Honda has been shaking circuits and roads for 25 years with its demonic Civic type R (R for “Racing”), 25 years is something to celebrate!
On April 9, the "Civic Type R Meeting 22 Spec" brought together Japanese Type R owners to celebrate 25 years of production. Hosted at Mobility Resort Motegi (formerly Twin Ring Motegi), the event brought together over 400 pre-registered attendees to join in the fun. The day included an optional on-track event, a parade lap, various talks including a presentation from the legendary Keiichi Tsuchiya, who has spent countless hours behind the wheel of various Type R models over the years, and more.
25 years and 5 Type R
If the R saga at Honda began in 1992 with the famous and racy NSX developed by the no less famous Ayrton Senna, ...
... the one with the Civic, which took over, began in 1997 with the simultaneous release of the Integra and Accord Type R
- First Civic Type R: EK9 (1997-2000)
The Civic Type R started in 1997 with Generation VI, but only for the Japanese domestic market (EK9). It was based on the engine block of the Civic SiR (VTi in Europe) whose 1.6l engine was pushed to 185hp (B16B engine), at its record specific power output for a standard naturally aspirated engine (115hp/l). It was paired with a Limited Slip Differential (HLSD), this setup not only kept the engine revving quickly, but the inclusion of the HLSD helped minimize wheel spin and made for a more stable driving experience. The omission of interior soundproofing, along with the inclusion of a MOMO steering wheel and red sports seats, helped reduce the overall weight by 1090kg.
Specificities :
Engine: 1.6L DOHC VTEC engine
4-cylinder normally aspirated Power: 182 hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual, traction
Front Weight: ~2,293 lbs
- 2nd Civic Type R: EP3 (2001-2005)
The second version of the Civic Type R arrived in 2001. While the United States still had no sign of this model, Honda sold this version in Japan and Europe, where it was manufactured. Still in the form of a three-door sedan, the redesign was not limited to the body. This generation of CTR was equipped with a 2.0L i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder normally aspirated engine. The version sold in Europe was rated at 200 hp, while Japan received a 212 hp model thanks to an engine that was built in Japan only for the Japanese market. To further improve performance, the Japanese-market Civic Type R included a helical limited-slip differential and shorter gearing that helped with grip and acceleration.
Specificities :
Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder normally aspirated engine
Power: 200-212 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual, traction
Front Weight: ~2,800 lbs
- 3rd Civic Type R: FD2 (2007-2010/2012)
The third variant of the Civic Type R was not a universal platform in the European and Japanese markets. In Europe, the tradition of the CTR being a three-door sedan continued, with a redesign over the previous generation, being powered by a 197 hp 2.0L i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine at normal suction. The Japanese Civic Type R was available only as a four-door sedan (this body style is also what the US Civic platform was based on). Once again, the Japanese market version was the most powerful, fitted with a normally aspirated 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine pushing 222 hp. With driver involvement as the focus, the two models featured were the helical limited-slip differential and the 6-speed manual transmission, providing a highly engaging and energetic driving experience.
Specificities :
Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder normally aspirated engine
Power: 222 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Weight: ~2,800 lbs
FN2 – 2007-2012
Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder normally aspirated engine
Power: 197 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Weight: ~2,868 lbs
- 4th Civic Type R: FK2 (2012-2017)
The fourth iteration of the powerful Honda Civic Type R laid the foundation for the current version of the CTR. Rather than the mixed offering of the previous generation's three-door and four-door hatchback, this generation came only as a five-door sedan, combining sporty style and functionality. Just like in previous years, a 6-speed manual transmission mated to a limited-slip differential transferred power to the ground in a controllable manner. The most revolutionary part of this chassis was the inclusion of the turbocharged engine. For the first time in history, Honda had moved away from the high-revving path of its naturally aspirated engines and equipped the CTR with a 2.0L turbocharged DOHC Inline-4 VTEC. peaked at 222 hp, while this generation was rated at 306 hp.
Specificities :
Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC Turbocharged
4 cylinder Power: 306 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual, traction
Front Weight: ~3,047 lbs
- 5th Civic Type R: FK8 (2017-now)
This is the generation that invigorated Honda enthusiasts in America. We no longer have to imagine what it is like to be in the presence of a menacing CTR. This generation marks the first time an all-new Civic Type R has been available in US dealerships. Detroit-area drivers are in luck, as the 2017 Honda Civic Type R is the most capable variant Honda has built so far. Motor Trend exclaims, “The speed and unflappable control of this production car was an absolute eye-opener. It was like a special factory-backed homologation race car, the absolute minimum number of which will be built and pre-sold. »
This aggressive redesign has already proven itself with the latest Civic Type R setting the front-wheel-drive Nürburgring lap record. With this track setting the benchmark for performance cars, a win is a big deal. Even with the 2017 Honda Civic Type R being a record-breaking beast on the track, Honda has struck the ideal balance between race car and everyday driver, making this CTR capable of work and play.
The 10th-generation CTR is also powered by a turbocharged, turbocharged 2.0L i-VTEC inline-4 engine. With plenty of power created, Honda engineers focused on making up the rest of the chassis. A new exclusive steering system has been installed to increase response while working with an adaptive damper system and aluminum suspension components that improve cornering stability, designed precisely for situations at the limit. In addition to the structural improvements, the technology also contributes to performance thanks to the variable driving modes: Comfort, Sport and +R. These allow you to get optimum ride quality for the streets of Detroit, while being able to firm up the suspension and pump up the response while blasting around a track.
Specificities :
Engine: 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC Turbocharged
4 cylinder Power: 306 hp
Transmission: 6-speed manual, traction
Front Weight: ~3,047 lbs
*Photos : Takeru Tojo
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