The all-new Civic Type R follows a long line of iconic Type R models that have each raised the bar for front-wheel-drive sports car performance. Building on the capabilities of the previous model, the latest generation model incorporates new lightweight materials, increased engine performance and improved driving dynamics, resulting in the fastest, most dynamic and addictive Civic Type R yet.
The most powerful VTEC Turbo ever
Since the first generation launched in 1997, the Civic Type R has become renowned for its powerful, highly responsive, and high revving engines. The latest iteration continues this dedication to performance excellence that has made the Civic Type R so popular with driving purists for 25 years.
The new Civic Type R is powered by a revised 2.0 litre VTEC four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which features the application of several motorsport-derived technologies. These further improve the output, torque and response beyond the capabilities of even the lightweight Limited Edition version of the previous model.
The development team have redesigned the turbocharger to improve its efficiency. By reducing the number of turbo blades and optimising their shape and diameter, inertia within the unit has been reduced. A redesigned housing shape is smaller and more compact than its predecessor and further contributes to the higher output and responsiveness of the turbocharger.
A straight exhaust system increases the exhaust airflow rate by 13% over the previous model, reducing back pressure and allowing the engine to perform more efficiently. The system is finished with a newly designed triple-exit backbox that has an active valve to further increase exhaust gas flow. Enhancements to the sound modulation also improve the aural sensation to increase driver engagement.
The new car features enhanced temperature control and air-cooling through an upgraded radiator, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during heavy use thanks to the 48% larger opening offered by the new grille and front bumper design. A revised air intake is larger in diameter allowing for a 10% increase in intake flow rate.
All of this is managed by a revised engine control system, which has been updated by further increasing the resolution of the ignition timing control and tuning of the VTC (Variable Timing Control), to improve overall throttle response under acceleration.
The overall effect of the engine upgrades is higher performance at high revs and lower fuel consumption at low revs, and the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. The engine produces 329PS @ 6,500rpm, whilst 420 Nm is available at just 2,200 rpm, and remains available up to 4,000 rpm, with the engine revving freely all the way to 7,000 rpm. The result is the Civic Type R can sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 275 km/h.
Helping achieve these figures is a revised six-speed manual transmission, that has a number of new features designed exclusively for the new Type R which significantly improves the smoothness and shifting load. A new lightweight flywheel is 18% lighter than the previous generations, reducing inertia by 25% helping the VTEC Turbo be even more responsive.
A revised rev-match system with auto blip ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping balance the car on corner entry. Particular attention has been paid to the 2nd to 1st gear shift. The high-strength gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever, an optimised shift gate pattern as well as a unique to Type R shift link mechanism to improve shift smoothness. Feel has also been improved with an optimised spring rate for faster gear changes with more satisfying weighting.
Despite being the most powerful Civic Type R ever, Honda engineers have improved the emissions output and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The result of the extensive technological advancements is just 186 g/km of CO2 emissions, with fuel economy of 8.2 l/100kms (WLTP).
Thanks: Honda Plaza Marmara
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