Honda has released more details and new photos of the Civic Type R hot hatch, which it calls “the most extreme and high-performing Type R ever built.”
At the heart of the new Civic Type R lies an all-new, direct-injected turbocharged 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, which delivers power a output of 310 PS at 6,500 rpm, and peak torque of 400 Nm between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm – both higher than any previous Honda Type R model.
The new Civic Type R’s blistering performance is unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment: the 0-to-100 km/h sprint is covered in just 5.7 seconds and top speed, where permitted, is a class-leading 270 km/h. Despite its astonishing performance, the Civic Type R achieves low CO2 emissions of just 170 g/km, exceptional high-speed fuel consumption and compliance with Euro 6b emissions regulations.
Whether setting lap times around race circuits, engaging the driver on a favourite country road or providing day-to-day comfort, an exceptional engine requires an exceptional transmission. A slick-shifting, 6-speed manual transmission was chosen to safeguard an intimate, rewarding connection with the driver while making the most of the engine’s high output, strong torque and high revs.
A new four-wheel Adaptive Damper System was developed specifically for the Type R model. It enables continuous independent control of each wheel to deliver exceptional road holding performance, limit wheel-load transfer during sharp acceleration and deceleration, and maintain a stable, flat ride. It also means that the ride is more comfortable and supple in everyday driving and cruising.
The car is also equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package developed specifically for the Civic Type R. At the front, four-piston calipers apply braking force to 350 mm discs which are drilled to stabilise braking friction between the disc and pad at high temperatures.
Inside the cockpit, exclusively designed high-backed sports seats, trimmed in suede-effect black and red fabric with red double stitching, fit the body perfectly while a modified seat frame provides driver and front-seat passenger with superlative support whether during day-to-day driving or harder cornering. The driver’s feeling of control has been enhanced by reducing the thickness of the steering wheel spokes, making the feel and the position of the grip feel more familiar. The red centre-position marker at the top of the steering wheel rim gives the driver a visible indicator of the steering angle when cornering.
On the dashboard, the intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) will feed the driver with information specific to the Civic Type R such as G-meter and brake pressure / accelerator pedal position, boost pressure, water temperature, oil pressure and oil temperature, lap time and 0-100 km/h acceleration time.
The new Civic Type R will mark the debut of the new ‘+R’ mode that increases the response of various chassis and drivetrain systems. This delivers an even more intense driving experience, ideal for the track and sure to be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast.
The +R button is located to the left of the steering column for left-hand drive cars, and to the right for right-hand drive cars. When +R mode is activated a number of visual changes inform the driver. The floating dial surrounds in the instrument binnacle change from glowing white to glowing red. A +R logo is displayed to the left of the rev indicator and the Idling Stop system is disabled.
With +R mode selected, several dynamic changes are activated within the Civic Type R’s powertrain and dynamics systems.
Engine responsiveness is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting allowing more of the available torque to be unleashed at lower engine speeds. The electronic power steering reduces the level of power assistance to provide a heavier and tighter steering feel.
Basic damping force from the new four-point Adaptive Damper System is increased by 30% making the behaviour of the car firmer and more agile for high-performance handling. The Vehicle Stability Assist programme is adjusted to focus on acceleration and performance, allowing a greater yaw and slip rate before intervening.
+R mode also brings a more dynamic focus to the i-MID screen in front of the driver. When in +R mode, it is possible to access the Type R layers directly from any of the four basic information screens, or to directly access the first specific Type R screen. The selection of a specific performance screen is indicated by the display of an image of the Type R. In +R mode it is also possible to display vehicle information content even when the stopwatch is running.
The new Civic Type R comes in 5 distinctive colours. Buyers can choose from Crystal Black (pearlescent), Polished Metal (metallic), Brilliant Sporty Blue (metallic), Milano Red as well as Championship White for their new Civic Type R hot hatch. Available only as a five-door, with two trim grades, the Civic Type R will go on sale across Europe from July 2015.
Photo Gallery
