Honda has revealed their much-anticipated Civic Type-R at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and the manufacturer is billing it as a “race for the road”. The Type-R has built a massive cult following over the years and Honda says new model “more than stands up to expectations”.
The aggressive looking and highly powerful type-R will be the first Honda to use their new 2.0litre VTEC Turbo engine. This new engine is the most high-performing engine in the 22-year history of the red Honda badge, and the manufacturer tells us that this is a signal as to the “new performance era” for them. This petrol engine offers an output of 310hp and peak torque of 400Nm. Early figures tell us that this power will bring you from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds and has a maximum speed of up to 270km/h.
In terms of style the Type-R is certainly aggressive looking. To achieve maximum aerodynamics the car went through thorough computer-based CFD modelling and wind tunnel testing. The underside of the car is almost flat and coupled with a rear diffuser this effectively sucks the car onto the road. To optimise downforce, the rear wing has changed from the original concept design, its angle, height, shape and vertical end plates have been changed to keep the machine firmly on the road. Honda says these changes aid road-holding abilities and cornering at speed.
To further enhance the stability of the car at higher speeds Honda has carefully shaped a wide front splitter and deep side skirts. To allow for extra cooling in the engine bay enlarged upper and lower grilles are in the front bumper.
Inside, the cabin is as sporty as should be expected. The sports seats have double red stitching on black suede-effect fabric. This same stitching appears on the steering wheel and black gear-lever gaiter.
The Type-R also brings in some new suspension solutions. There is a new four-point Adaptive Damper System which allows independent control of each wheel. This results in a more comfortable ride and it limits wheel-load transfer during acceleration and deceleration. To the front is a Dual Axis Strut suspension and to the rear houses Honda’s H-shaped torsion beam suspension which we’re told is constructed with a “bespoke ‘crushed pipe’ which improves rear roll rigidity by 180 per cent, further enhancing stability in high-speed corners.”
The all-new Honda Civic Type R will go on sale across Europe from this summer.
