Honda Civic Type R – Automobiles Review

Honda celebrates 25 years of the Civic Type R

Honda’s iconic Civic is celebrating two anniversaries this year: 50 years of continuous production and 25 years of the high-performance, race-derived Type R variant, which rewrote the rulebook on what a hot hatch should be. Despite being born as the more attainable Type R, the Civic variants embody the Type R philosophy the maximum thanks to exquisite engineering and engaging dynamics. Over six generations, the formula has evolved to deliver the ultimate front engine, front wheel drive performance hatchback to customers. One that can comfortably handle the daily commute from Monday to Friday, before tackling the circuit at weekends.

EK9 (1997-2000): An affordable, accessible Type R for all

The Type R nameplate can be traced back to the 1992 Honda NSX Type R, which raised the bar on performance and dynamic ability, but was only available in extremely limited numbers. Applying the Type R philosophy to the Civic followed a similar engineering ethic to the Integra and NSX to offer an engaging, rewarding drive. The EK9 was offered to the Japanese market only and had a high-end specification; including a hand-ported 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine that produced a highly impressive 116bhp-per—litre, a lightweight seam-welded shell that contributed to a total vehicle weight of just 1050kg, paired with a helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and unique suspension components to completely transform the driving experience. Launched to outstanding reviews, the EK9 set in motion the pursuit of the ultimate front-engine, front wheel drive performance hatchback.

EP3 (2001 – 2005) A European take on the Type R

As a result of the overwhelming success of the first-generation car, the second-generation was offered across Europe; thanks, in part, to now being manufactured in the United Kingdom. The new car introduced an all-new, and now iconic 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC ‘K’ series engine that redefined what a normally aspirated two-litre engine could do. It too featured uprated brakes, a precise, close-ratio six-speed transmission and a shell that made extensive use of high-tensile steel to increase torsional static rigidity by 80% over the EK9. Toe-control link strut suspension in the front and reactive-link double-wishbone suspension at the rear combined with new electric power steering (EPS) and variable gear ratio (VGR) for highly rewarding steering feel and feedback.

FN2/ FD2 (2007-2011) Type R – two ways

The third generation Civic Type R was unique in that the European and Japanese models differed dramatically. Europe received the FN2-based hatchback, which retained the proven 2.0-liter engine, but introduced a new chassis that moved the fuel tank beneath the front seats to improve interior space and flexibility. Japanese customers were instead offered the FD2 saloon, which offered an even more focused driving experience thanks to additional items such as a more powerful K20A engine, a helical LSD and powerful Brembo brakes. The saloon’s increased weight was countered by extensive use of structural adhesives instead of welding, and aluminium in both the chassis and panels.

FK2 (2015-2017) Introducing the VTEC TurboA

As market and regulatory expectations shifted, the move toward turbocharging was inevitable. Honda engineers worked meticulously to develop the K20C1 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that offered explosive performance thanks to a 310PS output. In order to better control that significant increase in power, Honda introduced its Dual Axis Strut Suspension paired with a limited-slip differential to counter the torque-steer encountered in high output front wheel drive cars. The 2015 Civic Type-R sprinted from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and came equipped with large diameter (351mm) front discs that formed part of the high-performance Brembo braking system. The FK2 proved a formidable base for a competition car, winning several TCR Touring Car titles across the globe.

FK8 (2017-2022) The Ultimate Sports hatchback

Arriving in 2017, the FK8 was the ultimate evolution of the Civic Type R. A significant evolution of the FK2, the new car gained a host of new mechanical features such as adaptive dampers, and further revisions to the K20C1 engine to boost power to 320PS. The model also introduced downforce to the equation for an even more intense drive; the external aerodynamic package worked in unison with an advanced, almost flat underfloor, to actively contribute to negative lift. The model also made its debut in the United States, with the region leading global sales for the car.

FL5 (2022-) Ultimate Sports 2.0

Launching later this year, the all-new generation car further evolves, matures, and refines technologies that have been developed over several generations. Whilst new technologies and refined aerodynamics have helped set the bar higher once again, a clear lineage can be traced back to the FD2 generation with the incremental revisions resulting in the fastest, most rewarding and addictive Civic Type R ever built. Already the track record holder at Suzuka, the 2022 Civic Type R is a fitting way to celebrate 30 years of the Type R nameplate.

August 23, 2022

2023 Honda Civic Type R Sets New Benchmark

2023 Honda Civic Type R

A global high-performance icon revered by driving enthusiasts around the world, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R was revealed this evening at a special event in Los Angeles with NTT INDYCAR SERIES superstar driver Colton Herta behind the wheel. The all-new Honda Civic Type R is the most powerful model in Type R’s 30-year history, and has been engineered from the ground up to deliver thrilling performance with an addictive driving experience – both on road and on the racetrack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODN00DfEK-U

The pinnacle of Honda factory performance, the new Civic Type R is the fastest, most powerful Honda-branded vehicle ever offered in the U.S. Based on the all-new 11th generation Civic Hatchback, the Civic Type R combines its class-leading performance with a low and wide design and a new immersive high-performance cockpit experience that enhances the exhilaration of driving.

“Even in this “year of the Honda SUV,” it’s great to be part of a brand that remains focused on the thrilling performance and joy of driving delivered by the all-new Civic Type R,” said Mike Kistemaker, assistant, vice president of Honda sales at American Honda. “Type R is about more than speed, power and handling. It’s how a great car makes you feel that really matters and that’s what the all-new Civic Type R is all about.”

Civic Type R is celebrated around the world as a symbol of extreme performance and desirability with six variants since it debuted in Japan as a 1997 model. Only the second Civic Type R model ever sold in the United States, the all-new 2023 Civic Type R recently set a new production-car front-wheel drive track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, home to the Formula 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix 2022, securing its legacy as the best performing Civic Type R ever.

Performance-Focused Engineering

A new lightweight and highly rigid body helps improve high speed stability and scalpel-sharp responses. Track-ready, Nürburgring-tuned and tested, Civic Type R‘s famously addictive driving feel is increased even further by enhanced suspension and steering performance.

An even more powerful and responsive version of Honda’s award-winning turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is paired with an improved six-speed manual transmission and rev-matching system for an even more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver.

Powerful Aerodynamic Design

Longer, lower and wider, the new Type R’s muscular yet sleek and sophisticated design features beautifully integrated advanced aerodynamics to achieve well-balanced downforce, as well as a reduction of drag.

Brawny fenders flare out over lightweight wheels wrapped in wider tires. A new more aggressive front bumper design features a sporty honeycomb grille mesh that echoes the intricate honeycomb trim inside the cabin. Larger front fender grilles and a new side sill design behind the front wheels enhances airflow efficiency. Its more aggressive stance is accentuated by wider rear doors exclusive to Type R, a redesigned rear spoiler, and a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its signature three round exhaust outlets and new rear diffuser.

Civic Type R will be available in five striking colors: Historic Championship White – a Type R exclusive finish revered by Honda enthusiasts, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl.

Immersive Cockpit Experience

Civic Type R’s all-new interior supports intense driving experiences with emotive, performance-focused details and features. Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, and a serialized Type R plate now placed on the dash are new for the 2023 model year. Suede-like upholstery with a high friction coefficient reduces body slippage in high-G driving situations.

A new +R driving mode exclusive meter design allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with a graphic engine rpm display, rev indicator lights, and gear position indicator placed at the top. A lower multi-information display can show vehicle information selected by the driver.

The Honda LogR™ data logger provides real-time information on the mechanical movements of the vehicle and vehicle behavior resulting from the driver’s input. Other key features include a stopwatch to record lap times and the ability to share driving videos.

Pricing and additional details on the 2023 Civic Type R will be provided closer to launch this fall.

July 21, 2022

Honda reveals details for new Type R Limited Edition lineup!

2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition One of the most prominent street-legal track-focused vehicles, Honda’s legendary Civic Type R, will arrive in American dealers later this year. The new family member is lighter, faster and more powerful. 2021 Type R Limited Edition will feature all of 2020 model year Type R updates, all along with additional enhancement designed to make it the ultimate street-legal Type R machine to date. Also, there will be only 600 units in the lineup, all in Phoenix Yellow and with an individually numbered serial plate.

Some of the modifications include:

Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels from acclaimed manufacturer BBS (18 lb. total unsprung weight reduction)
Further weight reduction of approximately 28 pounds accomplished via reduced sound-deadening materials and removal of features such as the rear wiper, tonneau cover, and rear heater ducts
Specially tuned dampers
Recalibrated steering for maximum control and feedback

Furthermore, the new 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition pays homage to past models with its exclusive finish, contrasting gloss black paint on the roof, outside mirror caps, and intake vent on the hood, along with a dark chrome Civic badge on the rear hatch.

Like the standard vehicles in the lineup, Limited Edition comes with Honda Sensing, brand’s suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation and Lane Keeping assist with Adaptive Cruise Control. Sweet!

Under the hood, 2021 Civic Type R draws power from an agile 2.0-liter direct-injection and turbocharged 4-cylinder power unit with VTEC valvetrain, delivering a total of 306hp and 295lb-ft of torque, with power distributed to the front wheels delivered through a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox.

As it comes to the standard vehicles, Type R features a set of selectable driving modes – Comfort, Sport, and +R – all three alter damping force, steering assist and throttle mapping. New for 2021 is the Active Sound Control that modifies the interior sound. Neat!

2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition

Source: Honda

February 24, 2020

Honda reveals first details about new Civic Type R lineup

Fresh from its world debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon last month, 2020 Honda Civic Type R made its US debut at the Chicago Auto Show, appearing for the first time in public in its new and exclusive Boost Blue exterior color scheme. 2020 Civic Type R brings numerous changes and improvements to Type R’s entire winning formula and proudly showcases new styling, improved handling and braking, improved engine cooling and the revised Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies.

In terms of exterior, new 2020 Civic Type R includes new two-piece brake rotors and brake pads that were especially designed in order to face and improve high-speed braking efficiency, while suspension revision for 2020 include updated dampers for improved ride comfort, stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and revision to the front suspension and steering for enhanced driving comfort. Additionally, the grille has been restyled in such a way that now allows for better engine cooling under high demand.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

Inside, 2020 Civic Type R features Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, new shifter with a restyled knob and shorter shift throws. Furthermore, every 2020 Civic Type R will be equipped with Honda Sensing suite, making the system standard for all 2020 Type R models.

As it comes to drivetrain system, 2020 Civic Type R draws power from a race-inspired 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC valvetrain that generates a total of 306hp and 295lb-ft. and distributes it to the front wheels and manages it via a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. Also, just as with older models, drivers can choose between three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and +R – each one of the three alters suspension firmness, steering and throttle response. However, what’s new for 2020 is the Active Sound Control system, which modifies interior sound in concert with one chosen drive mode. Type R’s selectable drive modes and sophisticated design make it both a useful companion on a mountain road or a racetrack and super smooth and agile for a city ride at the same time.

2020 Honda Civic Type R

Additional information about 2020 Civic Type R will be available later this year. Stick with us!

Source: Honda

February 7, 2020

2015 Honda Civic Type R proves itself worthy at Europe’s most famous race tracks

2015 Honda Civic Type R Honda’s so-called “race car for the road”, the Civic Type R, has made some notable achievements at five legendary tracks in Europe.

In fact, Honda team itself is inspired by the Civic Type R and its European dominance and the impeccable results at the Nürburgring Nordschleife back in May, 2014 and created a new challenge for the Type R.

The high-speed campaign started on a rainy day in April at Silverstone, where the Three-time British Touring Car Championship winner Matt Neal took the wheel and set time of 2 minutes and 44.45 seconds. In fact, not content with this time, Matt and his fellow team members decided to have another shot at the track and a month later they scored a lap time of 2 minutes and 31.85 seconds. Sweet.

Then, in early May, Honda team decided to have a try at the Spa-Franhorchamps circuit in Belgium. The well-known track, loved by many, was taken by Honda Racing member Rob Huff. He managed to set a time of 2 minutes and 56.91 seconds.

2015 Honda Civic Type R

After that, the team made to successful attempts at Italy’s Monza circuit. A Honda team member from WTTC squat, Norbert Michelisz tamed the beast and hit a time of 2 minutes and 15.16 seconds.

And before the last step at the Hugaroring, the Honda squad went to the historic Estoril with Tiago Monteiro for a ride. Sadly, there was a dramatic crash at the WTCC Race of Germany that put the Honda ace out of action, but just a day later, Bruno Correia, a well-known Portuguese racer scored a time of 2 minutes and 4.08 seconds.

And lastly, the team arrived in Hungary for one last ride on 6th of June. The chosen driver was once again Norbert Michelisz. He pushed the vehicle to the limit and set a benchmark of 2 minutes and 10.85 seconds. Cool.

2015 Honda Civic Type R

So, how do you find these achievements? Write down in the comment section below!

Source: Honda

June 14, 2016

Honda and Ariel Team Up One More Time!

Honda and Ariel Motor Company decided to renew their 16-year strong exclusive supply agreement which sees the Atom powered by Civic Type R and the new off-road Nomad by the Civic 2.4 power unit.

This news comes as the two automobile leader brands celebrate their 1500th Honda-powered Ariel, produced at the small factory in Somerset. As you might know, at this place work incredibly skilled and experienced craftsmen and technicians that spend between 100 and 200 hours for crafting a single vehicle, starting from the single parts and finishing with a brand-new and fully-operating machine.

Going into Ariel’s cozy British workshop is one of the best things that can happen to a automobile fan. And as any automobile fan can tell you, there are no two one and the same Ariels: each unit is made to special order and there are countless available configurations. And something more: Ariel offers affordable vehicles with reliable parts and construction.

For more than 12 years Ariel brand has been using the Civic Type R engines by default: the first vehicle to benefit the Civic engine was the flagship Atom and now, for the new season year, the Civic 2.4 unit will be the heart of the fresh and agile off-road Nomad.

Definitely an alliance that stood the test of time, this one will continue to impress us with wonderful blends and results of brand collaborations.

Source: Honda

March 15, 2016

Civic Type R in Various Forms at the Tokyo Auto Salon

MUGEN Honda Civic Type R Concept Front View Civic Type R has many fans and it is one of those models which make many of us crazy about wanting to see more out of it. And if you are among those people, then Tokyo Auto Salon is your place. This is where a couple of tuners are currently exhibiting their take on the popular car with the red badge. Both the Japanese tuning houses MUGEN and Modulo have unveiled their vision for the Civic Type R. There are also many other customized Honda models, like the various variants of the S660 roadster. On exhibit is the Super GT500 NSX CONCEPT-GT as well.

MUGEN Honda Civic Type R Concept

MUGEN is one of those tuning brands famous for making many adaptations of best-selling Honda models. Their Civic Type R concept looks fantastic with its added stylish elements and aggressive body parts.

The pack adds new MUGEN variant of the front bumper, which features contrasting black parts around the lip and wheel arches. The same black theme approach is continued through the rest of the car, including the side and rear skirts for extra an aggressive on road stance. The standard rear spoiler has been replaced with lighter, racing inspired one, and is too finished in black.

MUGEN Honda Civic Type R Concept Rear View

Modulo Honda Civic Type R

Modulo is the other tuner which stands proud at the Tokyo Saloon with its revised Type R. Precisely, the company has added a revised body kit, with flared side skirts. Next, they have replaced the standard fuel filler cap with one of a different design. Red body color accents have been applied to the wing mirror covers and the sides of the rear spoiler and they give the car more versatile stance.

If you are in Tokyo and are intending to visit the show Honda Racing is exhibiting the McLaren-Honda MP4-30, the Super GT GT500 NSX CONCEPT-GT and Honda’s entry in the Japanese Super Formula series. Other Honda exhibits at the event are the STEP WGN Modulo Concept, Modulo S660 Study Model, Modulo S660 Drago Modulo Special Model, N-ONE Modulo X, N-BOX Modulo X, N-WGN Daily Luxe Collection + E500 and Modulo FIT, Mugen S660, Honda S660 MUGEN RA Prototype, Mugen STEP WGN Spada and Mugen Vezel.

Source: Honda

January 15, 2016

Immerse Yourself in the 360 Experience of Honda Moto GP vs Type R vs Touring [VIDEO]

Honda Civic Type R Racing These two videos are dedicated to all Honda fans around the world. It isn’t a secret that I am a crazy fan of Honda Type R, and when I saw (and “participated”) in this video I was so excited that wanted to immediately share it with you. If you have ever wanted to experience the feeling of riding alongside Honda World Touring Car stars Tiago Monteiro and Gabriele Tarquini, then I have good news: you can now do it.

How is this possible? Via a breakthrough filming technique, which captures the action in 360 degrees. Therefore you can ride alongside Gabriele in his Civic Type R, and Tiago in his Castrol Honda Civic Touring Car, as they power around the Italy’s Circuito Tazio Nuvolari. The only disadvantage is that this happens only virtually.

In this ‘video’, Tarquini was accompanied by Gordon Shedden, Matt Neal, and Jack Clarke. They make a quartet of gleaming Type Rs attempt to hold off a rampaging Monteiro and 2015 LCR Honda MotoGP star Jack Miller on his Honda RC213V.

Wonder who will claim bragging rights in this strange two- and four-wheel racing competition? You have to find out by watching the video below. I promise you that you will witness a hot-lap like no other, shot as part of an event that displayed the technical relationship between Honda and Castrol, as well as the race-bred Honda Civic Type R .

Now, immerse yourself in the 360 experience and drag around your screen, or turn your phone to follow the racing action!

httpv://youtu.be/PYM4qIneikQ

To find out more, check out our event recap watch this video:

httpv://youtu.be/FJSuaq4ioOQ

Source: Honda Racing 2015

December 5, 2015

CivicX Imagines 2017 Honda Civic Type R Hatchback Prototype

2017 Honda Civic Type R Hatchback Prototype was revealed in the famous Civic CivicX.com forum. The pictures have been created by the digital artist Damian, who has been inspired after seeing the recently released spy shots of the car. What Damian has done is to peel off the camouflage wrapping of the next Type R. The result is spectacular and we couldn’t help but publish it straight away.As CivicX says, the spy photos were ‘deciphered’ and they depict Type R’s lines and styling elements as they are going to be in production form. In fact, the result is said to be extremely close to what the production car is going to look like.

Very intriguing seems to be the new front fenders, which let us think that they could be used to draw hot air from the engine. Or should they provide extra cooling for the rubbers? Spy shots of the car also suggest that it has 3-outlet exhaust. So, are we going to expect more loudly sound coming from it? Well, we should have to wait until the production release and then to press the +R button to get the real impression.And how about the output? Of course, everything has been kept in secret but we definitely expect to see more horsepower in comparison to Type R’s current one. Speaking of which, it comes out from a 4-cyllinder 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, producing 310 hp (228 kW) at 6,500 rpm and torque of 400 Nm (303 lb-ft) at 2,500 rpm. The 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration sprint is covered in just 5.7 seconds and the top speed is of 270 km/h (167 mph).2017 Honda Civic Type R hatchback is going to be based on the tenth generation Honda’s global platform. Its production is going to start at company’s UK plant in 2017.

October 29, 2015

Honda Will Show Numerous Surprises at 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed

2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed will be a special event for the UK audience. Why? Because they will see the full 2015 Honda lineup. With wonderful and fresh models Honda team is ready to amaze the audience at the show.

Definitely this time on display will be the latest Civic and CR-V models, that arrived in dealership in March. Furthermore, Civic Type R will be available in July, while the Jazz and the latest HR-V will be on sale in August. And Honda’s supercar, the NSX will also be on the show with a promise to arrive in UK at the end of next year.

And as always, the Goodwood festival will offer visitors the chance to get behind the wheel of the latest Civic and CR-V and take a ride up the famous hill.

Furthermore, Honda will be running a competition to get behind the wheel of the long-awaited Civic Type R. The model was recently launched and it offers 300 hp (220 kW) with a front-wheel-drive. So, it will be an interesting year for Honda at Goodwood festival.

As you know, the Goodwood Festival of Speed will run from Thursday 25th June to Sunday 28th of June. So, we will bring you even more news from the show and the attending brands. Stay with us!

Source: Honda

June 16, 2015

Take a Look at this Coupe-Inspired Honda Civic Type R

2017 Honda Civic Type R Coupe Render This Honda will be praised or it will be hated, there is no interstitial opinion. The Type R coupe rendering has been a result of the work of Wild Speed, but we found it at CivicX forum, where people actually loved it. The renderings are only two (unfortunately), but they are so exquisitely made that it looks like a real car. We only wish!

It is obvious that this Type R version is a consequence of the recently released Civic Coupe concept shown in New York. As a matter of fact, the company is actually launching the redesigned versions of the Civic range this fall.

The happy news is that the tenth-generation model will keep the great performance characteristics and fantastic design, with sedan, coupe, hatch and Si models featured in the line-up. Oh, and of course the irresistible Type R.

Let’s focus on the car we see here. It has more aggressive body, new quad exhaust system which is obviously borrowed by Chevy’s Stingray, and some other typical Type R accents here and there.

If we take for granted that this car would have the output of the current generation, then this means that its unit will produce is 310 hp (228 kW) at 6,500 rpm, and 400 Nm (303 lb-ft) at 2,500 rpm. The 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration sprint will be covered in just 5.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 270 km/h (167 mph).

As a Type R fan, I personally love it, but I wonder what your thoughts about it are?

Source: www.CivicX.com

April 16, 2015

Honda fans Celebrate Civic Type R at Nürburgring [VIDEO]

Honda Civic Type R Side and Rear View One of my most favorite debuts at this year’s Geneva Motor Show was the last generation Honda Civic Type R. In order to celebrate its release, the Japanese company decided to invite fans to the Nürburgring circuit. This is where the Type R has set a lap record for a front-wheel drive hot hatch. This is also where the red badged Civic drivers are offered the chance to attend the historic ADAC Zurich 24-hour sports car race in their Type Rs.

The even will happen between 15 and 17 May and will feature (for the first time ever) the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race. It will be held on both Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuits that measure 25 kilometers, combined. The most important individuals in the team will be Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, who will aim at no less than victory.

What is more, the one-off event will offer Type R fans the opportunity to purchase a three-day package, including VIP entrance with paddock access, camping accommodation in a special souvenir tent, food and beverages, and most importantly the chance to meet the drivers in person and visit the pit lane by taking their Civic on a lap around the circuit. This of course will happen before the start of the 24 hour race.

httpv://youtu.be/a9G7N0_M9Rc

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Honda

March 23, 2015

Tag: Honda Civic Type R

MUGEN Honda Civic Type R Concept

Modulo Honda Civic Type R