When Honda unveils a new sports concept there is always a sense of anticipation and the new Civic Type R is no exception. To please all its fans, Honda engineers have designed a 'superhatch' to deliver blistering performance from the same power output as the previous incarnation (200 bhp). The aggressive, lower and wider-looking body encases a new 2.0 liter engine and the model, built in Britain, will go on sale in early 2007 priced around £18,000. Expect to see more 3 door versions at the London Motor Show in July.
What is a Type R
The Type R name was introduced by Honda Motorcycles, where the letter Rwas added to conventional bike names to indicate a performance derivative. For example, the CB-R, a sporting model.
One of the earliest Type R cars was theHonda NSX-R, a stripped-down, lightweight version of the NSX supercar. This was developed in response to claims the NSX did not have enough power to compete with rival cars from Porsche and Ferrari. The key factor in this argument and a point proved by the NSX-R was the importance of the power to weight ratio.
Type R Time-line
February 1992: NSX-R introduced. Weight is reduced by 265 lbs. Recaro seats and MOMO steering wheel fitted. Stiffer suspension adopted. Production limited to 1995 units.
September 1995: Honda announces the launch of the DC2 Integra Type-R. The Integra Type-R is powered by the B18C 1.8-litre DOHC VTEC engine, specifically developed for the Integra Type-R, with 200 bhp at 8,000 rpm. Standard equipment includes a helical LSD, sports suspension, a front lip spoiler, a rear spoiler, alloy wheels, a leather wrapped MOMO steering wheel, Recaro seats, and a titanium shift knob.
August 1997: The EK9 Civic Type-R is launched in Japan. It is powered by an exclusively-developed 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B16B engine that makes 185 bhp at 8,200 rpm. The lightweight B16B engine features a new valve system allowing higher engine speeds, reduced engine friction, improved breathing, and increased compression ratio. Main features of handling include increased body rigidity, reduced weight, sports suspension, torque-sensitive helical LSD, sports-tuned ABS, and Bridgestone Potenza RE010 tires.
Jan 1998: The Accord Type-R goes on sale in the UK, with a tweaked version of the H22A engine on board. In addition, the Accord Type-R boasts a limited-slip-diff, Recaro seats and a stiffer chassis.
July 2001: An updated version of the Integra Type-R (DC5) is launched for sale in Japan and USA. The special color of Championship White celebrates Honda's first victory in F1. The DC5 Integra Type-R is powered by the K20A 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine with 220 bhp and a new 6-speed manual gearbox. The suspension adopts clever front suspension and reactive-link double wishbone rear suspension. The Integra Type-R is also equipped with Recaro front seats, a leather wrapped MOMO steering wheel, aluminum pedals, aluminum shift knob, exclusive aero parts and Brembo front brakes.
October 2001: A Type-R version of the 7th generation Civic is announced. It is built at Honda in the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, Wiltshire. The CTR as it becomes known by enthusiasts is powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 200 bhp. The Civic Type-R goes on to sell over 35,000 units and pick up numerous Hot Hatch of the Year awards.
February 2006: An all-new Civic Type R, based on a three-door version of the 2006 Civic is unveiled at Geneva Motor Show.
