Honda Civic Coupe SI takes on role as INDYCAR Safety Car

Honda introduces 2012 Civic Si Coupe as new Safety Car: Johnny Rutherford will enjoy his new ride during the Honda Indy Toronto race weekend. A 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe will take on the duties as Safety Car for the IZOD IndyCar Series, beginning this weekend, with the three-time Indianapolis 500 champion the driver.

"The high-performance new Honda Civic Si is the perfect match for the IndyCar Safety Car fleet," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, auto sales. "With its larger and more powerful 2.4-liter engine and enhancements provided by HPD, it is ready to lead the IZOD IndyCar Series field at the Honda Indy Toronto and beyond."

Unveiled in April at the New York International Auto Show, the 2012 Honda Civic features streamlined and expressive "mono-form" exterior styling wrapped around a spacious cabin with more style and convenience than its predecessor. 

The 201-horsepower stock Honda Civic Si Coupe was recently transformed by Honda Performance Development, Honda's racing subsidiary in Santa Clarita, Calif., into the Safety Car. Modifications included Sparco seats and four-point racing harnesses; an HPD high-performance brake system with four-piston calipers, competition rotors, racing pads and stainless brake lines; a Honda Genuine Accessory aerodynamic body kit (front, side and rear under spoilers); and Firestone Firehawk 225/40 R18 tires mounted on Enkei alloy wheels. 

An exclusive graphics theme completed the conversion. The Honda Civic Si already is a hit through the Civic Racing Style Sweepstakes.