In 1988, Spoon Inc. was founded by Tatsuru Ichishima, who previously worked for Honda as a race car and test driver. His decision to setup the company had the backing of Honda and Mugen. Honda's support came in exchange for racing data. The startup originated from the Honda Civic E-AT, which Ichishima owned and modified. This vehicle became the basis of Spoon's racing concept and philosophy that guide the company until today. The company caters to car owners who seek higher performance lacking in their vehicles amid Honda's shift towards eco-friendly technology. Spoon Inc. is known for its tuning parts, which - like those produced by Toda Racing - are popular for their naturally aspirated performance. This type of tuner is noted for its aggressive side and the requirement for valvetrain upgrades. The company is also known for producing aftermarket parts such as powertrain, suspension, aero-parts, wheels, drivetrain, braking system, and cooling system.
Notable modifications
Race cars
Spoon has been credited for making Honda a contender in motorsports through its racing modifications. 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, 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. In 2008, Spoon launched the Spoon Honda NSX-R GT, which is based on the second-generation, 2002 Honda NSX-R. This vehicle was modified to meet the requirements of the Japanese Super GT racing regulations. 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. 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 Nuremberg, the 25-hour Thunderhill, and Super Taikyu. Spoon-themed race cars are distinguished by a combination of blue and yellow livery while road cars are typically in white. The race car color scheme, however, is increasingly getting more diversified after Spoon raced the S2000 in 2012.
Aftermarket parts
Spoon has also produced iconic aftermarket parts such as the Spoon SW388, a lightweight aluminum forged wheel. This wheel is comparable to the Volk Racing TE37 in terms of popularity, and is noted for its five-spoke design. The company is also known for its more radical synchronized gear kits for vehicle transmission, noted for its extremely close ratio. The Momo steering wheel, which it developed with the Italian car accessories company Momo, is another popular Spoon product around the world.
Racing
Spoon has been racing Honda cars throughout their history. Their achievements include winning the Super Taikyu ST-4 class championship, class wins at the 24 Hours Nürburgring, Tokachi 24 Hours, 25 Hours of Thunderhill, Tsukuba 9 Hours, and class podiums at the Macau Grand Prix.
Type One
Spoon's headquarters is mainly used as the main office, stocking of parts, and distribution. 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. 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. Engines are modified in this facility to be beyond factory specifications. Spoon also buys and resells Honda vehicles at Type One, turning these into bespoke cars such as the left-hand-drive NSX Type Rs. The company provides maintenance and repair services at Type One.
