After teasing the car for so long and keeping the fans at the edge of their seats, Honda had finally taken the covers off their all-new Civic Type R hot hatch. But after waiting for so long, is this new FWD Type R is really worth the wait? It may be too early to tell, but the spec sheet on this Type R does look promising so far.
We are well aware that the Type R is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine and gets the extra boost from a turbocharger, but what we do not know is the exact output this combination produces. Hinted at over “280PS”, the new Type R gets 310PS or 306-horsepower at 6,500rpm and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at 2,500rpm. With such power, it is able to do a zerotohundred in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 270km/h.
The Type R is fitted with a trick front suspension setup called the “Dual Axis Strut” and has a limited-slip differential. The Dual Axis Strut is designed to reduce torque steer by 50-percent compared to a standard Civic via an additional steering knuckle. With adaptive dampers fitted, the electric steering is also specially tuned for the Type R.
It is worth noting that this Type R gets a “+R” driving mode that when pressed, grants the driver a more aggressive torque delivery, increased engine response, stiffen the dampers up by 30-percent and reducing the assistance on the steering. Keeping the Type R from any trouble are a set of Brembo brakes slotted nicely behind the 19-inch wheels.
With the unveiling now completed, we turn our attention to Honda’s pursuit in becoming the fastest FWD production car to go around the Nurburgring, which means toppling the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy R’s impressive 7:54 timing. Do you think the new Civic Type R has the capabilities in doing so?
