Fernandez' co-driver Diaz raced for the overall lead in the first hour of action before handing his mount off to Adrian for the final two hours. Herta was relieved by Kanaan after 90 minutes and the Andretti Green squad came from two laps behind to battle for the lead at the end of the race.
Brabham drove back to sixth after two hours in the No. 9 Highcroft Racing ARX-01a and co-driver Johansson promptly passed the cars ahead to third place. However, the Highcroft charge was cut short when Johansson's machine was hit from behind and stopped in a runoff area. The car was not reparable and finished ninth.
Meanwhile, Fernandez and Kanaan dodged slower traffic and raced side-by-side with the more powerful Audis and the potent Penske Porsches. At the checkered flag, the Penske cars of Romain Dumas and Ryan Briscoe finished one-two followed by Fernandez and Kanaan.
Sema Show 2007
More than 17 Honda project and concept vehicles-including the Accord HF-S concept-were on display at November's Las Vegas SEMA show. Besides the Accord, 15 more unique vehicles filled Honda's booth, including the all-new S2000 CR and the Mugen-equipped Si. A specially prepared S2000 CR was modified by Team Honda Research to compete in the '07 National Auto Sport Association's 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race in December. Another race car, the "One Lap Odyssey" modified by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, made its SEMA debut after winning its class in Car and Driver magazine's '07 Cannonball One Lap of America.
Honda's Accord Coupe HF-S concept was built to demonstrate how the customized use of technology could allow vehicle owners to fine-tune performance while adding their own sense of style. Key exterior and conceptual powertrain modifications represent functional performance and driving experience enhancements. The shape of the front bumper is designed to create a vortex effect to enhance high-speed aerodynamics and engine cooling, while the carbon-fiber panels on the sides of the vehicle decrease negative speed force around the wheel arches. The rear bumper diffuser is designed to reduce drag, while the trunk spoiler is a prototype design that was engineered for high-speed downforce. The metallic color of the exterior is accented by Cadmium Orange Pearl-a color derived from super-heated metal. Using this color for the brake calipers, badges, grille accent and interior details underscores the vehicle's high-performance appearance.
The exhaust is a two-stage design, engineered to be exceptionally quiet during relaxed cruising and elevate high-performance driving situations. The Sports Suspension package reduces ride height by about 25mm, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and enhancing the Accord Coupe's sporty road-handling characteristics. Larger wheels and tires include 19-inch, 10-spoke alloys designed for high-performance 245/40R-19 tires. A full aerodynamic body kit further elevates the style quotient of the entire vehicle. Interior and exterior Honda Factory Performance (HFP) emblems complement the package. Except for the suspension, Accord Coupe HFP components can currently be purchased individually, while the full package including suspension will go on sale this spring.