The Temple of VTEC - Honda and Acura Enthusiasts Online - Articles - So the SI will weigh about 2925lbs: Vibration

Rear Flat Floor
An integral part of all Civic models is its unique rear flat floor, and the Civic retains this feature. The challenge presented by a rear flat floor is reduced rigidity (because a flat sheet flexes more readily than a formed one). To overcome this tendency, the Civic has a "tunnel side frame" with a large, flat cross section instead of a typical tunnel structure. This improves torsional rigidity and makes the body stronger.

Spacious Trunk
The trunk of the sedan and coupe is big enough to accommodate a variety of modules including four golf bags, a 19-inch mountain bike (with the rear seat folded), a 3-piece luggage set, a full size wheel chair or 72-quart cooler. The cargo volume of the Civic Sedan measures 12.0 cubic feet, while the cargo volume of the coupe is 11.5 cubic feet with smart dimensions that make the most of the space, as evidenced by the key modules that will fit. The trunk now features a rigid and fully hinged spare tire cover with a laminated mat surface, and a molded tire spacer with integrated storage for small items. Additionally, Civic Hybrid and Sedan EX models feature a trunk lining and covers on the trunk hinges.

Tight Tolerances
Honda vehicles have long been synonymous with outstanding fit and finish. This attention to detail is evident in the increased body panel fit accuracy that produces significant reductions in the sizes of gaps between body panels and interior components. The entire Civic lineup features what is known as a "zero" gap for the front and rear bumpers, or less than a single millimeter. This gives the bumpers a more integrated appearance, yet keeps collision costs to a minimum by isolating various body components so fewer components require replacing in the event of an accident.

Noise and Vibration Dampening
Significant effort to reduce interior noise and vibration has been put into the Civic platform. The Civic offers low levels of passenger compartment engine noise during acceleration. This is due in part to the high levels of torsional rigidity of the Civic platform and the application of high-energy noise and vibration absorption materials.

The Civic utilizes "melt sheets" on the floor, around the tunnel, and around the tire pan in the trunk. This asphalt insulation material is literally "melted" into place on the floor to ensure a precise fit and to help reduce interior noise.

Rubber-backed floor mat insulators help stop road noise before it reaches the interior.

A dashboard insulator reduces engine noise in the interior.

Urethane foam is applied inside the pillars to fill the gaps and reduce the amount of noise transmitted to the interior.

The doors now have two seals for reduced noise intrusion.

Exterior Lighting
The Civic headlamp design uses sharp and wide dual halogen lamps for front-of-vehicle illumination. The lamp assemblies feature a clear one piece outer lens that wraps around the vehicle's front corners with the turn signals housed inside. The round inboard lamps function as the newly added daytime running lamps and also provide high beam illumination, while the outboard lamps are for normal driving. The halogen headlights offer class-leading performance, casting a beam wide and far, while also providing brighter illumination of objects in closer proximity, than any other Civic before it. The Civic Si incorporates distinctive amber inner headlight rings, while the Civic Hybrid has a clear turn signal lens (illumination is amber), instead of the amber lens found on other models.

The sedan's "drop focus" rear taillights feature a reflective inner-cube design as the background pattern during illumination. The lenses are solid red for brake and running lights, with a clear outer lens for turn signals (illumination is red for sedan, and amber for coupe). A large back-up-lamp reflector provides extra illumination when in reverse. The coupe features uniquely shaped taillights that accent the "forward motion" slant to the rear trunk shape. Civic Hybrid models also feature side marker turn signal lamps integrated into the side-view mirrors.

Opposable Windshield Wipers
The Civic windshield wiper system uses innovative outboard-mounted opposable wiper design that maximizes blade coverage and visibility on the vast expanse of windshield created by the sleekly angled vehicle profile. Each wiper uses a flat blade design for improved wiping capabilities in rain and freezing weather, and the arm shape is aerodynamically configured to provide good blade downforce at high speeds. The driver's blade measures 25.6 inches in length, much longer than the usual blade, while the passenger's blade measures 22.6 inches in length. The superior flat blade construction features long lasting durability, yet is also easy to service with a rubber insert that requires no special tools or high cost items to replace. Another benefit includes a clean appearance from inside the vehicle with the wiper profile neatly conforming to the base of the windshield. Civic Si, Hybrid and EX models feature variable intermittent, low and high speed wiper action, while Civic DX and LX models provide intermittent, low speed and high speed operation.

Source: Honda PR