Honda's SEMA 2017 Showcase: Pushing Civic Performance to New Limits

At the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Honda made waves with an impressive display of modified vehicles, focusing particularly on their Civic lineup. The automaker revealed two groundbreaking factory-approved upgrade packages that combine OEM reliability with aftermarket performance appeal.

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The Civic Type R Red Carbon Kit: Premium Aero Enhancements

Honda unveiled its exclusive Red Carbon Kit for the high-performance Civic Type R, offering enthusiasts dealer-installed upgrades that maintain factory warranty coverage. Priced at $2,697, this premium package includes:

• Authentic carbon fiber door mirror covers
• Aggressive wing spoiler with carbon construction
• Interior trim panels in matching carbon fiber
• Red leather-wrapped shift knob with Type R logo
• Illuminated door sills and center console
• Custom indoor car cover for protection
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What makes this package particularly noteworthy is Honda's decision to offer these typically aftermarket components through official dealership channels, ensuring perfect fitment and preserving the vehicle's warranty status—a rare combination in the performance parts market.

2018 Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Series: Comprehensive Upgrade Solution

For broader Civic applications, Honda introduced its Factory Performance Series kit, available for:

• Civic Si sedan and coupe models
• Civic hatchback variants
• Honda Fit subcompact (showing Honda's commitment to all performance segments)
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The HFP kit contents vary by model but typically include:

• Lightweight alloy wheels designed for improved handling
• Sport-tuned suspension components
• Aerodynamic underbody panels (front, side, and rear)
• Performance-inspired rear spoiler
• Custom HFP badging and floor mats
• Upgraded brake rotors for improved stopping power
• Sport pedals for enhanced driver engagement
• Special edition shift knob
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Racing Heritage on Display: The Civic Si Track Build

Beyond factory packages, Honda showcased a specially modified Civic Si track car built by Honda engineer Kevin Boehm. This project highlighted several innovative features:

• Utilization of Honda's new crate engine program
• K20C1 turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder from the Type R (306 horsepower)
• Full racing modifications while maintaining Honda reliability
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The Honda Racing Line Crate Engine Program

One of the most significant announcements at SEMA was Honda's crate engine program for the Type R's potent K20C1 powerplant. Key details:

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• Currently available only through Honda Racing Line program
• Restricted to competition use (not street legal)
• Represents Honda's commitment to grassroots motorsports
• Potential for future consumer availability

While the racing-only limitation may disappoint street enthusiasts, this move signals Honda's growing engagement with the performance aftermarket—a space where they've traditionally been conservative. The 306-horsepower turbocharged engine offers tremendous potential for track builds and could reshape Honda's presence in amateur racing series.

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Why These Upgrades Matter for Honda Enthusiasts

Honda's SEMA 2017 showcase represented a strategic shift in how the automaker approaches performance:

• Dealer-installed performance: Maintains warranty while enhancing capability
• Factory-backed quality: Better integration than aftermarket solutions
• Racing pedigree: Direct connection to Honda's motorsports efforts
• Brand expansion: Appeals to both tuners and mainstream buyers

For consumers, these packages offer a compelling middle ground between stock vehicles and full custom builds. The ability to add performance while retaining factory support addresses a major pain point for modern enthusiasts navigating complex warranty terms.

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The Future of Honda Performance

Honda's SEMA 2017 presentation suggests several likely developments:

• Expansion of factory performance packages to other models
• Potential street-legal version of the crate engine program
• More dealer-installed customization options
• Increased collaboration between Honda engineers and aftermarket
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As the automotive industry evolves, Honda appears committed to maintaining its performance heritage while adapting to modern consumer expectations. The success of these programs could determine how aggressively Honda pursues factory-backed performance in future model lines.

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