Automotive

Honda takes all the wraps off 306 hp Civic Type-R

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The Civic Type-R will be available in two different trim levels
The new Civic Type-R makes the move to turbocharging
Aerodynamics has governed much of the Type-R's design
Inside, the Type-R is set up for road and track work
Red and black is the motif that Honda has stuck with inside the new Type-R
The big rear wing has been designed to cut lift without increasing drag
Sports seats with aggressive bolstering are part of the Type-R package
The Civic's instrument binnacle has lots of performance displays included.
Choosing the GT Pack adds red highlights to the aerodynamics package
Lightweight alloy wheels are a part of the Type-R package
The Type-R has set a new lap record for front drive cars on the Nurburgring Nordschleife
Honda has ramped the Type-R's performance to tackle the Renault Megane RS
Red and Black is the theme that Honda has used to reinforce the Type-R's sportiness
The Type-R's seats are designed to keep the driver and passenger in place during heavy cornering
Although made sportier, there is no hiding the Type-R's roots
The Civic's aerodynamics have been designed to reduce turbulence around the front wheels
That broad front splitter helps to reduce lift at high speeds
An almost fully-flat underfloor sucks the car to the road at high speed
The Civic Type-R's rear wing makes the rear of the car look fussy
Function drives form with the Type-R's styling
In spite of all of the high-speed aerodynamics and complex front suspension, the Type-R is fitted with a torsion beam rear suspension
Honda claims the Type-R is the fastest front-drive hot-hatch to 100 km/h
The Type-R on the floor at the Geneva Motor Show
The Civic Type-R will be available in two different trim levels
View gallery - 23 images

Honda has finally fully unveiled its latest entry into the competitive world of hot-hatches, with the launch of the Civic Type-R. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC motor, the new hot-Civic has already claimed the title of fastest front drive production car around the Nurburgring Nordschelife from Renault, and Honda is also claiming that the car is the quickest front-drive hot-hatch in the sprint to 100 km/h.

The Type-R is the first Honda to be fitted with the brand's new 2.0-liter VTEC turbo engine, which produces 228 kW (306 hp) at 6500 rpm. The big change over the old, naturally aspirated Type-R is the engine's torque: whereas the old car produced its 193 Nm at a lofty 5600 rpm, the new car puts out a thumping 400 Nm from just 2500 rpm thanks to the move to turbocharging.

The new Type-R's performance is also in another league to that of its predecessor. The 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint takes just 5.7 seconds, and top speed is capped at 270 km/h, quicker than the Renault Megane R.S 275.

The Type-R on the floor at the Geneva Motor Show

While the Type-R's pace is arresting, the first thing most people will notice about Honda's new hot-hatch is the styling. The Civic's wild aero package includes a huge rear wing designed to provide maximum downforce without causing significant drag, while the front bumper has been designed to reduce turbulence around the front wheels for better high-speed stability. The Type-R's underbody is almost fully flat too, helping to suck the car onto the road at higher speeds.

The whole package sits on lightweight 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35 tires developed specifically for the Type-R, while four piston Brembo brake calipers clamp on 350 mm drilled discs at the front wheels.

Lightweight alloy wheels are a part of the Type-R package

To keep the Civic Type-R stable under heavy acceleration and braking, Honda has equipped it with a brand new adaptive damping system that's also claimed to allow for a comfortable ride around town. Because all of the Type-R's power is sent to the front wheels, Honda has worked hard to curb torque steer – the car's new Dual Axis Front Suspension system has been designed to reduce torque steer by 50 percent compared to the system on tamer Civics. At the rear, the new Type-R makes use of a torsion beam system.

Drivers can modify the behavior of the car's power delivery, electric power steering dampers by pressing the car's +R "racetrack" button.

Inside, the Type-R's interior design doesn't stray far from the formula set by fast Hondas of the past. Suede-effect trimmed sports seats and a machined aluminum gearknob are both cues that featured on the last car.

Honda claims the Type-R is the fastest front-drive hot-hatch to 100 km/h

The Type-R will go on sale in Europe this summer with a starting price expected to be around £30,000. A GT Pack that adds red exterior highlights, parking sensors and an infotainment upgrade is set to feature as an optional extra.

Below is a video of a Type-R development car setting its record Nordschleife lap time.

Source: Honda

View gallery - 23 images
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13 comments
Scott Satellite
Oh dear God, please put all the wraps back on. Ugliest car ever since the Pontiac Aztec. And that's saying a lot considering what has been released by Toyota over the past year.
Michael Wilson
bring it to the US honda!
LikelyLad
They managed to make it look incredibly dull then? What is wrong with Honda's design studio (the concept NSX aside, of course)?
Ahmei Thao
no one want's to say it (since it is a type r), but it definitely borrowed it's body from a egg shaped prius, lol
JPAR
Don't care how good the computers & diffs are. There is just no way I want that level of torque on a front wheel drive car.
canderso
Didnt someone do a test and put the maximum HP that you want in a FWD car is like 250? Accelerating out of an apex with this will surely put you into the wall or off a cliff
Kevin Ritchey
A bit high priced for slapping a turbo onto a Civic, what was intended as a commuter car, hence the name. I love the idea of extra horsepower but in this economy, who is the market? And the styling? Prius meets Lambo.
plandy
Speed and more useless speed contributing nothing to the betterment of our world. I'd much rather see a "performance" Honda that can do 200mpg at a stripped down 10,000 price tag. Now that's performance in your wallet and the environment.
Richter
You guys are so negative! Who's gonna listen to you anyways? Unless you are a car engineer, quit taking stabs at the new Type R. If you don't like it... build one better. Oh wait you can't.
Type R
You people have to remember, This car is for those who enjoy tuning and drag racing. If you do not like it bug off. I absolutely love the honda motor company and as far its been the best car development in the industry. Now please bring this hot sexy lady to the USA. I WANT TO TEST DRIVE OF IT.