Honda Torneo

This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the Japanese Wikipedia.

Honda Torneo

Also called	JDM Honda Accord SiR
Production	1997 - 2002
Predecessor	Honda Rafaga Honda Ascot
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Engine	1.8 L F18B I4 VTEC 2.0 L F20B SOHC I4 VTEC 2.0 L F20B DOHC I4 VTEC 2.2 L H22A DOHC I4 VTEC
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,665 mm (104.9 in)
Length	4,680 mm (184.3 in)
Width	1,720 mm (67.7 in))
Height	1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Curb weight	1,390 kg (3,100 lb)

The Honda Torneo was a compact sedan first introduced in 1997. The vehicle's name, "torneo", is Spanish for "tournament". The Torneo reflected a return to the original approach Honda used in 1982 by taking the second generation Honda Accord and giving it a sports performance enhancement, calling the modified car the Honda Vigor. The Torneo was mechanically identical to the sixth generation JDM Honda Accord SiR, which was sold at Honda Clio dealerships, however the Torneo was not available as a wagon (estate) while the Accord SiR is. The Torneo had more of a performance approach in comparison to the Accord SiR, utilizing a different front grille, headlights and tail lights, and exclusive trim packages and color choices. The Torneo was sold exclusively in Japan at both the Honda Verno and Honda Primo dealership sales channels after the Ascot was discontinued. As Honda decided to consolidate models being offered in Japan, the Torneo replaced the Honda Ascot and Honda Rafaga.

• Honda Japan TV commercial for the Torneo

Trim levels and engines

The Torneo was available with HID headlights, which were uncommon at the time. Four engines were available, all equipped with Honda's VTEC technology. A few sport packages were available, including the "Euro R", the "SiR-T", and the "SiR Euro".

The Euro R included an H22A engine rated at 220 bhp (160 kW), 5-speed manual transmission, Recaro seats, leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, helical-torsen LSD, sports suspension, sports exhaust (including 4-2-1 stainless headers) and an aluminum-alloy gear shift knob. It was also fitted with a unique factory body kit that included flares and was available in some colors not available to lower trim package Accords (such as Milano Red). The Accord and the Torneo are the same car, aside from minor cosmetic differences in the exterior.

SiR-T (CF4, 1997–2000)

The SiR-T model included a 2.0L F20B engine rated 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) at 7200 rpm (180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) automatic) and 144.5 lb·ft (196 N·m) at 6600 rpm, 11.0.1 compression, 85 mm X 88 mm (Bore and Stroke) 7800 rpm redline. The H-series DOHC VTEC engines were limited to 7800 rpms. The F20B had a unique blue valve cover and like all the larger displacement Honda engines, the F20B was mounted with a tilt towards the driver. F20B engines could rev at higher rpms than H22As because it had a shorter stroke. The F20B had an 85 mm x 88 mm bore and stroke when compared to an H22A which had a 87 mm x 90.7 mm bore and stroke. The F20B was also classified as a low emissions engine.

SiR (CF4, 1997–2002)

The Accord SiR was based on the SiR-T, but used the S-Matic automatic transmission. The engine was rated at 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) but with better midrange characteristics.

Moving the gear-stick over to the right allowed manual selection of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear using up and down shift actions just like the sequential gearboxes used on the JGTC NSX. When a particular gear is selected, the gear stays in position at all rpm. When pushed against the rev limiter, the engine would bounce against it just like a manual. However, the gear ratios for each gear were the same as the normal mode. The transmission still worked like a normal automatic transmission in all other operating modes.

Demise

As sales of the Accord proved more popular than the Torneo, plus the economic effects of the Japanese asset price bubble or "bubble economy", the Torneo was discontinued in 2002, along with the disolvement of Honda's three dealership networks Verno, Primo, and Clio three years later.

External Links

Honda Torneo History (Japanese)
Honda Torneo Product Description (Japanese)