Honda to unleash mad Civic Type R

With the automotive world about to descend on the Paris Motor Show 2014, Honda has released further details of the eagerly anticipated new Civic Type R. The new Type R will go head-to-head with the likes of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Honda reckons it may even outperform the much-vaunted NSX Type R. The car is slated for its European debut in 2015, with no announcements yet for the Asian market outside of Japan. Interestingly, it will feature a six-speed manual transmission.

The all-new hot hatch will be the most extreme and high-performing Type R in the 22 year history of the red ‘H’ badge, signalling the start of a new 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, the iconic performance-oriented versions of the Integra, Accord and even the NSX.

While complying with strict Euro 6 emissions regulations, this is a Honda Type R powerplant like no other. With its predecessors naturally aspirated, the new unit benefits from a turbocharger, boosting low-end power delivery. Combined with the high-end performance synonymous with Honda’s VTEC technology – and much-loved by fanatical Type R owners – the new model promises to deliver a sensational driving experience.

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

Hasshi-san emphasised 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 new Type R a true driver’s car, more than worthy of wearing the famous red ‘H’ badge.

The new Type R will mark the debut of the new ‘+R’ button, for example. Located to the side of the steering wheel, a press activates ‘+R‘ mode for the most exhilarating driving experience. Engine responsiveness is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting. Steering becomes more responsive which, together with the new four-point Adaptive Damper System, delivers the ultimate handling experience.

Hasshi explained: “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.”

Another example of Honda’s innovative approach is the car’s ‘steer axis’. In order 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 ‘kingpins’. These work to minimize torque steer, allowing the driver to fully exploit the Type R‘s exceptional driveability.

Furthermore, a new four-point Adaptive Damper System has been developed specifically for the new Type R, which automatically adjusts front and rear suspension damping force stiffness in a split second, to suit driving conditions. This allows the new 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 in order to maximize driving enjoyment.

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