𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗖 𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘-𝗥
When it comes to the name Civic , its not difficult to understand a fun, responsive, & fuel efficient vehicle . The model recently touched milestone of 50 year in production and almost reaching 30 million in total sales since its launch back in 1972. Civic is Honda’s most awarded global model since its inception and the longest running name plate. Civic evolved in various body styles and engine configuration since its first generation which includes a 3 door hatchback, 5 door hatchback, a 5 door wagon, a 4 door conventional sedan and a 2 door coupe although their availability was market based. Beside different body styles, Honda enthusiast were also offered Civic in performance versions based on the regular model.
If you follow Honda, you might have heard about the “TYPE R” badge. As per Honda, “R” is short for racing and it appeared first time in 1992 on one of the variant of the iconic Honda NSX Sportscar. Later it appeared on Honda Integra which was also marketed under Acura brand in North America. Type R emblem also emerged on 6th generation Accord. But the “R” is associated more with Civic than any other Honda model and we can say, it has become exclusive to Civic.
The 1st gen model was based on 6th gen EK9 Civic , a 3 door hatchback . The 7th gen Civic provided bases of the 2nd gen Type-R which was again a 3 door hatchback/ EP3. The 3rd gen Type-R Civic was based on the 8th gen Civic and was offered in 4 door sedan/FD2 [ Japan only ] while global model was a 3 door hatchback/FN2. The 4th gen Type-R came along the 9th gen Civic and this time it was a 5 door hatchback/FK2. The most recent and the current 5th gen Type-R is based on the 10th generation Civic with chassis code FK8. “CTR” ,short for Civic Type-R evolved with every generation but the main DNA which is known for light weight, power, handling & driving dynamics remained intact and kept on improving.
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗙𝗟𝟱 𝗖𝗧𝗥:
With the launch of the 11th generation Civic, speculations about the next generation of CTR were obvious & camouflaged prototype vehicles were seen in Europe and Japan. After numerous teasers , today Honda global officially revealed the next generation of CTR at North America and becomes part of 30 years celebration of Type -R badge as well as 50 year of Civic nameplate.
Like previous generations, the 6th generation of Civic Type-R with chassis code FL5 is based on Civic hatchback body-style and this time the 11 generation Civic hatchback [ read here > https://bit.ly/3IQsh7k ]. By the way, this time automotive enthusiasts are much more anxious about new CTR , reason being the recently revealed Toyota GR Corolla [ read here > https://bit.ly/3ROu2ps ]. As per Honda, the new Civic Type-R is the most powerful model in 30 year history of Type-R & is engineered to deliver thrilling driving experience both on the road and track.
Lets go over it..
𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥:
he previous generation CTR was criticized for its boyish racer look and number of fake exhaust vents, but the new model is toned down as far as exterior styling and with more functional aesthetics. The new CTR is wider, lower, and slightly longer comparing the previous generation, which gives it a more muscular and sporty stance. Aerodynamics are also improved with improved downforce and improvement in coefficient of drag.
On the front, compared to the standard hatchback, the CTR gets a more sporty & an aggressive bumper with a honeycombed grille with a Type-R badge whereas you will also notice a new air extractor placement on the bonnet to release hot air from the engine bay . LED headlights remain identical to what we have seen on the Civic sedan or standard hatchback. Like the previous generation, the side sill behind the front wheels to release hot air for better cooling of brakes. CTR also gets wider & bulkier front and & rear fenders comparing regular hatchback, which adds to the overall stance. CTR follows similar styling on the rear as seen on the standard hatchback as far as LED taillights, but there is a slightly different bumper with vertical vents having reflectors, lower diffuser valance with triple exhaust pipe similar to the previous generation.
And as this is Civic’s performance model, how can you miss a spoiler and a Type-R badge. The new gen has 265/30/R19 wheels which are smaller than previous gen 245/30/R20 size, but now these are wider and retain Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance. Official pictures show 4-piston Brembo brakes with red calipers. The sunroof, available on the regular hatchback, is not available on the CTR and is most likely to keep the curb weight lower.
𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥:
Like exterior, the interior of the new CTR is from the regular Civic hatchback and obviously similar to the interior of sedan but yet again there are exclusive Type-R touches. Like in typical Type -R fashion, red suede seats will be standard while you will find red stitching across the interior like door panels, central armrest & steering wheel. The headliner remains black while there will be red carpet mats which are first time in US although those were available in other markets on previous generations .
You will find a polished metal gear-knob like previous generation while anodized aluminum metal plating can be seen on the central console and leather wrapped steering wheel. Again to cut down on unnecessary weight, there will be manual seat adjustment and there will be no heated seats although these features are available on certain variant of standard hatchback.
There will be metal plate on passenger side air vents which will reflect the specific unit number of the Civic Type-R. This plate used to be on central console on the previous generation. There is fully digital 10.2" customizable instrument cluster with Type-R specific interface. Driver can switch to regular dial type digital gauges or it can be switched to horizontal bar type layout in a R+ driving mode. There will be 9" LCD infotainment screen which can be integrated with your cell phone again similar to the regular Civic hatch or sedan but there are certain addiotnal features specific to Type-R like data-logger which is useful for track. This can record lap times, and also share other engine specific data as well as other mechanical and suspension details.
𝗠𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟:
This was the area enthusiast were most anxious about but unfortunately Honda didn't share any performance numbers. Honda did share that the new model will be powered by 2.0L turbocharged K20C1 engine which is a carry over from previous generation but with improvements. Transmission is also 6 speed manual only with rev-matching system and it is also similar to the pervious generation but with updates. Although Honda didn't release any power figures , they did say that it is the most powerful model in Type-R history .
The previous generation using the same engine and transmission was making 316HP & 400NM of torque for European, Japanese and other right hand drive markets while the North American model returns 306HP with similar 400NM of torque. So, we can assume that the new generation might be making over 316HP and some strong rumors suggest around around 320HP to 325HP while some predict near 350HP . Again, we will know exact numbers later this year. The new Type-R remains as FWD/ Front Wheel Drive only and Honda promises an enhances suspension and steering performance. As per Honda the new model has more rigid chassis and its light weight comparing previous generation.
We can expect the new model with improvement and Honda also verified that the new Type-R set a new production front wheel drive car record at Suzuka Circuit in Japan which is home to Formula 1 Japan Grand Prix 2022. The last record was held by the previous generation of CTR . The new model is also Nurburgring-tuned and tested and It is to remind you that previous generation also set a front wheel record at Nürburgring @ 7min 43.8 seconds completing the lap although it was broken by Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R [ 7 minutes 40.1 seconds ]. Renault record was taken away by Lynk & Co 03 Cyan by completing the lap at 7 minutes 20.14 seconds although this model was a one off and not a series production. we are not sure if Honda will attempt for a new record at Nürburgring.
Lastly , the new CTR will be available later this year with production in USA and Japan for domestic and global exports. Exterior colors will be Rallye Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Sonic Grey & Championship White. No pricing yet but it is expected to start around $40K in US.
So, how is the new CIVIC TYPE-R ? Notable competition includes a 320HP AWD Golf R , 300HP AWD GR Corolla.
Toyota GR Corolla, here > https://bit.ly/3ROu2ps
VW Golf R, here > https://bit.ly/3OoqPtR
BTW, a less potent Civic in shape ofsedan but little more powerful than regular Civic sedan , the Si is here > https://bit.ly/3OsOwRH
[ f-w@ PakWheels.com ]
