and be in compliance with California State Law 13 CCR 1036 (d)(1). Exhaust system modifications are permitted to increase noise above the level of original factory installed system as long as the 95 dB limit is not exceeded. The exhaust noise testing will be conducted according to the provisions established in 1036(d)(1); a limit of 95 dB will be measured 20 inches from the exhaust pipe outlet with the engine operating in neutral at a specified speed between 3000 and 5000 rpm.
Aftermarket crank triggers, two-step rev-limiters, ignition amplifiers, spark computers, dynamically adjustable, piggy-back, and stand-alone engine management systems are allowed.
Suspension must use one shock per wheel and maintain original mounting position.
Antilock brake system must be retained and operational.
Vehicle must be street legal.
Competition:
An independent third party, AAA, will administer all track, dyno and emissions competitions, with points awarded as follows:
| Quarter Mile | Car Show at American Honda | |
|---|---|---|
|
1st — 100 points 2nd — 90 points 3rd — 80 points 4th — 70 points 5th — 60 points 6th — 50 points |
1st — 100 points 2nd — 90 points 3rd — 80 points 4th — 70 points 5th — 60 points 6th — 50 points |
|
| Road Course | Car Show at NHRA event | |
|
1st — 100 points 2nd — 90 points 3rd — 80 points 4th — 70 points 5th — 60 points 6th — 50 points |
1st — 100 points 2nd — 90 points 3rd — 80 points 4th — 70 points 5th — 60 points 6th — 50 points |
|
| Braking | Dyno Challenge | |
|
1st — 100 points 2nd — 90 points 3rd — 80 points 4th — 70 points 5th — 60 points 6th — 50 points |
1st — 100 points 2nd — 90 points 3rd — 80 points 4th — 70 points 5th — 60 points 6th — 50 points |
|
| Slalom | Emissions Testing | |
|
1st — 100 points 2nd — 90 points 3rd — 80 points 4th — 70 points 5th — 60 points 6th — 50 points |
Pass — 100 points Fail — 0 points |
All scoring will remain secret until the winner is announced at SEMA.