New Civic Type R to deliver 'unmatched performance'

According to Honda, the all-new hot hatch will be the most extreme, high-performing Type R in the 22-year history of the red “H” badge, signalling the start of a fresh performance era for the brand. 

Power will come from a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine from Honda’s next-generation Earth Dreams Technology series. Producing more than 280 PS, it will deliver “unmatched performance against any previous Type R”, including all generations of the Civic and the iconic performance-oriented versions of the Integra, Accord and even the NSX. With its predecessors naturally aspirated, the new unit benefits from a turbocharger, boosting low-end power delivery. 

“Honda has had four Type R model derivatives – the Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX,” Suehiro Hasshi, Large Project leader for the Civic Type R at Honda R&D, said. “The engine in this new Honda Civic Type R is unrivalled against all of them in terms of raw power, torque and engine response.” 

He said the car’s appeal will be far greater than just the new high-performance engine under the bonnet. A number of engineering innovations and enhancements will make the latest Type R a true driver’s car. 

The new model will mark the debut of the “+R” button, for example. Located on the side of the steering wheel, a press of the button activates the “+R” mode for increased engine responsiveness, while torque-mapping will be changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting. Steering becomes more responsive which, together with the new four-point Adaptive Damper System (ADS), “delivers the ultimate handling experience”. 

“In default standard mode, the Civic Type R is exceptionally agile, an everyday sports car with an enjoyable and fluid acceleration. The ‘+R’ button brings out a more dynamic and athletic car for the driver, sure to set pulses racing. The difference in character is immense. The ‘+R’ mode is extreme; the car is ideal for the track and will be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast,” he explained. 

Another example of Honda’s innovative approach is the car’s “steer axis”. To deliver the power of the turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, the new Type R’s front suspension system includes this additional mechanical system involving two supporting “king pins”. These work to minimise torque steer, allowing the driver to fully exploit the Type R’s exceptional driveability. 

Furthermore, the ADS has been developed specifically for the latest Type R, which automatically adjusts front and rear suspension damping-force stiffness in a split second to suit driving conditions. This allows the Type R to provide a comfortable ride during cruising, yet become firm and agile for high-performance handling. 

The new Type R will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors with a six-speed manual transmission, which the development team selected to maximise driving enjoyment. 

“The manual transmission allows the driver to select the chosen gear, for example, down from fifth to third when approaching a corner,” Hasshi explained. “The concept of the new Civic Type R is to be the complete driver’s car so this is the best option.”