HONDA Motor Co. Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Civic Type R, a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R went on sale throughout Japan on March 30.
This new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.
The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine matched to a six-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.
Type R models are especially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997. This latest all-new Civic Type R is the distillation of 15 years of technological progress and the latest expression of Honda’s “Challenging Spirit.”

Exterior design

■        The exterior employs a pure sports one-motion form design with aerodynamically advanced surface treatment and sharp edges. Newly developed aerodynamic devices include a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a high-mount rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes, giving the car an aggressive overall appearance.

■        Specifically designed engine hood and front fenders.

■        Especially designed shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight subreflector and Civic emblem design.

■        Type R red Honda emblem front and rear.

Interior design

■        The overall black color scheme gives the interior cockpit a racing car-like appearance, bringing the driver closer at one with the car.

■        The front bucket seats are especially designed for Type R. Separate center/side construction with high side bolsters and optimized cushion rates help hold the body in place, helping the driver concentrate on driving.

■        The multiplex i-VTEC engine revolution indicator alerts the driver that engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions. Self-illuminated, lit with red-colored flashing lights and is strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high-speed driving conditions.

■        Other performance-oriented features include a small-diameter, genuine leather oval steering wheel, an aluminum ball-type shift knob, a short-stroke sports shift linkage, metal sports-type pedals and footrest, and a separate, button-type engine starter.

Engine

■        A higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency help the naturally aspirated K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine output a maximum of 165kW (225ps) at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm (21.9kgm) at 6,100 rpm.

■        NSX production methods contribute to smoother port surfacing, improving intake/exhaust airflow.

■        Drive-by-wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output.

■        Optimum tuning of intake and exhaust manifolds provides for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.

Transmission

■        A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is matched to the Type R engine.

■        Optimized gear ratios offer superior accelerations at high speeds, providing exhilarating performance.

■        New features include a highly rigid aluminum transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate helps mitigate oil starvation at high cornering speeds.

■        A short-stroke shift linkage contributes to a sporty shifting feel.

Body and chassis

■        The highly rigid Civic body and its advanced layout serves as the basis for an even more highly rigid yet lightweight Type R body. Measures to enhance body rigidity while reducing weight have translated into a body that is 50-percent more rigid than in the Integra Type R production model sold between 2001 and 2006.

■        Especially tuned suspension, high-performance 18-inch tires, a torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential, large disc brakes for improved fade resistance and other performance-enhancing features contribute to higher cornering performance and stability for an exciting, racecar-like driving experience.

■        The especially tuned suspension boasts revised spring and damping rates, and thicker stabilizer bars for improved vehicle stability.

■        225/40R18-sized high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.

■        17-inch disk brake with Brembo four-pot aluminum front calipers.

■        Especially tuned ABS/EBD system.

■        Special lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels are matched to black wheel nuts.

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HONDA Motor Co. Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Civic Type R, a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R went on sale throughout Japan on March 30.