Honda Civic Type R
Honda has unveiled the all-new Civic Type R as it celebrates 25 years of the brand's iconic high-performance hatchback - and 50 years of Civic. The new Type R has been engineered to deliver the most exhilarating Civic Type R experience to date, building on a long tradition of performance cars inspired by the spirit of racing.
Available in Europe from early 2023, the Honda Civic Type R is already setting new benchmarks, recently breaking the front-wheel drive lap record at Suzuka Circuit in Japan. As part of its development, Honda engineers refined every aspect of the new model, including design enhancements that improve aerodynamic performance. Lightweight components and powertrain revisions have created the most responsive and powerful Type R ever.
"With the all-new Civic Type R, Honda engineers have again delivered on our goal to create the most rewarding driving experience in the performance hatchback segment," said Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe. "Through exceptional advancements and the application of motorsport-derived technologies, we have exceeded the capabilities of even the stripped out, lightweight version of the previous model. It is this dedication to performance excellence that has made the Civic Type R so popular with driving purists for 25 years."
Developed under the model concept of creating the "Ultimate Sports 2.0," the new Type R builds on sleek and sporty silhouette of the recently revealed Honda Civic e:HEV. To enhance the sportier look and elevate driving performance, the Type R is noticeably lower and wider in stance. The squat form is enhanced through wheel arches that flare out over lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, shod with bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
During development, Honda engineers worked to the concept of creating the "Ultimate Sports Design": The ultimate expression of a high-performance, front-engine, front-wheel-drive car. The exterior design now conveys a sense of unity, with uncluttered details on the front and rear bumpers as well as beautifully integrated design features such as the rear doors and arches, which have all been exclusively developed for the Type R and bring improved aerodynamic benefits.
The large lower grille of the front bumper maximises airflow to the engine, and works in unison with the new, subtle bonnet that now features a vent to again maximise airflow around the front end.
Other design details that help maximise aerodynamics include the large aperture vents behind the front wheels and a new, larger rear diffuser that is integrated directly into the under-floor - itself shaped to work in unison with the bodywork above.
The dramatic new rear spoiler design further contributes to downforce generation and has been angled rearward to suppress air resistance. Supported by new aluminium die-cast mounts, the rear wing sits lower but wider than the previous model, accentuating the sleek new roofline and wider stance.
Paint finish choices include the historic Championship White revered by Honda Type R enthusiasts, in addition to a solid Rallye Red, as well as Racing Blue, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey Pearls.
The interior of the new model is dedicated to enhancing the exhilaration of driving and sharpening concentration levels. It maintains the high level of comfort, practicality and refinement found within the all-new Civic e:HEV, elevated by emotive, performance-focused details and features, such as the iconic classic Type R red trim.
The immersive cockpit is designed to support intense driving experiences: the driver sits lower than before, with greater visibility over the lower bonnet, blind spots minimised, and reflective elements reduced. The lightweight front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer exceptional support for the driver's postural structure to provide comfort and manoeuvrability on the track and during long drives.
Drivers can seamlessly switch between performance settings, with pre-set modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and +R modes, a new 'Individual Mode' has been introduced to enable customisation of the driving experience.
The powerful Honda LogR data logger returns in a heavily updated format for this generation of Type R, and now combines performance data collected by in-car sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record a variety of metrics in real-time. Key features include a stopwatch to record lap times, tyre friction circles that displays the maximum tyre force the vehicle can achieve, 3D vehicle motion display, and an innovative scoring function that helps drivers improve their skills on the track and much more to engage with drivers and encourage safe, accurate and incrementally faster laps on track.
Already a class leader in ride, handling and steering performance, engineers conducted extensive development in Japan, and undertook rigorous testing at racetracks in Japan, North America and Europe to further improve Civic Type R's chassis. This included testing on Germany's infamous Nurburgring, the world's most challenging racetrack, helping make the all-new Type R more responsive, more comfortable and more thrilling-to-drive than ever before.
Under its new vented aluminum hood is an even more powerful version of Honda's award-winning K20C1 engine. Horsepower, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate, and a new more efficient exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve. The size, shape and number of the turbocharger's turbine wheel blades have been optimized along with the flow path of the intake charge, enabling the turbocharger to generate pressure in a wider range and more efficiently.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinger engine now produces 315 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm (SAE net) and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,600 - 4,000 rpm (SAE net) - improvements of 9 hp and 15 lb.-ft. Civic Type R is one of the most powerful cars in its class per liter, with a specific output of 157.8 hp/liter, up from the previous-generation's 153.3.
A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving. To further strengthen the driver's connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.
Type R's smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission is further improved for an even more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver. A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry. The high-strength gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential puts the engine's power to the pavement effectively.
Now based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R's scalpel-sharp responses and famously addictive driving feel are increased even further by a significantly more rigid body structure that supports both improved dynamics and refinement. The wheelbase has been extended 1.4-inches for a smoother ride and greater stability. Now measuring 107.7-inch, it's the longest wheelbase in its class.
Its front and rear tracks are also significantly wider (+1.0 inches in the front and +0.75 inches in the rear). Together with a retuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, these changes improve straight-line stability and steering feel. For exceptional braking performance, Type R's two-piece front brake rotors reduce unsprung weight. Brake cooling is also improved, and a retuned brake booster enhances feel and controllability.
Drivers can seamlessly switch between four pre-set performance settings, selecting different modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and R+ Mode, a new 'Individual Model' mode enables customization of the driving experience.
The all-new Honda Civic Type R will go on sale in 2023, with first deliveries to customers beginning in Europe from early 2023.
