These days, the virtual car world provides just as many interactive opportunities as the
real one, if not more. Sometimes, the two even intersect. Honda has teamed up with the
Xbox One Forza Motorpsort online racing franchise to create a one-of-a-kind 2014 Civic coupe
based on designs from the online community.
A design contest was held online, and the Forza Motorsport online community’s 17,000 members
chose a winner from the 170 entries. Gamer Tiffany Labedz’ design was selected, and Honda
built a real-world version of the car, which was styled online using the Forza Motorsport
rendering. The Labedz-designed Civic will take the stand at the Chicago Auto Show next
week, along with the new 2014 Civic Coupe.
The redesigned Civic Coupe is priced at $18,390 and offers a new design as well as upgraded
hardware. The styling is sportier and more aggressive than that of the sedan. A new
continuously variable automatic transmission handles shifting duties and improves fuel
economy to 30/39. Honda also offers a blind spot monitor, pushbutton start and a new
seven-inch capacitite touch screen for audio and other controls. As with the rest of the
industry, the Civic has taken leaps forward in terms of connectivity as well, with expanded
smartphone integration that provides Civic drivers with access to online and cloud-based
information.
