Honda has revealed new details regarding the new Civic Type R, which will hit dealerships later this year.
The hatchback, only the second Civic Type R model ever sold in the United States, will be the most powerful Honda production car ever offered stateside, Honda said.
“Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda’s racing spirit, and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure,” said Hideki Kakinuma, global Civic Type R development leader. “The all-new Civic Type R will continue that legacy, leveraging Honda’s racetrack-proven engineering to deliver extreme performance and passion—both on the road and on the racetrack.”
Honda engineers conducted extensive development in Japan, the company said, and undertook testing at racetracks in Japan, North America and Europe, including Germany’s Nurburgring, to further improve Civic Type R’s chassis.
Under its new vented aluminum hood is an even more powerful version of Honda’s K20C1 engine. Horsepower, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate, and a new exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve, Honda engineers said. The size, shape and number of the turbocharger’s turbine wheel blades have been optimized along with the flow path of the intake charge, enabling the turbocharger to generate pressure in a wider range and more efficiently.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinger engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, now produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,600 – 4,000 rpm (SAE net) – improvements of 9 hp and 15 lb.-ft, Honda said.
A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, while the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.
Type R’s six-speed manual transmission has also been updated with a lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system. The high-strength gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential puts the engine’s power to the pavement effectively, designers said.
Now based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R’s wheelbase has been extended 1.4-inches for a smoother ride and greater stability.
Its front and rear tracks are also significantly wider (+1.0 inches in the front and +0.75 inches in the rear). Together with a retuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, these changes aim to improve straight-line stability and steering feel, Honda said. Type R’s two-piece front brake rotors reduce unsprung weight. Brake cooling is also improved, and a retuned brake booster enhances feel and controllability.
