New Civic Type R a ‘race car for the road’

AFTER a five-year wait, 2015 sees the arrival of the world’s most keenly anticipated hot hatch, the Honda Civic Type R. Billed as a “race car for the road”, the all-new Civic Type R is geared to set new standards in the high-performance front-wheel drive hatchback segment.

A world-first is the application of Honda’s new 2.0 litre Vtec turbo engine, and aggressive function-led styling and pioneering new chassis technologies combine to deliver one of the most rewarding driving experiences available in any sector.

At the heart of the Civic Type R is an all-new direct-injected turbocharged 2.0 litre Vtec turbo petrol engine, which delivers power, torque and performance figures unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment. Peak power output is 228kW at 6 500rpm and peak torque is 400Nm at 2 500rpm, which is both higher than for any previous Honda Type R model.

The Civic Type R’s blistering performance is unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment. The 0 to 100km/h sprint is covered in just 5.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest accelerating performance front-wheel drive hatchback. The top speed, where permitted, is a class-leading 270km/h. The new engine is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission.

A new, almost completely flat underside aids airflow under the vehicle and combines with a rear diffuser to optimise downforce, effectively “sucking” the car onto the road.

A wide front splitter and deep side skirts also manage airflow and reduce lift, while the front bumper has been shaped specifically to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels, enhancing high-speed stability and reducing lift forces.

New lightweight, high rigidity 19-inch alloy wheels, unique to the Type R, complement the visual changes. They fill the enlarged wheel arches with 235/35R19 tyres that were developed specially for the Type R.

The Type R is equipped with high performance Brembo brakes, developed specifically for the car. At the front, four-piston calipers apply braking force to 350mm drilled discs.

As with previous Type R models, the gear lever knob is made from machined aluminium alloy. High-backed sports seats, trimmed in suede-effect black fabric with red double stitching, provide driver and front-seat passenger with ample lateral support during harder cornering.

The new Civic Type R will mark the debut of the new “+R” button that increases the response of various chassis and drivetrain systems.

Customers will have the option to specify their new Civic Type R with an all-new GT Pack.

Externally, the GT Pack adds signature red highlights to the front and rear splitters for even greater eye-catching impact, but it’s under the skin where the GT Pack’s most significant upgrades will be found.

Honda’s city brake active system will be fitted as standard on the Civic Type R. Full vehicle specifications will be announced in due course.

Production version of Civic Type R revealed at the recent 2015 Geneva Motor Show:

• Characterful, high-revving all-new 2.0 litre Vtec turbo engine offers greater power, torque and response than any previous Honda production car engine.

• Function dictates eye-catching styling enhancements and optimises airflow to aid performance and stability.

• Advanced new suspension systems, unique to the Type R, ensure rewarding handling characteristics and maximise power transfer.

• New +R mode increases the response of chassis and engine for enhanced driving thrills.

• Under development the Civic Type R has achieved a top speed of 270 km/h.