Honda Civic Type-R - Full Details

March 30th 2007 saw the much anticipated launch of Honda's Japanese Domestic Market Civic Type-R.

The new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.

The all-new Civic Type R is equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tyres and large 320mm front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R's ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving a wide and low aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.

"The inspirational qualities that led us to love the original Integra are still there to be enjoyed in the exceptional four-door Civic Type-R." - Evo Magazine August 2007

"Look at the Civic Type-R as a four door NSX-R" - Evo Magazine August 2007

Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Integra in 1995 and the Civic in 1997. This latest all-new Civic Type R is the distillation of 15 years of technological progress and the latest expression of Honda's “Challenging Spirit.”

This spacious 4 door saloon features substantial mechanical changes from its European Type-R cousin. The new Civic Type-R is a full second faster around the famous Tsukuba circuit than the previous Integra Type-R and within a second of the NSX's lap record. Further testing at the longer high speed Suzuka circuit saw a 4 second improvement over the previous Integra Type-R.

Centre stage is an evolution of the K20A 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine that puts out 225PS making it the highest out put 2.0 Litre in mass production. This represents a 5PS improvement on the previous JDM Integra Type-R but more telling is the 10PS improvements throughout the lower rev range. Peak Torque of 215nm is now produced 900rpm lower in the rev range over the previous Integra Type-R.

Particular attention has been focused on the movement of gases into and out of the engine with revised intake and exhaust systems. The intake diameter has increased from the Integra Type-R's 70mm to 75mm and the throttle body has been enlarged from 62mm to 64mm. The cylinder heads also feature a special resin that reduces casting marks by 40% allowing for smoother airflow. Honda claims a 2PS improvement for this resin alone. The new active valve exhaust system also ensures fantastic low end throttle response and higher rpm flow rates. This amazing engine delivers continuous power all the way to the 8,400rpm red line.

Modified gear ratios allow for fast acceleration at all speeds and are mated to Honda's superb gear change. Gears 1-3 have been lowered by 4% to aid initial acceleration and then to capitalize on the engines improved torque gears 4-6 have been raised by 1%. Strengthening to the gearbox's synchromesh has meant the use of triple cones on 1st and 2nd with the rest featuring double cones. A new high rigidity aluminum casing and additional oil baffling plates help to further improve reliability under high speed cornering.

The new Civic Type-R's body structure has also come in for careful improvements. A combination of weight saving measures and selective strengthening has created a shell that is 50% more rigid than the Integra Type-R's and yet only weighs 1.8kg more than it predecessor. Parts made from aluminum, welds replaced with special adhesives and reduction in sound deadening has all added to the successful weight loss.

Honda has concentrated on making the new Type-R as stable as possible through careful aerodynamics and suspension tuning. The new Civic Type-R has reduced body roll especially at the rear and the front end of the car turns in quickly thanks to its advanced torque response helical LSD.

The new Civic Type R features upgraded damper internals for better suspension control. Revised suspension springs that are stiffer than standard and tuned to match the improved dampers. With the changes to the suspension the Civic Type-R sits lower at the front by 10mm and 5mm at the rear reducing the centre of gravity and inducing rake for shaper turn-in. To further aid body control, especially at high speed, both the front and rear anti roll bars are upgraded. The suspension arm bushes are improved and the front hubs are reinforced with larger bearings.

Controlling this amazing sports car is Hondas new lightweight 18” alloy wheels. Theses unique wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone RE070 (225/40R18 88Y) tyres first fitted to the critically acclaimed NSX-R and offer outstanding grip levels.

Following on from the previous Integra Type-R models Honda has fitted Brembo brakes all round. However they have now increased the discs size from 300mm to 320mm at the front and from 262mm to 282mm at the rear and promise excellent stopping power.

The new Civic Type-R is available in three distinctive colours; Deep Blue Metallic, Platinum Silver Metallic and the famous Championship White.

The interior colour is matt black by default but the Championship White and Platinum Silver cars can also specify Black with Red inserts.

The Alloy wheels are Dark Metallic Silver with the Championship White cars having traditional White Alloys instead.

The interior of the Civic Type-R is just as focused as the rest of the mechanicals with leather steering wheel, short throw aluminum gear knob and superb sports bucket seats. The dash also features shift lights close to the driver's line of sight so they can easily see when the optimum gear change point is with minimal distraction. The car also features essential luxuries such as Air conditioning, Xenon headlights and electric windows.