Honda Civic Type R Concept revealed (again)

Honda has previewed the Civic Type R Concept it will have on display at the Paris Motor Show later this week. And if you think you’ve seen it before, that’s because you have. That “strikinig luminous blue” paint scheme isn’t fooling anyone.

The hype about this new Civic Type R has shifted up a gear, too, with Honda claiming the 2.0 litre turbocharged engine will be the most responsive the company ever made. Yes, even better than the original NSX.

“Honda has had four Type R model derivatives—the Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX,” recalls Suehiro Hasshi, Large Project Leader for the Civic Type R at Honda R&D. “The engine in this new Honda Civic Type R is unrivalled against all of them in terms of raw power, torque and engine response.”

More important than any of that, though, is the fact the 2015 Civic Type R will boast a +R button on the steering wheel. None of those other cars ever had that, did they!

“In default standard mode, the Civic Type R is exceptionally agile, an everyday sports car with an enjoyable and fluid acceleration,” Hasshi-san explained. “The ‘+R’ button brings out a more dynamic and athletic car for the driver, sure to set pulses racing.

“The difference in character is immense. The ‘+R’ mode is extreme; the car is ideal for the track and will be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast.”

Other details revealed by Honda include the very pleasing news that the hero hot hatch will be built exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Handling will be aided by a four-point Adaptive Damper System with a number of settings available depending on the driver’s mood.

The Civic Type R is a pretty cool looking car in concept form and let’s hope Honda stays true to its form when the production model is released next year. We think they will, unlike those numbskulls at Subaru.

All-new Honda Civic Type R: The most extreme and high-performing Type R yet

• All-new Honda Civic Type R promises to be the most extreme and high-performing Type R yet
• Unmatched performance against all previous Type R models, including Civic, Integra, Accord and even NSX
• Thrilling turbocharged 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine producing more than 280 PS sets new benchmarks on power, torque and engine response
• High-revving turbo performance red-lining at 7,000 rpm, mated to slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission
• All-new ‘+R’ mode for enhanced performance on the track
• Innovative new four-point adaptive damper system delivers ultimate handling and cornering
• Additional ‘steer axis’ system minimises torque steer for exceptional traction
• Striking luminous blue Type R Concept to appear at Paris

29/09/14 – With the automotive world about to descend on the Paris Motor Show 2014, Honda has released further details of the eagerly anticipated new Civic Type R.

The all-new hot hatch – due in UK showrooms next year – will be the most extreme and high-performing Type R in the 22 year history of the red ‘H’ badge, signalling the start of a new performance era for the brand.

Power will come from a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine from Honda’s next-generation Earth Dreams Technology series. Producing more than 280 PS, it will deliver unmatched performance against any previous Type R, including all generations of the Civic, the iconic performance-oriented versions of the Integra, Accord and even the NSX.

While complying with strict Euro 6 emissions regulations, this is a Honda Type R powerplant like no other. With its predecessors naturally aspirated, the new unit benefits from a turbocharger, boosting low-end power delivery. Combined with the high-end performance synonymous with Honda’s VTEC technology – and much-loved by fanatical Type R owners – the new model promises to deliver a sensational driving experience.

Suehiro Hasshi, Large Project Leader for the Civic Type R at Honda R&D, comments: “Honda has had four Type R model derivatives – the Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX. The engine in this new Honda Civic Type R is unrivalled against all of them in terms of raw power, torque and engine response.”

Hasshi-san emphasised the car’s appeal will be far greater than just the new high-performance engine under the bonnet. A number of engineering innovations and enhancements will make the new Type R a true driver’s car, more than worthy of wearing the famous red ‘H’ badge.

The new Type R will mark the debut of the new ‘+R’ button, for example. Located to the side of the steering wheel, a press activates ‘+R‘ mode for the most exhilarating driving experience. Engine responsiveness is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting. Steering becomes more responsive which, together with the new four-point Adaptive Damper System, delivers the ultimate handling experience.

Hasshi explained: “In default standard mode, the Civic Type R is exceptionally agile, an everyday sports car with an enjoyable and fluid acceleration. The ‘+R’ button brings out a more dynamic and athletic car for the driver, sure to set pulses racing. The difference in character is immense. The ‘+R’ mode is extreme; the car is ideal for the track and will be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast.”

Another example of Honda’s innovative approach is the car’s ‘steer axis’. In order to deliver the power of the turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, the new Type R’s front suspension system includes this additional mechanical system involving two supporting ‘kingpins’. These work to minimise torque steer, allowing the driver to fully exploit the Type R‘s exceptional driveability.

Furthermore, a new four-point Adaptive Damper System has been developed specifically for the new Type R, which automatically adjusts front and rear suspension damping force stiffness in a split second, to suit driving conditions. This allows the new Type R to provide a comfortable ride during cruising, yet become firm and agile for high-performance handling.

The new Type R will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors with a six-speed manual transmission, which the development team selected in order to maximise driving enjoyment.

Hasshi explains: “The manual transmission allows the driver to select their chosen gear, for example, down from fifth to third when approaching a corner. The concept of the new Civic Type R is to be the complete driver’s car so this was the best option.”

The all-new Civic Type R has been developed and engineeredfor European drivers. The car will be built at Honda’s state-of-the-art plant in Swindon, UK, arriving in dealerships during 2015.

To see the latest Honda Civic Type R Concept please visit the Honda Stand in Hall 3, at the Paris Motor Show 2014. Honda’s press conference takes place on the stand at 16.45 CET on Thursday 2 October.

 

Type R History

1992 First Generation NSX Type R (Available in Japan only)

This car marked the beginning of the Type R story. The aim was to develop a car which delivered overwhelming driving pleasure and the speed of a racing car. The design language of NSX Type R echoes the image of an F1 racing machine. This was also the first time that the red Honda Emblem and Championship White body colour was introduced.

Engine: 3.0L Six-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 280PS / 7,300 rpm
Maximum Torque: 30.0kg · m / 5,400 rpm

1995 First Generation Integra Type R (Available in Japan only)
Engine: 1.8L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 200PS / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 18.5kg · m / 7,500 rpm

1997 First Generation Civic Type R (Available in Japan only)
Engine: 1.6L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 185PS / 8,200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 16.3kg · m / 7,500 rpm

1998 Integra Type R (Available in Europe and U.S. This was the first Type R model introduced in Europe)
Engine: 1.8L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 190PS / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 178 N · m / 7,300 rpm

1999 Accord Type R (Available in Europe only)
Engine: 2.2L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 212PS / 7,200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 215N · m / 6,700 rpm

2001 Second Generation Integra Type R (Available in Japan only)
Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 162kW [220PS] / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 206N · m [21.0kg · m] / 7,000 rpm

2001 Second Generation Civic Type R (First Civic Type R available in Europe)
Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 162kW [220PS] / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 206N · m [21.0kg · m] / 7,000 rpm

European version:
Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 200PS / 7,400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 196N · m / 5,900 rpm

2002 Second Generation NSX Type R (Available in Japan only)
Engine: 3.2L 6 cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 206kW [280PS] / 7,300 rpm
Maximum Torque: 304N · m [31.0kg · m] / 5,300 rpm

2007 Third Generation Civic Type R
Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 165kW [225PS] / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 215N · m [21.9kg · m] / 6,100 rpm

2007 Third Generation Civic Type R (European Version)
Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 148kW [201PS] / 7,800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 193N · m /5,600 rpm