Autoworld interviews Honda Racing Malaysia Live on Facebook
Below is a transcript of an interview with Honda Racing Malaysia jointly conducted by Autoworld.com.my and Motorsportchannel.com. The interview took place live on Facebook earlier today at 1500hrs.
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Honda Racing Malaysia (HRM): Welcome to our 2nd LIVE CHAT SESSION! Today, we’ll be discussing further on the HSV-010 GT and its performance in 2010 Super GT Championship. Joining us in today’s exclusive interview are Autoworld & MotorsportChannel.com, who’re among Malaysia’s top automotive portals 
HRM: We hope fans will lend their cooperation and hold all comments till AFTER the interview.
Let’s take our 1st question from Autoworld 
Autoworld.com.my (AW): Hi there. Good afternoon all.
In what way does the HSV-010 carry forward the DNA of the NSX Super GT race car?
HRM: The HSV-010 continues Honda’s racing legacy by building on the technologies of the NSX-GT. Each had to be constructed with limitations in mind and we will continue to pursue this project as long as we continue to race.
With the NSX-GT, we have had up to 50 pole positions. We had a fantastic start with the HSV-010 GT this year, so we hope the racing legacy continues.
Motorsportchannel.com (MSC): Afternoon! We all look forward to seeing the HSV-010 on track right at our own backyard..
Being the newest machine in Super GT, was the HSV-010 properly tested on race setup specifications and under extreme race conditions by the current or test drivers, prior to its first outing in Round 1 at Suzuka Circuit?
HRM: Yes indeed, vigorous testing was required with the new machine. The HSV-010 had gone through comprehensive rounds of testing at Suzuka Circuit prior to Round 1. Suzuka is considered the most demanding circuit in the Super GT series so we were confident of its debut at Round 1 of 2010 Super GT International Race Series.
AW: Super GT regulations call for a car based on an existing production vehicle. The HSV-010 is based on a near-production ready but cancelled ‘NSX replacement’. How were the organisers of Super GT persuaded to allow the HSV-010’s entry?
HRM: Well, we found a loophole in the regulations that permitted cars which were production-ready but need not necessarily be in production. Besides, we conform to every other regulation of 2010 Super GT championship. After careful consideration, the organisers were finally persuaded! We are grateful that the HSV-010 was allowed to race and we will strive to do our best.
AW: Haha.. naughty naughty…
MSC: On the response to AW’s post, then again, why would GTA refuse Honda’s persuasion…
The HSV-010 is the new kid on the block, would the Honda Racing teams further improve or up the ante in performance and competitiveness on the current platform on race-by-race basis?
HRM: To answer your question on engineering improvements, well every race gives us a different track experience with the car and provides our team new insights to approach the next race with a better game plan.
It is a different challenge when we have to make changes to the vehicle during new Super GT seasons when the rules change. It may be an advantage or a disadvantage to the vehicle. But this is the sort of challenge we live for, and the reason Honda continues to race..
AW: It was stated that an alternative exhaust system was considered and it could’ve improved the engine output significantly, but it was ultimately dropped because it made poor sounds. What margin of improvements would it have given if it was used?
HRM: The sound is a very important characteristic of the new HSV-010 machine. Indeed, the initial exhaust system would have given an important edge in terms of boosting its speed but to develop this machine, the engineers worked on a very different thinking – that is to pursue the limits of each performance-related part like chassis, engine and … See moresuspension.
We mentioned in yesterday’s interview (with Paul Tan & Zerotohundred) that this was one of the challenges the team faced in building the HSV-010 GT. Indeed, it is difficult too for engineers to compromise but going through those challenges was necessary to help us achieve our speed, stability and sound limit with an ideal frame and layout.
AW: Well, weren’t the team concerned that the decision to sacrifice an output advantage in favour of achieving the sound would cause unfavourable results?
HRM: Lots of care went into trying to achieve a particular sensual sound and providing a high performance car that is easy to handle. It was a challenge trying to balance all the factors but we found the current manifold with 8-4-2-1 layout is the most optimum in terms of achieving a consistent speed and the sound we seek.
MSC: Very insightful indeed. What are some of the similarities shared between the NSX GT and the HSV-010, if any?
HRM: It is difficult to be specific because in terms of the racing technologies and DNA, both vehicles share much similarity because the HSV-010 was after all produced with the NSX GT… See more’s technologies.
But there are plenty of differences in terms of specifications, the obvious being the engine configuration – one is a mid-engine layout, the other one is build with a front-engine layout. The HSV-010’s 3.4 litre V8 engine also produces a higher torque (392 Nm or more) and output (500 PS or more). A detailed breakdown of its similarities and differences is available here.
MSC: The NSX GT is indeed a legend itself. Would there be a proper “send off” or retirement for the legendary race car by Honda?
HRM: The Motegi GT 250km Race signalled the last run of the NSX GT last year and it was a memorable event with the ARTA NSX and KEIHIN NSX finishing 1st and 3rd on the podium in Honda… See more’s home course.
Everyone who worked on the NSX and all the fans who came to witness the NSX’s last run provided tremendous support at the race, and we believe this powered the teams to win.
In the words of ARTA NSX’s driver, Takuya Izawa, “I felt more pressure this weekend than ever before. I was running with all my concentration and all my heart each and every lap of today’s race.”
The race will remain unforgettable in the legacy of NSX. There will be no additional ‘sending off’ event but a fleet of NSX paraded around the circuit at the end of the race. We’ll be sharing some photos of this parade on this page, so look out for it!
MSC: The NSX GT will be missed alot by generations of fans…
HRM: Thanks for the support of the NSX
AW: That’s quite a legacy to live up to. How long is the HSV-010 expected to remain in service? And is the car available for purchase by private teams?
HRM: As long as we comply with the Super GT regulations, we expect to continue racing with the HSV-010 GT. At the moment, there are no intentions for the HSV-010 to be purchased by private teams.
MSC: Among the current Honda Racing teams in 2010 Super GT, which team in your opinion is the most formidable squad on the grid with respect to consistent qualifying and race results?
HRM: We feel all our teams have shown their performance equally at different circuits this season. You can view the HSV-010 GT teams’ performance in the earlier races in our YouTube bookmarks.
It is difficult to identify just one team who have been consistent with the qualifying and race results because it has been a rather … See moreunpredictable season with the new car. So far, Raybrig and Keihin have been quite consistent but even then, we cannot say that they are the most formidable ones on the grid.
Beyond race results, what is ultimately formidable and consistent is our teams’ challenging spirit, so it will be fantastic for us if any of them do well at the end of the season.
HRM: That was our last question for today. Thanks for the excellent questions, Autoworld & Motor Sport Channel! We hope our fans gained some interesting facts about the HSV-010 GT.
To catch the HSV-010 GT live in action, head down to Sepang this weekend for Super GT Round 4!
AW: Cheers. All the best this weekend.
MSC: That’s right a Series not to be missed… thanks for the interview and look forward to a great show from Honda and the HSV 010… a Super GT featured preview is available on www.motorsportchannel.com.
HRM: Thanks again for joining us today. See you at the circuit this weekend
Q & A with fans follows. To read the full version of the above interview, head to Honda Racing Malaysia’s Facebook page as linked below.
