Honda's Civic Type R, shown as a concept in Geneva, made its world debut as a production model here in Paris today. "I am confident the Type R will deliver an emotional driving experience," said Takeo Fukui, President and CEO of Honda, in the understatement of the afternoon.
There are no plans to bring the Type R to the States. With that out of the way, let's jump right to the good stuff...
Since the Civic Si reaches its power peak at 7800 rpm, the Type R's mill may appear peakier. If anything, the Type R's powerband is wider, maintaining power further just a smidge further in the rev range, and bolstering the midrange with a revised, lower 5200 rpm cam switchpoint. It's got a light on dash to indicate when you're on the hot cam, but why anyone would need this is beyond us.
On the chassis front, the Type R has an even stiffer structure than the base car. Plus, there's a reinforced crossmember in the floor just ahead of the fuel tank, strengthened upper front suspension mounts, and a reinforcement bar in the front of the engine bay. Ride height of the Type R drops 15mm relative to the Type-S 3-door, with the Type R riding on revalved dampers, revised bushings, and stiffer springs. There's quicker-ratio steering and stiffer steering rack bushings as well.
We're not so sure about the folded-roast-beef rear end treatment, but the mesh grille and the rest of the Type R-specific body trimming gives it a solid stance. Things look consistently great inside, where Alcantara abounds. Numerous logos and plaques remind you that you are indeed riding in a Type R. For the lunatic fringe, a lightweight version of the Type R will be available, deleting the audio system, rear cargo cover, engine liner, and a bunch of sound insulation to knock 88 lb off the curb weight and split your eardrums cleanly in two.
We did what we could to convice Honda to throw the US market a bone, but they wouldn't commit to anything. Here's a thought-- they ought to work over the coupe, which we already have, with the Type R treatmeat. Without the hatch aperture, it'll be even stiffer than this Type R, and possibly lighter. Talk about an emotional driving experience.
balkanboy1 says:
06:51 PM, 10/ 1/06
This new Civic has certain freshness that's definitely welcomed in this segment of pretty ,pretty boring cars the only criticism come for the side of the car that appear to high for the lenght of the car. It is a winner because it tries to shake stale VW Golf segment.
hondacura4 says:
02:24 PM, 10/ 6/06
I wish they offered that hatch in the States. Even though the last Civic hatch didnt do to well (Honda didnt give enthusiasts the real i-VTEC motor) I think this car would but it has the same motor as the US Civic Si. Being a Type-R means more power and less weight.
I would even welcome the base and diesel models here and so would a lot of others. This new Civic (US and Euro) sets the bar in the compact segment. Innovation, efficiency, design, playful personality, just a great car.
hondacura4 says:
02:26 PM, 10/ 6/06
Oh I forgot to add that Japan gets a Type R sedan with a real Type R motor. Its a revised motor from the DC5 Integra Type R (or RSX-R to the US), a 2.0 liter 220hp and 151lb ft of torque. Outstanding number for a normally aspirated 2.0 liter.