Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R is the highest performance version of the Honda Civic made by Honda Motor Company of Japan. It features a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine and upgraded brakes and chassis. Red is also used in the badge interior to give it a special sporting distinction and to separate it from other Honda models. In Japan, there is a one-make series of Honda Civic Type R cars where a privateer can purchase an off-road Type R and compete in a series championship, which is a stepping stone for many aspiring racing drivers. 

Production: 1997 - Present

Class:           Sport Compact

Body Style:   3 door hatchback

                        5 door hatch back

                4 door sedan

Layout: Front Engine, Front Wheel drive.

1st Generation Civic EK9 ( 1997 - 2000 )

The first Civic to receive the 'Type R' name was based on the 6th-generation fan-base 'EK' Civic. The contributing base model was the JDM Civic 3-door hatchback called SiR, code named EK4. Like its big brother the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8, the Civic SiR's transformation into a Type R was achieved by working on the base model and improving it to Honda's idea of a car capable of high performance on the circuit.

The first Civic to receive the Type R badge was introduced in August 1997, as the EK9. The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/ JDM DB8 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight-reduction measures, a hand-ported B16B Engine, front helical limited-slip differential and close ratio gearbox. The B16B engine boasted one of the highest power output per litre of all time for a naturally-aspirated engine with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) from 1.6L of engine displacement. For the first time, a strategically seam welded monocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red seats, red door cards, red Type R floor mats, a titanium shift knob, and a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2nd Generation Civic EP3 ( 2001 - 2005 )

In 2001 Honda introduced the next generation of the Civic Type R as a unique 3-door hatchback to the UK market, which was manufactured in Swindon, England. This EDM (European Domestic Market) Civic Type R featured a 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) 2.0L i-VTEC engine (K20A2) and the regular Type R treatment of seam welding, close ratio 6-speed transmission and uprated brakes, but did not include some of the other higher-end features, such as the helical LSD and red Recaro race-seats, that were standard in the previous generation EK9. However, Honda of Japan marketed a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) version of the EP3 (which was exclusively manufactured in Swindon, UK and was shipped to Japan), which retained the highly renowned helical LSD similar to that of the EK9 and red Recaro race-seats. Other differences included a more track-oriented chassis/undercarriage settings as compared to the EDM, as well as a 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) i-VTEC engine (K20A) had a fully balanced crankshaft assembly with different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, higher-lift camshafts, higher-compression pistons, chrome-moly flywheel and ECU programming. All of the Japan-spec K20A Type-R powertrain were built in Japan and shipped to the Swindon plant to be installed in the Japan-spec Type-R EP3. The JDM EP3 was also available in the traditional Type R championship white while the EDM was not. The EDM has more relaxed gear ratios and some high rpm torque traded for low rpm torque compared to the JDM.

3rd Generation Civic FD2 ( 2006 - 2011 )

The Japanese market Civic Type R (FD2) went on sale on March 30, 2007. For the first time, the JDM Civic Type R was sold as a four-door sports sedan rather than a three-door hot hatch. Using the Japanese market four-door sedan as a base model meaning the new Type R is now bigger, wider and heavier. More importantly, the wheelbase has grown from 2,570 mm (101.2 in) to 2,700 mm (106.3 in), giving the FD2R a more stable stance in high speed cornering. The new Japanese model's engine output is higher than the European version's, with 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) being developed at 8000 RPM and 215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) of torque peaking at 6100 RPM (versus 201 PS (148 kW; 198 hp) at 7800 RPM and 193 N⋅m (142 lb⋅ft) at 5600 RPM for the European model). The base engine itself is borrowed from the Accord Euro R CL7 with its longer intake manifold. Changes have been made to the block in terms of mounting points for ancillary parts making it different from previous K20A. New technology such as drive-by-wire throttle and porting of the intake valve ports using techniques from the NSX are implemented. Honda says mid-range is increased by 10 PS (7 kW; 10 hp). Drive is fed through a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, and a helical limited slip differential is fitted as standard. The front brake discs increased from the DC5R's 300 mm (11.8 in) to 320 mm (12.6 in) fitted with four pot Brembo callipers. Tire size is now 225/40 R18 running on Bridgestone Potenza RE070.

Honda claims the chassis is 50% more rigid than the previous Japan-only pre facelift DC5 Integra Type R and 25% more rigid than the previous Japan-only facelift DC5 Integra Type R, and the new model features an independent rear suspension rather than the torsion beam configuration used on the latest European Civic Type-R. To save weight, aluminium is used extensively and bonded with adhesive instead of welded. Though the chassis is larger and more rigid than JDM Integra Type R, it is only 70 kg (154 lb) heavier.

Civic FD2R/Mugen RR

In addition to Civic Type R, 300 Honda Civic Mugen RR cars available exclusively in Milano Red had also been produced for Japanese market, which reduced weight to 1,255 kg (2,767 lb) using CFRP bumpers and aluminium for the bonnet. The engine is rated 240 PS (180 kW; 240 hp) at 8000 RPM and 218 N⋅m (161 lb⋅ft) torque at 7000 RPM achieved through Mugen parts such as camshafts, exhaust system and ECU. Other exclusive items that make this a collector's item are Recaro SP-X seats and other Mugen items inside while special 18 inch Mugen 7-spoke wheels come equipped as standard. This version cost ¥4,777,500 (4,550,000+tax) (US$38,750) and went on sale in Japan on September 13, 2007.

Mugen also debuted Civic Type-RR Experimental Spec concept car at Tokyo Auto Salon 2008, which featured a 2157 cc K20A engine rated with horsepower of 260 PS (190 kW; 260 hp) at 8250 RPM and torque of 237 N⋅m (175 lb⋅ft) at 6750 RPM. Weight is further reduced using aluminium hood (4.6 kg (10 lb)), as well as the new titanium exhaust system (7.6 kg (17 lb)). Interior was updated with more carbon fiber parts. The car also features Intelligent-Tire Condition Monitoring System (i-TCMS) and Recaro seats.

The Honda Civic Mugen RR Advanced Concept was debuted during Tokyo Auto Salon 2009, based on the face-lifted FD2. It has a weight of 1,095 kg (2,414 lb). Brake disc was increased to 340 mm (13.4 in) diameter (320 mm (12.6 in) in Type R/RR).

4th Generation Civic FK2 ( 2015 - 2017 )

In September 2012, there were rumours about the confirmation of the next-generation Honda Civic Type R at Paris Motor Show. A preview didn't take place until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014. It was revealed as the first factory turbocharged Civic Type R.

In January 2015, Honda announced that the production-ready model of the 4th Generation Civic Type R would debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show alongside the European debut of the NSX In March 2015, Honda debuted the production 4th generation Civic Type R at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Honda Civic Type R is powered by K20C1 Direct Fuel Injection 2.0-litre inline 4 turbocharged engine with Earth Dreams Technology. Maximum power is 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp) at 6500 RPM and maximum torque of 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) at 2500–4500 RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a factory equipped plate-style limited slip differential. Honda states that the Type R reaches 0–62 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The engine is manufactured at Honda's Anna Engine Plant in Ohio before being exported to the UK.

A full refill of an empty fuel tank is 50 L (13 US gal) and fuel consumption is 30.1/46.3 mpg and 38.7 mpg combined. Combined CO2 is 170g/km and the Civic Type R has achieved Euro 6 Emission Standard.

5th Generation Civic FK8 ( 2017 - Present )

The Civic Type R Prototype was unveiled in September 2016 at the Paris Motor Show, and the production version unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, ahead of the model’s European launch in the summer. The new car builds on Honda’s heritage in developing high-performance hatchbacks.

The design is based on the Civic hatchback, with a winged carbon fibre splitter with red accent line, slatted ducts, diamond-mesh air intakes, red 'H' badge above a new air vent at the nose of the car, new intake on the bonnet, an air scoop sited centrally in a trapezoidal recess, smoked lenses for the LED headlights and indicators and side repeaters, carbon fibre side skirts, 20-inch piano black alloy wheels with red accents, 245/30 R20 high-performance tyres, enlarged wheel arches, carbon fibre diffuser runs below the wider rear bumper, 3 tailpipes with a pair of directional strakes at each side, central tailpipe in bright metallic red, unique peaks at the roof flanks point backwards.

On April 3, 2017, the pre-production Type R achieved a lap time of 7:43.80 on the Nurburgring Nordschleife , almost 7 seconds faster than its predecessor, setting a new record for FWD cars.

The Civic Type R went on sale in the United States on June 14, 2017, marking the first time the Civic Type R name was sold in the U.S market. It comes with a starting price of $33,900 and is available in 5 colors.

The Civic Type R was launched in Indonesia during 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on August 10, 2017, with a starting price of IDR 995 million (around US$74,500 as of August 2017). It is only sold at the selected Honda dealers.

In Singapore, the Civic Type R was officially launched by the local distributor on 27 July 2017 and is only available in limited numbers at launch.

The FK8 Civic Type R has won many accolades and awards. It was crowned Top Gear Magazines Hot Hatch of the Year 2017, it was also voted International Editors’ Choice and overall Car of the Year 2017.