Mark, Author at Maynards Garage

Curtiss XP-934: A Bold Experiment

by Mark | Sep 22, 2023 | 0 comments

The 1932 XP-934 is based on the Curtiss XP-31 Swift, the airplane maker’s first monoplane fighter

A vintage black and white photo of a 1932 Curtiss XP-934 fighter aircraft

The 1932 Curtiss XP-934 was a bold but failed experiment in aircraft design. Despite its problems, the plane’s engineering helped pave the way for future fighter designs. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Curtiss XP-934 Swift was a bold but failed experiment in World War II aircraft design. Built in 1932, the XP-934 is based on the Curtiss XP-31 Swift, the airplane maker’s first monoplane fighter.

In 1932, the world is still reeling from the Great Depression, but aviation is booming. New aircraft designs are always emerging, and the Army Air Corps is eager to stay ahead of the curve. To seek innovation in aircraft design and manufacturing, the United States Army Air Corps held several competitions in the 1930s to develop new aircraft for the service. In addition to the competitions, the Army Air Corps also worked directly with aircraft manufacturers to develop new aircraft.

The newly formed Curtiss-Wright Corp. was among the makers to join the competition in 1932. The mission was to create an experimental pursuit-attack aircraft.

Pursuit aircraft became vital for their nimbleness for such duty missions as dive-bombing troops on the ground, escorting bombers to their targets in enemy territory, taking reconnaissance imagery, and clearing the airspace of opposing aircraft.

The Curtiss-Wright entry, designated XP-934 by the Army, is the first enclosed cockpit fighter aircraft for the USAAC. It was also one of the last pursuit aircraft with fixed landing gear and externally braced wings.

Why the XP-934 Failed

For the USAAC competition, Curtiss proposed a radical design that featured a low-wing monoplane configuration with a retractable landing gear. The XP-934 was powered by a 700-horsepower Wright XR-1510 Cyclone radial engine, giving the plane a top speed of more than 200 mph.

After the Curtiss XP-934’s first flight on July 25, 1932, however, it was immediately apparent that the aircraft was underpowered and overweight. The single-seat fighter weighed around 850 pounds and carried 125 gallons of fuel, four .30 caliber machine guns, and ammunition. The retractable landing gear also proved to be problematic, and it was eventually removed.

However, according to a report on Aviatar.org, the sole airframe was re-engined with a 447kW Curtiss V-1570 Conqueror V-12 powerplant. In 1933 flight tests, the V-12 offered no improvement.

The Curtiss XP-934 is never ordered into production. Despite its problems, however, the XP-934 was a significant aircraft in aviation history. It was the first enclosed cockpit fighter aircraft for the USAAC, and it helped to pave the way for future fighter designs.

Curtiss XP-934 Specifications

Crew: 1

Length: 23 feet 9 inches

Wingspan: 35 feet 3 inches

Height: 8 feet 10 inches

Wing area: 226 square feet

Empty weight: 3,334 pounds

Gross weight: 4,143 pounds

Powerplant: 1 700 hp Wright XR-1510 Cyclone 9-cylinder radial engine

Performance

Maximum speed: 215 mph

Initial climb rate: 2,130 feet per minute

Service ceiling: 22,700 feet

Range: 396 miles

Armament

4 .30 caliber machine guns

Source: Wikipedia

Note: This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked four decades in aviation as an engineer. Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

See more of his vintage plane pics here.

American Honda Collection Hall

by Mark | Sep 14, 2023 | 0 comments

The American Honda Collection Hall showcases Honda’s history in the U.S. since 1959

The dis[play opened Sept.12, 2023, at company headquarters in Torrance, California

The American Honda Collection Hall at company headquarters in Torrance, Calif., is walk-through learning experience of milestones. (Photography courtesy of American Honda)

The Power of Dreams
Cars, Bikes & Coffee Events
Honda Cars On View
Motorcycles On View
Power Equipment
Honda-Acura Race Cars

BY MARK MAYNARD

The grand opening of the American Honda Collection Hall was yet another dream realized for the first Japanese automaker to begin sales in the United States.

The expansive collection hall opened Sept. 12, 2023, at U.S. company headquarters in Torrance, Calif. Dozens of media, Honda racers, and fans gathered for the red-logo day of fanfare. There were tributes to associates and longtime and retired American Honda personnel. The Torrance mayor and pro tem mayor spoke of American Honda’s significant contributions to the community in the last 60 years.

Headlining the grand opening was Noriya Kaihara, president and CEO-director of American Honda Motor Co. He spoke of mobility for the future, sustainability in auto production, and the power of dreams, the company’s marketing tagline and corporate philosophy.

Kaihara joined Honda in 1984, spending much of his early career in the service division of Honda Motor Co. He assumed his current role at American Honda on Oct. 1, 2021.

More than six decades of American Honda Motor Co. are on view

The collection hall represents more than six decades since American Honda Motor Co. was established in 1959 at a modest storefront in Los Angeles.

Honda’s Power of Dreams

“Our new American Honda Collection Hall reflects the important connection between the dreams and passion of Honda associates and the joy experienced by customers who love their Honda products and racing fans thrilled by our checkered flag successes,” said Kaihara. “Everyone at Honda is honored to share the expressions of our history in America that are on display in the form of products and technology that have helped move people and society forward.”

American Honda Motor Co. opened in a small storefront in Los Angeles on June 11, 1959. The Japanese brand started in the U.S. selling motorbikes — the Honda Dream, Honda C92 Benly, and Honda Super Cub, known as the Honda 50, in the U.S.

It was the foothold of an upstart to disrupt American motorcycle sales, including by Harley-Davidson and European makes.

The small office at 4077 West Pico Boulevard was moved to the nearby suburb of Gardena at 100 West Alondra in 1963. In 1990, headquarters was relocated to its existing address at 1919 Torrance Boulevard in Torrance. The Honda headquarters occupies 101 acres.

The honors wall.

Embracing the Community

Located in the main lobby of American Honda headquarters, the museum is a way to bring the (car) community to Honda, said CEO Kaihara. The American Honda Collection Hall will be open to the public during regular “Cars, Bikes & Coffee” events starting Oct. 21, 2023.

While there was a previous museum at HQ, it was not open to the public. The new collection hall is a complete redesign, an open and airy walk-through learning experience of milestones. The 20,000-square-foot hall displays more than 60 vehicles from Honda and Acura, motorcycles, power products, engines, and racing machines.

The display will be updated several times a year to highlight different products and themes. Just added in 2024 is a new display of 12 electrified vehicles, concepts, and race cars, including the new Honda Prologue EV, Acura ZDX EV, 2nd-generation NSX, and a custom 1991 Civic EV Pikes Peak racer.

The collection hall is a 20,000-square-foot showcase of Honda milestone vehicles and events.

Honda’s collection hall is a 20,000-square-foot showcase of milestone vehicles and events.

Cars, Bikes & Coffee Events

The collection hall will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon on third Saturdays for “Cars, Bikes & Coffee” events. All interesting automobiles and motorcycles from all manufacturers and eras are welcome for attendees to display.

The events typically include giveaways, special displays, vendors, food trucks, and music. And, of course, participants can shop the merchandise display of Honda wearables and more.

Car clubs can plan to attend any upcoming events: April 13, 2024; June 15, 2024; Aug. 17, 2024; Oct. 19, 2024; and Dec. 21, 2024.

To learn more about the Collection Hall and event information, visit hondacollectionhall.com.

Some examples of products currently on display:

Honda merch.

Honda Cars On View

1970 Honda N600 Coupe – The first Honda automobile sold in the U.S. used an air-cooled 600cc two-cylinder engine and retailed for just $1,395.

1975 Honda Civic CVCC Hatchback – The first car to meet the emissions standards of the 1970 U.S. Clean Air Act without needing a catalytic converter.

1979 Honda Accord CVCC Hatchback – The first Accord debuted in 1976 as a three-door hatchback powered by Honda’s revolutionary Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion (CVCC) 4-cylinder engine.

1985 Honda CRX Si – The first performance Honda Si model sold in America, a sporty 2-seat coupe with Honda’s advanced PGM-FI fuel injection.

1986 Acura Legend – The performance luxury touring sedan that launched the Acura brand alongside the Integra.

1991 Acura NSX supercar – The revolutionary hand-built, exotic mid-engine sports car showcased Honda’s technical prowess.

1997 Honda CR-V – Honda’s first in-house SUV helped establish a new breed of compact sport utility vehicle with car-like ride and handling.

2006 Honda Insight – Introduced in 2000, Insight was the first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid passenger vehicle sold in the U.S.

Honda’s motorcycling milestones.

Honda Motorcycles On View

1962 Honda 50/Super Cub – One of the first three models Honda sold in the U.S. The Super Cub is now the overall bestselling vehicle globally, with over 100 million sold.

1969 Honda CB750A – Widely considered the first superbike and called “the Motorcycle of the Century” by Motorcyclist magazine.

1973 Honda CR/RC250 Elsinore – Honda’s first production motocross motorcycle and the first product Honda manufactured in the U.S., named after the famous Elsinore Grand Prix.

1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing – Redefined long-distance touring motorcycles with a revolutionary horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.

1981 Honda CBX1000 – Honda’s first motorcycle with more than 100 hp, powered by a 1000cc six-cylinder engine.

1983 Honda VF750F – The revolutionary VF750F used a liquid-cooled DOHC V4 engine and a stiff square-tube frame that also helped it dominate superbike racing in the mid-1980s.

1990 Honda VFR750R/RC30 – A homologation special created for competition in the “World Superbike Championship.”

1992 Honda NR750 – The most technically advanced motorcycle at the time, iconic for its oval-piston engine design and other innovations.

2004 Honda RVT1000R/RC51 – A street version of Honda’s championship-winning V-twin superbike.

Honda power equipment and marine engines in the collection.

Honda Power Equipment

1964 Honda CB30 Marine Outboard Engine – Honda’s first outboard marine engine featured a revolutionary four-stroke design.

1965 Honda E300 Generator – The first generator to combine 300-watt output. It was quiet, easy to use, and in a compact design that could be carried with one hand.

2023 Honda GF5 Marine Outboard Engine – A Compact and lightweight portable outboard engine provides a complete performance package for small boats and dinghies.

Honda-Acura Race Cars

1992 Acura Spice GTP-Lights – Powered by a modified Acura NSX V6 engine, carried veteran driver Parker Johnstone to the Drivers’ championship in the IMSA Camel GT Lights series.

1996 Reynard 961-031 Indy Car – Honda/Reynard driven by Indy Car Drivers’ Champion Jimmy Vasser and Rookie of the Year Alex Zanardi.

1997 Acura Integra Realtime – RealTime Racing and the Acura Integra Type R forged a race-winning record that remained unbroken after nearly two decades.

Honda’s racing history is on display.

Honda Civic Type R Review

by Mark | Sep 13, 2023 | 0 comments

If looks could kill. The 315-hp 2023 Honda Civic Type R is a purpose-engineered track star with manners

a championship white Honda Civic Type photographed on a corner of the Sonoma raceway

With 315 turbocharged horsepower, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is the most powerful model in Type R’s 30-year history. (Photography courtesy of American Honda)

Engineered Durability
Pricing
Performance
Roll on the Power
Datalogger
Ride and Handling
A Couple of Considerations
Interior Function
Why Buy the Honda Civic Type R?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is exciting to look at and just as exciting to drive when its 315-horsepower turbo four is whipped for more, more, more. In between those runs of fury, the Type R settles into its Civic roots as a polite and squeaky-clean compact hatchback.

This segment of high-performance compacts is a storied gathering that includes the Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX, Toyota GR Corolla, VW Golf R, and the Civic Type R.

The Elantra N and the Civic Type R are front-wheel drive, while the other competing models have all-wheel drive. Some are available with an automatic transmission, but the Type R has a six-speed manual only.

Honda’s skill at race-spec engineering transforms one of the top-selling compacts in the U.S. into a purpose-engineered track athlete. And Honda has been at it for 26 years. The Civic Type R has evolved through five different variants globally since it debuted as a 1997 model in Japan and Europe. North America got its first Civic Type R as the fifth-gen model from 2017 to 2021.

Type R interior features include a serial-number plate, high-bolstered front sport seats in red-and-black microsuede fabric, and red floor mats.

The Type R’s Engineered Durability

Built on Honda’s new 11th-generation Civic Hatchback, the sixth-gen 2023 Type R is basically an all-new model from its predecessor. The new hatchback, Honda says, uses 3.8 times more structural adhesive than the previous generation model. Gluing the spot welds doubles the strength and stiffness of the joint. All the better from which to hang the suspension to set performance standards, from the tires to the steering.

To fit the wide Michelin Pilot Sport tires, the new Type R has a 1-inch wider front track and 0.75-inch wider rear track (64/63.5 inches front/rear). There also are significant reinforcements for durability under pressure. For one, the Type R’s transmission has a more rigid exterior case, a high-strength bearing system, and high-strength gears.

Pop the hood, and you’ll find a minimalist red Honda dress-up shroud and a carbon fiber plate over the air induction unit. Look closely for the downspout-sized air intake duct. It takes a lot of fresh air to supply combustion for 315 horsepower.

Honda pushed for speed and control in developing the new 2023 Civic Type R. It set a new production-car, front-wheel drive track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan . Home to the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, the new Civic Type R lapped the Suzuka’s 3.6-mile figure-8 in 2 minutes 23.120 seconds. That blistering attack secured its legacy as the best-performing Civic Type R — ever.

According to ZeroTo60Times.com, the 2023 Type R will launch to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The fifth generation Type R is a click quicker at 5 seconds.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Pricing

The Honda Civic Type R is a one-spec choice for engine, manual transmission, and equipment. The 2023 model went on sale in the U.S. about a year ago (Oct. 7, 2022), and already there has been a $900 price bump; the Championship white paint option went up $60, from $395 to $455.

The Type R has a six-speed manual transmission.

A six-speed stick only for the Type R.

Manufacturer pricing for the Civic Type R starts at $44,890, including the $1,095 freight charge from Yorii-Machi, Zaitama, Japan. (However, the Type R engine is built in Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Sidney, Ohio, and shipped to Japan.) Check here for current Honda and Type R pricing.

My tester was $45,345 with one option for Championship White paint, $455.

Unique Type R interior features include a serial-number plate, high-bolstered front sport seats in red-and-black microsuede fabric with double red stitching, red floor mats, red ambient LED interior lighting, metal-trimmed sport pedals, aluminum shift knob, red illuminated front door panels.

On the outside, look for the Brembo four-piston aluminum front brake calipers, 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, gloss black side sills and wing spoiler, center-mounted, and the car’s signature triple outlet exhaust.

More Type R features are listed below in the specifications chart.

But Try To Find One …

Finding a new Civic Type R takes resolve, and fans at a car show told me that some dealers are asking $20,000 over sticker. A recent online search for a Civic Type R returned just four cars within 100 miles of my address in San Diego and just one Type R at a San Diego dealership (Pacific Honda). The other four Honda dealers in San Diego County included with their post, “We can still help you find it.”

Almost-new 2023 Type Rs, with very low miles, are being sold at dealerships for $50,000 to $56,000, according to Carfax.com. Because there are few factory options, just several accessories, these new-used Type R listings appear to include a dealer add-on “market value.”

315 turbocharged horsepower from the K20C 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Type R Performance

Honda’s legion of Type R enthusiasts can be fanatical about their brand loyalty. Speak with any of these followers and they can recite stats for the Type R’s K20C engine. The VTEC turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder has 315 hp at 6,500 rpm, and a redline of 7,000 rpm. Peak torque of 310 foot-pounds runs from 2,600 to 4,000 rpm.

A new turbocharger has an increased air intake flow rate, and boost pressure is up to 25 psi.

There are four drive modes: Comfort, Sport, +R, and Individual. I used Comfort mode for daily driving, and it gave excellent performance without a jarring ride. Sport mode is exponentially stiffer and becomes quite monotonous at interstate speeds. Individual mode, however, allows specific dial-ins for engine response, steering assist, suspension damping, engine sound, rev-match speed, and the red design of the gauge cluster.

The six-speed stick separates the pretenders from the proficient. Each gear slots with absolute engagement, which is the charm of a six-speed box vs. a crowded seven-speed. There’s little chance of accidental jamming when making fast shifts. And hill-start assist gives added relief as it brakes the car for a couple of seconds when starting on an incline.

Another electronic aid is rev-matching downshifts, which, fortunately, is a driver-selectable choice. To those who can heel-toe shift, this electronic enabler is more of an intrusion. It seems sissy when there are so many how-to heel-toe YouTube videos.

The 9-inch driver gauge screen in red Sport mode.

The 9-inch driver gauge screen in Sport mode.

Fuel Economy Ratings

Official EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2023 Type R are 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 mpg combined. Using premium fuel provides the most power, but engine electronics will adjust to run on 87 octane.

I saw a highway mileage reading of 26.8 mpg, beating the EPA estimates. But I’m sure my around-town mileage was sacrificed by too much revving fun.

And keep an eye on the fuel gauge. It does not take long to use up the 12.4-gallon capacity. But a fill-up doesn’t hurt much when gas costs nearly $6 a gallon.

Safety Features

Type R safety features include 10 air bags and a complete set of driving-assist technologies (listed below in the specs box). The Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assist felt a little skitzy — insistent — at the steering wheel. Lane-centering, however, was accurate and reassuring in heavy traffic.

One of my most appreciated technologies is the Traffic Sign Recognition system. It is essential to know the speed limits in this speed-capable Type R.

Honda’s LogR Datalogger

Any sports car with tires this wide, a wing this big, and race seats demands a Performance Datalogger. And Honda complied with an enhanced version of its LogR Performance Datalogger. The datalogger helps drivers monitor and record various performance parameters, whether in real-time on the road, track, or other closed courses. Users can also share their lap times and other data with other Type R owners.

Key Honda LogR features include:

Stopwatch to record lap times;
Tire friction circle. The 3D motion indicator displays the tire force the vehicle achieves;
Scoring function, to help drivers improve their track driving.

19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires have a “contact patch” that is 10.7 inches wide. (Mark Maynard photo)

Power-To-Weight Ratio

The Type R is among the lightest of the current pocket rockets, weighing just 3,188 pounds, two pounds more than the front-drive Elantra N (also front-drive). Lightweighting measures include a vented aluminum hood (same as before) and a new lightweight resin hatch and a resin front bulkhead.

But saving weight also means paring back the budget for soundproofing, and the Type R’s interior noise level is at “Maelstrom” at highway speeds. At 65 mph, the engine revs at 2,500 rpm in sixth gear, and the wind and road harshness only increase with speed.

Type R Ride and Handling

Laying down 310 foot-pounds of torque to the front wheels can be a fury of dreaded “torque steer.” Hard acceleration in an FWD setup can make the tires pull from side to side as they seek traction. That is one reason some of these hot hatches are all-wheel drive, which helps displace torque steer by routing the force to all tires.

Honda has neatly solved the torque steer matter with a couple of engineering enhancements. One is what Honda calls a “dual axis suspension system with adaptive dampers.” The setup “greatly reduces torque steer, primarily through a 0.75-inch reduction in steering axis offset.”

The second piece of magic is the helical-type limited-slip differential, which minimizes wheel spin and puts more power to the pavement. The LSD enables harder acceleration on surfaces with uneven traction and reduces wheel spin when exiting corners.

By the way, Honda says a helical-type LSD describes how the differential’s gear teeth are cut at an angle to the gear shaft. Helical gears are quieter and can channel more torque than straight-cut (or spur) gears.

Roll On the Power

The revs have a sweet rise and fall as gears are neatly engaged. With the engine’s wide-spread of peak torque, shifts do not have to be rushed. Hustling along at 4,000 rpm through a second-gear turn is inspiring. Exit the apex and slot the shifter for third, and roll on the power — then smile at the reassuring pushback in the seat. That’s when these sport seats are in their element.

And that is also when the 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires (265/30) are in their playground. These 10.7-inch-wide rollers bring an attack attitude to performance driving.

The tires have an asymmetric tread pattern and a treadwear rating (UTQG, or Uniform Tire Quality Grade) of 300. Honda advises that these three-season “summer” tires have a life that “may be less than 10,000 miles, depending on how you drive.”

Replacing a tire will run close to $400 — and do not cheap out when it’s time for replacements, or risk a compromise to handling performance.

The Type R’s signature triple round exhaust outlets are centered by the larger boom tube. In Sport mode, the exhaust note is one of determined grit under brisk acceleration, but the tone falls off quickly for quiet cruising.

Honda should have released the booming beast at all levels to remind owners why they paid $50,000 or $60,000 for a compact hatchback. Pull out a couple of baffles and let loose the snap, crackle, and pop.

A Couple of Considerations

With the hatchback’s 1.7-inch longer wheelbase(107.7 inches) and the wide Michelins, the Type R turning circle is an unwieldy 40 feet (39.9 inches). The low ride height is also a chin scraper, requiring some caution at dips in the street and some driveways.

The 9-inch color infotainment touchscreen adds a volume knob, customizable feature settings, and smart shortcuts

Interior Function

This generation of Civic Hatchback is a solid base for performance. It has thinner windshield pillars, a lower hood, and the side mirrors mounted on the doors — not the pillar — creating a wide look-around.

Sightlines are open across the hood and out the back, even with that big wing on the decklid. The designers cleverly shaped the wing with an arc that matches the surround of the back glass.

The cabin ergonomics are Honda simple and direct. There’s nothing wrong with the leather-wrapped three-point steering wheel that a flat bottom wouldn’t improve for thigh space. Honda offers an Alcantara-wrapped upgrade with red baseball stitching for $408, but it does not have a flat bottom.

The big, winged race seats, ready for a three-point harness, are a one-size-fits-most.

A short throw shifter with a red shift knob is a $230 accessory, and it might be a worthwhile addition. The aluminum shift knob gets hot when the car has been sitting in the sun; the smooth finish of the knob can mean a missed shift if it slips in the hand. The accessory shifter has a metallic disc top with the lower portion wrapped in red leather.

The hatchback Type R has a 60/40 folding back seat and 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

Why Buy the Honda Civic Type R?

The Civic Type R is a street-able track car that looks like trouble. It is actually quite harmless but best enjoyed at high volume in competitive driving. The suspension gives stunning control, but as a Monday-Friday commuter, Comfort mode will be the way to go; Sport is just too rough.

As one enthusiast said of the Type R: “Hey, it has four doors; the spouse would approve.”

You can’t miss the Type R’s big wing, decklid spoiler, and triple exhaust tips.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Specifications

Body style: Compact 4-seat, 5-door front-wheel-drive high-performance hatchback

Engine: K20C 315 hp, VTEC turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 310 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,600 to 4,000 rpm; 7,000 rpm redline

Boost pressure: 25psi

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching, and hill-start assist

Fuel economy: 22/28/24 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended for max performance

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 12.4 gallons

Cargo space: 24.5 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.3/42.3 inches

Rear head/leg room: 37.1/37.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 180.9/107.7 inches

Height/width: 55.4/74.4 inches

Curb weight: 3,188 pounds; 62/38 weight distribution

Turning circle: 39.9 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Smartkey entry with push-button start, multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, 10.2-inch driver info screen, 12-speaker Bose sound System with subwoofer, 9-inch color touchscreen (with volume knob, customizable feature settings, and smart shortcuts), electric parking brake, Bluetooth phone and audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 2.5-amp USB smartphone-audio port (front), 2.5-amp USB charging port, 12-volt power outlet (front), wireless charging pad, sliding sun visors, LED map lights, cargo area cover,

Type R features, interior: Type R serial-number plate, high-Bolstered front sport seats with red-black microsuede fabric with double red stitching, red floor mats, red ambient LED interior lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel, metal-trimmed sport pedals, aluminum shift knob, red illuminated front door panels, active sound control

Type R features, exterior: Brembo 4-piston aluminum front brake calipers, 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, aluminum hood, red Honda badges, Type R badges front and rear, gloss black side sills, gloss black wing spoiler, center-mounted, triple outlet exhaust with active exhaust valve, gloss black side mirrors with LED turn signals

Safety features include: 10 air bags, stability and traction controls, brake distribution, brake assist, and hill-start assist.

Driving-Assistance Technologies

Collision Mitigation Braking; Road Departure Mitigation; Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Keeping Assist; Forward Collision Warning; Lane Departure Warning; Traffic Sign Recognition System; Auto High-Beam Headlights; Driver Attention Monitor; Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor;

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Suspension: Adaptive damper system; dual-axis MacPherson front struts, rear multi-link; stabilizer bars front (tubular) and rear (solid);

Steering: Dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric power steering; 2.1 turns lock to lock;

Brakes: Power-assisted and ventilated 2-piece front discs, solid rear; 13.8-inch rotors front, 12 inches rear; Brembo 4-piston aluminum front calipers;

Tires-Wheels: 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (265/30); 19-inch matte black alloy wheels; tire-repair kit.

PRICING

Base price: $44,890, including $1,095 freight charge; price as tested $45,345

Options on test vehicle: Championship White paint $455

Where assembled: Yorii-Machii, Saitama, Japan

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with 24-hour roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review

by Mark | Sep 6, 2023 | 0 comments

There is nothing “traditional” about the midsize Ioniq 6, but its features and technologies are familiar, with welcome engagement for driver and occupants.

A side view of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is sold in four trim levels in rear or all-wheel drive with standard and long-range battery options. Starting prices range from $42,715 to $57,215. (Photos courtesy of Hyundai USA or as credited)

Who Will Buy the Ioniq 6?
Choices of Power and Driving Ranges
Charging the Ioniq 6
2024 Ioniq 6 Pricing
Touchy Feely Design
The Human Experience
Enter the Living Space
Clever Function
Ride and Handling
Driver Assist Technologies
Back Seats and Cargo
Why Buy the Hyundai Ioniq 6?
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not just a benchmark electric car; it is a well-done passenger car without gimmicks or compromise to comfort or drivability.

For those considering an electric vehicle, the Ioniq 6 treats you right, from its gracious ride quality to its ease of entry and exit and many appreciated details. Its potential as an emergency power source is not the least among its assets.

The midsize “coupe sedan” has been a breakout star for Hyundai. The Ioniq 6 debuted last year and is a “carryover” model with no changes for 2024.

Exterior styling of the Ioniq 6 has stirred controversy. The rear end is very busy with two spoilers, vertical metallic accent bars, and “parametric pixel” cubes liberally applied in the lighting.

Front views are sleek and refined, with a smooth slope to the hood, centered between the curvaceous fenders. The dramatic slope is key to aerodynamics, but at a compromise to space in the front trunk. The frunk’s 0.5 cu.ft. shows good use of space, but the space is long and shallow but lighted. How an owner would use this leftover space? For gloves? A microfiber towel? Christmas gift hiding place?

Trimming the height of the frunk was likely to allow the steep slant of the nose, contributing to low aerodynamic drag. Intended or not, the slope of the hood also allows open sightlines. The slant design treatment has been compared to the 1980s Porsche 911 Turbo S “slantnose.” The Porsche “Flachbau,” or flat front design, had a low front aerodynamic flow for its race cars.

Driver information comes from two side-by-side, 12.3-inch digital screens.

Who Will Buy the Ioniq 6?

Hyundai’s marketing research has decided that the focus buyer for the Ioniq 6 will be:

Millennial professionals who are confident in their choices and looking to transition to electric;
Accomplished singles or couples who are typically urban. They are comfortable standing apart and differing from the status quo. They seek to make an informed choice for their next vehicle;
They are looking to reward themselves with an EV that makes a statement of confidence and doesn’t compromise on a premium interior, advanced technology (safety and connectivity), or limit (through charging and range) their active lifestyle.

The front seatbacks gently cradle with modest cushion bolstering.

Choices of Power and Driving Ranges

The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is sold in four trim levels in rear or all-wheel drive with standard and long-range battery options:

Standard range RWD with a 53-kWh battery pack of 264 cells; 149-hp (111kW); up to 240-mile range; 0-62 mph 9 seconds.

Long range RWD with a 77.4 kWh battery pack of 384 cells; 225 hp (168kW); up to 361-mile range; 0-62 mph 7.4 seconds.

Dual-Motor HTRAC AWD long range, with 77.4 kWh battery; 320 hp (239 kW), up to 316-mile range; 0-62 mph 5.1 seconds.

The single-speed transmission has four driving modes of Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Custom, with a dedicated eAWD torque split for each drive mode.

The power closing charge door on the right rear flank. (Mark Maynard photo)

Charging the Ioniq 6

According to Hyundai, the Ioniq 6 battery pack will charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes at an ultra-fast 800V charging facility. Connecting to the more common 350-kW Level 3 fast charger can add as much as 65 miles of range in 5 minutes.

Hyundai includes a 10.9-kW onboard charger as standard equipment so owners can plug it into a household outlet or a 240V Level 2 home charger. Charging a depleted battery at home on a Level 2 charger would take around seven hours. I plugged in at home with 150 miles remaining on the charge, and it took about 4 hours to reach 100 percent.

Here are the official charging times, up to 80 percent:

Level II standard 120-volt: 6 hours 55 minutes

50kW: 73 minutes;

Rapid Charging, 350kW: 18 minutes.

Hyundai’s Multi-Charging System

Hyundai has patented its multi-charging system, calling it world-first technology. The system enables the motor and inverter to boost 400V to 800V for stable charging compatibility.

The technology includes “reverse compatibility,” also known as bidirectional. This added level of engineering — Vehicle to Load (V2L) — allows the Ioniq 6 battery to be used as an alternate power source. V2L is handy in the event of a significant power outage. It has enough power to operate small appliances, recharge electronic devices, or boost another EV.

The no-confusion shift-by-wire gear selector.

Recharging an EV on vacation travel is still a time-management effort, no matter if the EV has a range of 600 miles. The recharge still requires a break for a meal or shopping.

Hyundai has partnered with Electrify America to provide free fast-charge sessions. The plan is provided to any new all-electric Hyundai model. For the Kona small SUV, owners will receive up to 250kWh or about 1,000 miles of driving. Buyers of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 get two years of 30-minute DC fast-charging sessions.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Pricing

Starting prices include the $1,115 freight charge from Asan, Korea; add $3,500 for AWD:

SE RWD standard range: $42,715;

SE RWD long range: $46,615;

SEL: $48,815 (RWD 305-mile range, AWD 270-mile range);

Limited RWD: $53,715, up to 305-mile range;

Limited AWD, $57,215, up to 270-mile range.

The Limited AWD Long Range tester cost $58,425 with Gravity Gold matte paint ($1,000) and carpeted floor mats ($210).

Find current Hyundai pricing here.

Hyundai’s new-vehicle warranties include 10 years or 60,000 miles bumper to bumper and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain and electric vehicle systems.

The front door panel grip rail with ambient lighting.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Incentives and Rebates

Leasing a 2023 and 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 qualifies for up to $7,500 in an IRS credit. The incentive is only available on a lease, and other qualifiers can apply. Learn more here.

There is a California Clean Fuel Reward of $2,000, but participants are eligible based on gross annual income, as stated on their federal tax return. Details are here.

Find federal and state laws or incentives here.

And the Ioniq 6 qualifies for High-Occupancy-Vehicle freeway access, with the green DMV decal

A front trunk of 0.5 cu.ft. shows good use of space, but how would an owner use it? For gloves? A microfiber towel? Christmas gift hiding place?

How would an owner use this shallow but lighted front trunk? (Mark Maynard photo)

Touchy Feely Design

Hyundai went far left coast in planning the Ioniq 6 interior. In the big wall map of features to be considered, Hyundai designers came up with many categories including “Mindful Cocoon,” “Ethical Design,” and “Emotional Efficiency.”

The cabin is referred to as “Living Space” and is defined by a cab-forward exterior design, a stretched cabin, and a low hood for a streamlined silhouette. The cabin as “Living Space” would have “Transparent Accents,” “Light Reflection,” “Parametric Pixel,” and “Eco Materials,” for “Sustainability.”

That’s a touchy-feely marketing focus that doesn’t mean a whole lot to an owner, but Hyundai neatly ties it all together. Perhaps most apparent is the “Parametric Pixel.” In, out, and around the Ioniq 6 are series of cube pixel-like accents, such as in the taillights, the trunk-lid spoiler, and on the steering wheel. There is no badge for Hyundai or Ioniq on the wheel, just a row of four, square pixels that light up when charging; they show the state of charge, whether one, two, or four squares.

The dashboard’s‘winglet’ design.

The Human Experience

Popular magazine reviews of the Hyundai Ioniq 6 go deep into its powertrain kilowattage, 0-60 acceleration, and charging times. The Ioniq 6 aces those categories, which an owner will quickly accept and appreciate. However, there is a bigger presence of thoughtfulness toward the human experience. That aspect will be a pleasant discovery period for the many surprise-and-delight features throughout the living space.

Achieving max aerodynamic flow can mean lowering the car’s ride height. That’s good for the manufacturer’s fuel-efficiency standards but damning to the driver and occupants who must drop into a seat while peering into the taillights of the vehicle ahead. Ride height is one reason SUVs have become so popular. Hyundai, however, managed to give the Ioniq 6 a comfortable step-in height with a commanding forward view. Most modern sedans are now notorious for chin-scraping on driveways and dips in the road, but the Ioniq 6 has none of those tendencies.

Those attributes alone make the Ioniq 6 a “buy.”

Enter the Living Space

Modern low-riding sedans lost buyers because of trimmed headroom. Hyundai went upward with Ioniq 6 headroom, providing (tall for a car) 40.2 inches of hair space without the wide sunroof or 38.3 inches with it.

Seat design is another strong selling point, whether in the front or back. Hyundai’s H-Tex leatherette upholstery feels rich to the touch and is more compliant than leather hides. The front seatbacks gently cradle with modest cushion bolstering that does not give a goodbye wedgie when exiting. Thigh support is full-bodied and suitable for those tall enough to need all 45.4 inches of the car’s very long legroom.

The tester’s interior was basic black but refined by meticulously neat stitching, patterns, textures, and translucent plastics in the lower areas of the cabin. I liked the robust driver’s footrest, and the metal-trimmed pedals fit well with the interior design and black microsuede headliner.

And the greenhouse of the living space is a lighthouse of unobstructed views at the side mirrors, over the shoulder, and the somewhat cropped back glass.

A winglet-design dashboard is unique with 90-degree angles at each end by the windows. The dashboard looks like a plug-and-play unit, but it all works — though it will look odd for the first few drives.

Driver information comes from two side-by-side, 12.3-inch digital screens with white backgrounds. The driver’s instrument cluster with EV display is visible in all lighting conditions with text and graphics that are an easy read.

The HD touch-screen navigation screen includes a split screen for the around-view camera system. The screen anchors at least a dozen categories with icons for connecting a phone, media, climate, and charging.

The “bridge” center console with storage shelf below.

The “bridge” console with storage shelf below.

Clever Function

A “bridge” console extends from the base of the instrument panel and divides the front seats, with unique storage. The upper level has cup holders, a wireless charging pad, window lift switches, and door locks. An armrest box has useful storage and conceals two Type C USB ports, and there is an old-style USB-A next to the wireless charging pad.

Below the bridge is a long, open storage space with low sides for a purse or take-out food bags.

Without a space-robbing gearshift lever, the designers rethought what could be. Placing window and lock controls on the console is different, but I adapted quickly. Moving the switches from the traditional door panel allowed the designer to create a long, padded armrest with an integrated grab rail for closing the door. On opening, the grab rail — with a bead of ambient lighting — provides the ideal leverage point to control the door from punching the car next to it.

Hyundai gives owners a 3-month trial for the Wi-Fi hotspot, followed by a $20 per month Verizon data plan. Or the owner can add the Ioniq 6 to their phone plan.

Mercifully, the digital infotainment touchscreen has various buttons and switches for such oft-used features as volume, tuning, fan speed, and temp control.

All controls were intuitive for me to quickly figure out and use — a degree in IT is not required. Also smartly designed is the steering-column mounted, shift-by-wire gear selector. The sturdy stalk is clearly marked D-N-R, with a Park button at the end. Turning the tab-end of the stalk was never confusing to select D or R.

an image of the Ioniq's 20-inch Pirelli tire and alloy wheel

The Ioniq 6 Limited has 20-inch Pirelli P Zero Elect all-season tires. (Mark Maynard photo)

Ioniq 6 AWD Ride and Handling

Underpinned by a seemingly unsophisticated steel suspension, there is outstanding control from the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link. The setup provides capable finesse in enthusiastic driving, but the main asset is how the suspension absorbs the jarring roughness of crappy road surfaces and potholes. The ride is luxurious without a complex air ride system or electronic control.

On the Interstate with cruise set and Hyundai Drive Assist engaged, the Ioniq 6 settles in and tracks like a streamliner. The ride quality is consistently unruffled over California’s cantankerous concrete highways, but the ride is carpet smooth on blacktop.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is among the aerodynamic slipperiest cars on sale today. Models with 18-inch wheels have a drag coefficient of 0.20, while 20-inch models rise to 0.27 (matching the 2023 Toyota Prius). Other aerodynamically sleek cars include the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Mercedes-Benz EQE (0.20), Lucid Air (0.21cd), and Porsche Taycan (0.22 cd).

The Ioniq 6 has a comfortable stretch of back legroom.

Driver Assist Technologies

The Ioniq 6 has all the expected safety features, including six air bags and a full spectrum of advanced technologies, including Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2.

This evolved system is reliably accurate for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. When engaged, the lane-centering function is spot-on and keeps the car from drifting wide across the white lines or Botts dots. However, some stretches of light-colored Interstate highway can play tricks on the cameras, causing brief slowdowns.

The evolved technologies now allow Lane Change Assistance. It can be activated when the turn signal is held for a left or right move and the driver has hands on the steering wheel. In my experience, the response was too slow, and I intervened to make the lane change. This function is just one more layer of technology toward fully autonomous driving.

More relevant in the evolved HDA is how it now can respond to low-speed cut-ins of other vehicles or motorcyclists. The system also will adjust the car’s position in the lane if another vehicle in the adjacent lane moves too close.

Also evolved is the Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning. This electronic “intelligence” mimics the driver’s acceleration style and spacing with the vehicle ahead. I’m too much of an actual driver to give up this type of control.

Other advanced driving-assist technologies include:

Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor;
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist;
Parking Distance Warning, reverse and forward;
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (reverse, forward, side);
Remote Smart Parking Assist 2;
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning;
Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist;
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

Fold the 60/40 rear seatback for 6 feet in length. (Mark Maynard photo)

Back Seat and Cargo Space

The Ioniq 6 is too nice to use as a ride-share sedan, but what a lovely back seat it has.

A comfortable stretch of back legroom seems longer than its specification of 34.7 inches. Headroom is adult accommodating for all but the very tall, somewhat cropped by the trailing arc of the roofline.

A completely flat floor provides exceptional three-across footroom. The bench seat has good thigh support and a relaxed seatback angle. The door panel has a bottle slot and a uniquely integrated niche as a small catchall for gum wrappers and other bits. The door also has the armrest rail for easy closing.

Other occupant amenities include a fold-down center armrest with dual can holders, two USB-C ports, center air vents with left and right flow, and grab handles above each door with a jacket hook on the driver side.

Trunk space is wide and low, looking more spacious than its 11.2 cubic feet. But fold the 60/40 seatback for up to six feet in ladder or ski length. A power trunk closer is a bonus for the Ioniq 6 Limited.

Charging cable storage under the trunk floor. (Mark Maynard photo)

Why Buy the Hyundai Ioniq 6?

For those who have said good riddance to a modern midsize sedan, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 could be a mind-changer, not just a game-changer.

The average price of a new midsize sedan is around $32,000, which compares to $48,000 for a midsize SUV, according to MoneyGeek.

Spending a little more upfront for the Ioniq 6 — charging at home is a lot cheaper than buying gasoline — buys a no-compromises family car, with the added incentive of it being a power source for emergency support or pleasurable activities.

The Limited AWD Long Range tester cost $58,425 with Gravity Gold matte paint ($1,000) and carpeted floor mats ($210).

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited Specifications

Body style: midsize 5-seat, 4-door coupe-sedan in rear- or all-wheel drive

Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous

Power, AWD: 320 hp, 74 kW + 165 kW; 446 lb.-ft. torque

Battery: 77.4 kWh lithium-ion, 697 volts; output 277 kW

Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear

EPA-estimated driving range: 316 miles

Fuel economy equivalent, MPGe: AWD 111/94/103 city/hwy/combined); RWD
129/105/117

Charging, up to 80%:

Level II standard 120-volt: 6 hours 55 minutes

50kW: 73 minutes;

Rapid Charging, 350kW: 18 minutes;