Honda introduces Civic Type R Limited Edition

The lighter, faster and even more ferocious 2021 Type R Limited Edition will feature all of the 2020 model year Type R updates, plus additional enhancements designed to make it the ultimate street-legal Type R track machine. Only 600 units of the 2021 Type R Limited Edition, all in brilliant new Phoenix Yellow and each with an individually numbered serial plate, will be sold in the U.S.

2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition modifications from stock include:

• Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels from acclaimed manufacturer BBS (18 lb. total unsprung weight reduction)
• Further weight reduction of approximately 12.7 kg accomplished via reduced sound deadening materials and removal of features such as the rear wiper, tonneau cover, and rear heater ducts
• Specially tuned dampers
• Recalibrated steering for maximum control and feedback

Paying homage to past Type R Limited Edition models, the 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition will come in one model-exclusive color: Phoenix Yellow. Additional model-exclusive treatment includes contrasting gloss black paint on the roof, outside mirror caps, and intake vent on the hood, along with a dark chrome Civic badge on the rear hatch.

The new Type R Limited Edition shares the 2020 Civic Type R mechanical and design updates. In addition, all Limited Edition models will feature an individually numbered serial plate denoting the vehicle’s original country of sale.

Like the standard Type R, the Limited Edition also receives the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Forward Collsion Warning, Road Depature Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Under the hood, the 2021 Civic Type R draws power from the same race-bred 2.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC valvetrain, putting out a peak 306-horseopwer and 400 Nm of torque (both SAE net), with power to the front wheels delivered through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

As with the “standard” Type R, drivers can choose between three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and +R – that vary damping force, steering assist and throttle mapping. The new-for-2020 Active Sound Control modifies interior sound in concert with chosen drive mode.

All models in the newly expanded 2020 Honda Civic Type R line-up receive a number of styling enhancements. The front bumper is revised with a smoother design, while the lower fog light surrounds feature a new symmetrical design incorporating smooth surfaces and sleek styling blades. Redesigned full LED headlight clusters and daytime running lights complete the cleaner styling direction that features across the Civic range.

A new larger air intake and thinner grille beam deliver a 13 per cent larger opening.
Along with an updated radiator core, these improvements deliver a decrease in coolant temperature of up to 10 degrees (Honda internal testing) in high-demand situations, such
as on track. In a testament to Type R engineers’ attention to detail, a small reduction in front downforce resulting from the new larger grille opening was countered by a redesigned front under-bumper air dam, which is now deeper and includes new ribbed sections on each end to divert air back onto the spoiler.

The suspension for the 2020 Civic Type R has also been updated for more responsive
and sharper handling. At the front, updated compliance bushings and new lower-friction ball joints result in sharper steering feel. At the rear, bushings for the lower B-arms have been stiffened for an eight percent improvement in lateral loads, resulting in better toe-in characteristics when cornering.

For improved brake performance, the updated Civic Type R now features an upgraded braking system of two-piece floating front brake discs and new brake pads. This new front system reduces unsprung weight by 2.5kg to aid handling response. The enhancements also improve thermal efficiency to reduce brake fade, increasing the car’s capabilities during repeated high intensity driving, such as on track. The brake pedal also now benefits from a more immediate feel with roughly 15mm less pedal travel.

Inside the vehicle, Honda has enhanced the usability of the infotainment and climate controls for all Civic models by adding physical buttons and dials. The addition of a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel improves grip, whilst a new tear drop style gear knob, similar to previous Type R models, has been introduced and includes a 90g internal counterweight  to help improve shift feel and accuracy. Also new for the 2020 model year is the addition of Active Sound Control (ASC) which features individual settings for Type R’s Sport, +R and Comfort driving modes. It works through the audio system’s speakers to enhance the engine sound during aggressive driving in Sport and +R modes and refines it in Comfort mode during acceleration.