It indeed is the end of a great era and it is with a heavy heart that we confirm what has been speculations on the internet over the past few days; Honda is discontinuing production of the much-loved Civic Type R FD2R! We are lost for words over the decision but totally expected it just not so soon. Rumours has it that the FN2R would continue to be produced but with the FN being such a ‘softie’ compared to the FD, there is no consolation.
With lowering carbon emissions being the agenda of our era and Honda being the leader in technological advancement, the decision comes as no surprise as Honda slowly detaches itself from a glorious motorsports past and forgets its legions of fans that have stood behind the marque, religiously adored the VTEC technology and the screaming engines that have been synonymous with the brand and bashed turbo lovers. Instead the Japanese automaker chooses to hug trees, but this is just the start of things as almost all of the world’s automakers seem to be walking down the green alley. Porsche recently scored a podium with the GT3R Hybrid, effectively proving that all is not lost for us motorsports and petrol heads. We just have to wait and see what Honda has in store for us to make up for the beloved FD2R, something much more potent would be much appreciated. The official press release from Honda is posted after the jump.
Honda to End Production of 4-Door Civic Type R
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Honda Malaysia or the Company) today announced that the Company will end sales of the popular 4-Door Civic Type R following the announcement from Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Japan.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will discontinue production of the 4-door Civic Type R at the end of August, 2010. Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to make available the 4-Door Civic Type R.
Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “We are proud that the Civic Type R has fulfilled its mission of providing the joy of driving and joy of ownership to its many customers in Malaysia. However, having evaluated the model based on environmental performance, which is the new method of calculating emissions in JC08 mode, as well as current market demands, we believe that the time has come for us to discontinue production of the 4-Door Civic Type R.”
The 4-Door Civic Type R was introduced to the Malaysian market in August 2007 to fulfill the demands of the market. The Type R is in a class of its own, having achieved cult status with a huge following in Malaysia, whether directly or indirectly.
Since its introduction, close to 12,000 units have been sold in both Japan and Malaysia. To date, Honda Malaysia have sold 234 units of the 4-Door Civic Type R (August 2007 – March 2010).
At this moment, customers in Malaysia can still place orders for the Civic Type R at any authorized Honda dealer. The 4-Door Civic Type R is priced at RM199,800.
Going forward, Honda remains committed to performance cars which provide the joy of driving to its customers. The benchmark has been brought a notch higher now as Honda seeks to produce cars that not only meet the demand for performance, but also environmental responsibility.
