Honda Civic Type R is a sports edition of the Civic with enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R is already available in Japan and will not be available in other markets.
It comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated (NA) engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. It is also lighter, more rigid body shell and comes with specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes. The type R is also more aerodynamic and look more aggressive with the wide and low form. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.
At the exterior, newly developed aerodynamic devices such as 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, contributes to the car an aggressive overall appearance.
Apart from that, engine hood and front fenders are specifically designed. Specially designed shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight sub-reflector and Civic emblem design with Type R red Honda emblem at the front and rear.
The naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine output a maximum of 225 bhp at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 159 lb-ft at 6,100 rpm with the help of a higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency.
Smoother port surfacing, improved intake/exhaust airflow contributed by the NSX production methods. Finer tuning of throttle response and power output provided by Drive-By-Wire (DBW). Intake and exhaust manifolds were tuned for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.
The new Honda Civic Type R comes with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission which is perfectly matched to the Type R engine. Superior accelerations at high speeds contributed by optimized gear ratios, providing exhilarating performance. It also comes with new features such as a highly rigid aluminum transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate helps mitigate oil starvation at high cornering speeds. The linkage comes with a short stroke shift giving a sporty shifting feel.
At the interior, the overall black color scheme gives the interior cockpit a racing car-like appearance. The front bucket seats come with separate center/side construction with high side bolsters and optimized cushion rates to help hold the body in place, and also help the driver concentration while driving are specially designed for Type R.
When the engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions, the multiplex i-VTEC engine revolution indicator alerts the driver. The indicator is self-illuminated, lit with red-colored flashing lights is strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high speed driving conditions.
Other 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.
The Civic Type R has a highly rigid body, yet lightweight. With that the body is 50% more rigid than in the Integra Type R production model sold between 2001 and 2006. Specially 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. Other features include specially tuned suspension, thicker stabilizer bars for improved vehicle stability, 225/40 R18-sized high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, 17-inch disk brake with Brembo 4-pot aluminum front calipers, specially-tuned ABS/EBD system, special lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels are matched to black wheel nuts.
Honda’s original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a body with a crash safety performance that is among the best in the world, withstanding a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, a 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision. High level of self-protection and also improves compatibility toward other vehicles are provided by the vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body. The use of impact-absorbing structures help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision. Other safety features are the front seats are equipped with 3-point, load-limiting ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with E-pretensioners. Standard driver/front passenger i-SRS air bags further increase the safety of the front-seat occupants. Standard on the rear seats is ISO FIX compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether belt anchor plates.
