In 1988, Spoon Inc. was founded by Tatsuru Ichishima, who previously worked for Honda as a race car tester and driver. His decision to set up the company had the backing of Honda and Mugen.^[1] Honda's support came in exchange for racing data.^[3] The startup originated from the Honda Civic E-AT, which Ichishima owned and modified.^[4] This vehicle became the basis of Spoon's racing concept and philosophy that guide the company until today.^[3] The company caters to car owners who seek higher performance lacking in their vehicles amid Honda's shift towards eco-friendly technology.^[5]

Spoon Inc. is known for its tuning parts, which - like those produced by Toda Racing - are popular for their naturally aspirated performance.^[6] This type of tuner is noted for its aggressive side and the requirement for valvetrain upgrades.^[6] The company is also known for producing aftermarket parts such as powertrain, suspension, aero-parts (supplemental pieces added to the body to improve aesthetics or aerodynamics), wheels, drivetrain, braking system, and cooling system.^[2]

Race cars edit

Spoon has been credited for making Honda a contender in motorsports through its racing modifications.^[7] In Japan, Spoon Sports is particularly recognized as a leader in time attack and performance using Honda vehicles such as the Integra Type R, NSX, the S2000,^[8] and the Civic. The very first racing car attributed to Spoon Sports was Ichisima's own Honda Civic E-AT. The vehicle, which became the basis of Spoon, participated in the Japan Touring Car Championship. It held the distinction of the first Honda Civic to join the race.^[4]

In 2008, Spoon launched the Spoon Honda NSX-R GT, which is based on the first-generation, 2002 Honda NSX-R.^[9] This vehicle was modified to meet the requirements of the Japanese Super GT racing regulations.^[9] In 2017, Spoon Sports fielded the Unlimited Class FD2 Honda Civic Type R, which set a record lap during the Global Time Attack at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park.^[10] The company modified this vehicle as a front-wheel-drive racing car with Formula 1-style center-seating position.

In the course of its 20-year racing history, Spoon has distinguished itself in endurance racing, excelling in events like the 24-hour Nürburgring, the 25-hour Thunderhill, and Super Taikyu.^[11]

Spoon-themed race cars are distinguished by a combination of blue and yellow livery while road cars are typically in white.^[12] The race car color scheme, however, is increasingly getting more diversified after Spoon raced the S2000 in 2012.^[12]

Aftermarket parts edit

Spoon has also produced iconic aftermarket parts such as the Spoon SW388, a lightweight aluminum forged wheel.^[13] This wheel is comparable to the Volk Racing TE37 in terms of popularity, and is noted for its five-spoke design.^[13] The company is also known for its more radical synchronized gear kits for vehicle transmission, noted for its extremely close ratio.^[14] The Momo steering wheel, which it developed with the Italian car accessories company Momo, is another popular Spoon product around the world.^[15] These aftermarket parts also extend to aerodynamic body kits, with the very aggressive crane-like front end to signify their brand name of spoon. The most clear example of such would be the FK8 Civic Type-R, when looked at certain angles it can resemble a crane as well as their Wing being trademarked as a Crane-styled Wing. Spoon is more focused on the balance of a car on the track rather than making extreme power.

Spoon has been racing Honda cars throughout its history. The company's achievements include winning the Super Taikyu ST-4 class championship,^[16] class wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours,^[17] Tokachi 24 Hours,^[18] 25 Hours of Thunderhill,^[19][20] and Tsukuba 9 Hours,^[21] as well as class podiums at the Macau Grand Prix.^[22]

Spoon's headquarters is mainly used as the main office, stocking of parts, and distribution.^[23] The company opened Type One in 2001 according to a differentiation strategy where Spoon functions as a research and development of parts and tuning while Type One serves as a tuning shop for servicing and tuning cars.^[24] All of Spoon's products are on display at the Type One showroom and factory as well as the race cars that it has fielded through the years.^[23] Engines are modified in this facility to be beyond factory specifications.^[24]

Spoon also buys and resells Honda vehicles at Type One, turning these into bespoke cars such as the left-hand-drive NSX Type Rs.^[15] The company provides maintenance and repair services at Type One.^[15]

• Spoon Sports
• Type One
• Rigid Collar