Revealed in an extraordinary animation and lighting sequence, projected high above the heads of the audience, complete with the raw sound of the engine revving, the ‘race car for the road‘ is the most extreme Type R ever built.
A world-first application of Honda’s new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, aggressive function-led styling and pioneering new chassis technologies combine in the new Civic Type R to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences.
Billed as a ‘race car for the road’, the all-new Civic Type R will set new standards in the high-performance front-wheel drive hatchback segment.
The new 2015 Civic Type R will be powered by the most extreme and high-performing engine in the 22-year history of the red ‘H’ badge, signalling the start of a new performance era for the Honda brand.
The all-new, direct-injected turbocharged 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine delivers power, torque and performance figures unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment.
Peak power output is 310ps at 6,500 rpm, and peak torque is 400Nm at 2,500 rpm – both higher than for any previous Honda Type R model.
Red-lining at 7,000 rpm, the engine – part of Honda’s next-generation Earth Dreams Technology series – features an advanced new turbocharger with VTEC technology that boosts low-end torque and delivers sustained acceleration.
The Civic Type R’s blistering performance is unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment: the 0-to-100kph sprint is covered in just 5.7 seconds – making it the fastest accelerating performance front-wheel drive hatchback – and top speed, where permitted, is a class-leading 270kph.
The new engine is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, safeguarding an intimate, rewarding connection with the drivetrain, and power is directed through the front wheels.
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.
To help the driver manage the Type R’s prodigious power, the car is equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package, developed specifically for the car.
At the front, four-piston calipers apply braking force to 350 mm drilled discs.
A new four-point Adaptive Damper System, developed specifically for the Type R, enables continuous independent control of each wheel to deliver exceptional road holding performance, limit wheel-load transfer during sharp acceleration and deceleration, and to maintain a stable, flat ride.
It also has Dual Pinion Electric Power Steering, which helps to deliver rapid yet linear steering response and abundant feel.
The new Civic Type R will mark the debut of the new ‘+R’ button that increases the response of various chassis and drivetrain systems.
When +R mode is activated, engine responsiveness is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting.
Steering receives reduced power assistance and is therefore more responsive to driver inputs, and basic damping force from the new four-point Adaptive Damper System is increased by 30%.
This means the behaviour of the car is firmer and more agile for high-performance handling.
Honda’s City-Brake Active system will be fitted as standard on the Civic Type R.
