2017 Honda Civic Type R Explained – Video
Newly engineered from the ground up, the Type R was developed in parallel with the new standard Civic hatchback, with mutual benefits to the dynamics and refinement of both variants. It retains the heritage of Honda’s high-performance hatchback bloodline, combining the purity of front-wheel-drive chassis dynamics with aggressive design and finely-honed aerodynamics.
A new single-mass flywheel coupled with the slick six-speed manual gearbox reduces clutch inertia weight by 25%, and combines with a 7% lower final gear ratio to enhance response under acceleration. The gearbox’s rev-matching function smooths shifts, eliminating undesirable transmission ‘shock’ associated with excessive or insufficient revving. The rev-matching function further enhances the joy of driving a manual transmission sports car.
A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell – the product of innovative new engineering and construction techniques – complements the lower centre of gravity and a sophisticated new suspension system, contributing directly to the car’s rewarding dynamics.
An advanced Dual-Axis Strut Front Suspension system reduces torque steer and enhances on-the-limit cornering and steering feel. At the rear, Type R’s new multi-link suspension enhances ride comfort as well as high speed stability.
Dual-Pinion Variable-Ratio Electric Power Steering is new to the Type R, using a similar system as featured on the standard Civic, but optimising the variable ratio to deliver a more direct and secure feel at high speed.
Peak power output from the optimised and refined 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine is 320 PS at 6,500rpm, and peak torque is 400Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. It covers the 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 5.7 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 272km/h (169mph); meaning it is both the fastest-accelerating and quickest car in its class. It is also the fastest Type R ever around the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of 7min 43.8sec.
The 2017 Type R has a new selection of driving modes, adding a ‘Comfort’ setting to the default ‘Sport’ and track-focused ‘+R’ modes – all of which tailor the suspension compliance, steering geometry and throttle response of the car on demand. Compared to the previous Type R, the more significant difference between the damping forces of each driving mode gives the new car greater usability across a wider range of road surfaces. Notably, Comfort mode affords a high degree of compliance, coupled with a less urgent level of steering response.
The aggressive silhouette makes a confident statement about the Civic Type R’s dynamic character. Wider, longer, and lower than any of its predecessors, the all-new Civic has short overhangs and muscular, taut lines. A sharp and aggressive ‘face’, pronounced wheel-arches and sculpted front and rear intakes project the Civic’s sporting brief.
A comprehensive aerodynamic includes a smooth underbody, front air curtain, a slim rear wing and vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roof line. These features contribute to a best-in-class balance between lift and drag, delivering superior levels of high speed stability.
The all-new interior has significantly improved levels of quality, comfort and refinement. Front and rear seat occupants benefit from greater visibility and more space than ever before in which to experience the Type R’s blistering performance, while the large boot and innovative side-sliding tonneau cover ensure the car retains its position as the most practical and versatile of high-performance hatchbacks.
New Civic Type R was engineered within the same development programme as the other members of the tenth generation Civic family – the largest global project for a single model in Honda’s history.
Production of the new Type R is anticipated to start in summer 2017 at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon – the global manufacturing hub for the tenth generation Civic hatchback.
The Type R will be exported across Europe and to other markets around the world, including Japan and the US. Its arrival in North America will mark the first time that any Honda-badged Type R has been officially sold there.