[Hoonigan]

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by Jack Rix, 11 Feb, 2015

More details on new 280bhp-plus Honda Civic Type R hot hatch, plus official teaser pics

Despite displaying a concept at the Paris Motor Show in September, Honda still isn’t ready to fully reveal its production-ready Civic Type R – but it’s getting tantalizingly close. Ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the brand has released three detail pictures and new information, while our main image shows how the full production car could look.

Most striking of all is the Type R’s claimed top speed of 167mph – just 7mph behind the new four-wheel-drive, 362bhp Audi RS3 and 2mph faster than the old 345bhp Ford Focus RS500.

The eye-popping top speed is down to the Civic’s clever aerodynamic package, which uses a flat underbody, rear diffuser, big rear wing, front splitter and carefully shaped side skirts to balance downforce with drag and boost high-speed stability.

Also confirmed are specifically designed Brembo brakes that use four-piston calipers to grab 350mm drilled discs at the front. These sit behind the unique 19-inch wheels (right). The production car also has a tweaked front end, featuring round foglights and larger intakes to help the new 2.0-litre VTEC turbo engine’s heat management.

The new instrument cluster has been revealed, too, displaying a rev counter that reads up to 8,000rpm and a +R button left of the dials. This will sharpen throttle response, turn up the exhaust volume and add weight to the steering.

The car on display in Geneva will be finished in Championship White paint – previewed in our main image and a color synonymous with Type Rs of the past. But that’s where Honda’s nostalgia ends. The new car will be on a different performance level to its predecessors, sending over 280bhp through a six-speed manual box to the front tires to take it from 0-62mph in around six seconds.

It’s no secret that Honda is targeting the Nürburgring front-wheel-drive lap record, currently held by the Renaultsport Mégane Trophy R. So, helping it rip around corners is a new steer-axis suspension system to keep things stable and quell torque steer, while adaptive dampers will improve on-road usability.

Honda claims 100 UK orders have already been placed, with each customer paying a £3,000 deposit. When deliveries start in the summer, prices are expected to kick off from just under £30,000 – putting the car squarely in line with Ford’s new 316bhp, four-wheel-drive Focus RS.

White-hot new Honda Civic Type R to hit 167mph | Auto Express

 

[RieBauer17]

I like the bold lettering on the 0-62. Thats damn slow for a car with that much power. My basic mazda 3 does 0-60 in 6.5. The Type-R Definitely not in line with the RS, which will prob do 0-60 in under 5. The Type-R looks pretty cool tho.

 

[ProTraderColin]

can't wait for the hot hatch showdown

 

[jpwalker90]

how long does it take to reach 167?

 

[surensm]

I like the bold lettering on the 0-62. Thats damn slow for a car with that much power. My basic mazda 3 does 0-60 in 6.5. The Type-R Definitely not in line with the RS, which will prob do 0-60 in under 5. The Type-R looks pretty cool tho.

You're missing the point, we don't know the gear ratios yet nor the torque figure (at least I don't). This thing is meant to be a track monster, rather than a highway queen, so lots of that speed is lost on the straight. Same reason as to why the STi is slower to 60 than the WRX (last gen). Oh and the 167mph top speed is not much to brag about, just goes to show that it has a longer gearing that can be used with extra power.

 

[grungie*]

how long does it take to reach 167?

ten minutes

 

[RieBauer17]

You're missing the point, we don't know the gear ratios yet nor the torque figure (at least I don't). This thing is meant to be a track monster, rather than a highway queen, so lots of that speed is lost on the straight. Same reason as to why the STi is slower to 60 than the WRX (last gen). Oh and the 167mph top speed is not much to brag about, just goes to show that it has a longer gearing that can be used with extra power.

Well I wouldnt say that wanting better 0-60 numbers is calling it a highway queen. Most people will not track the car.

 

[surensm]

Well I wouldnt say that wanting better 0-60 numbers is calling it a highway queen. Most people will not track the car.

Agreed, that is true, but I meant Honda is treating it as one during R&D.

 

[RieBauer17]

Agreed, that is true, but I meant Honda is treating it as one during R&D.

I gotcha now. So this 0-60 time should be taken w a grain of salt because the production car will have daily gearing. Sometimes it takes me a second...lol

 

[surensm]

I gotcha now. So this 0-60 time should be taken w a grain of salt because the production car will have daily gearing. Sometimes it takes me a second...lol

Yeah that, sorry for the confusing wording lol.

 

[Hoonigan]

The walk around from 2014:

 

[TuxedoST3]

The walk around from 2014:

Sorry, just MHO, but I think looks like it should be in some Japanese anime and driven by one of these guys.

 

[Hoonigan]

Or maybe this?

 

[PHOKUS]

I really like the curves on this Civic R, especially the side skirts. It looks sleek and efficient, yet somewhat sexy. Sort of like the Zoey Deschanel of the car world.

It's definitely sexier than the RS, which takes on a burlier appearance. I wouldn't mind driving one of these.

 

[TuxedoST3]

I really like the curves on this Civic R, especially the side skirts. It looks sleek and efficient, yet somewhat sexy. Sort of like the Zoey Deschanel of the car world.

It's definitely sexier than the RS, which takes on a burlier appearance. I wouldn't mind driving one of these.

Joey, have you ever been to a Turkish prison? Do you like gladiator movies?

 

[PHOKUS]

Joey, have you ever been to a Turkish prison? Do you like gladiator movies?
View attachment 311

Have you ever been in a cockpit before?
-- I've never even been in a plane before!

But seriously, what is your question?

 

[curttheboywondr]

I simply can't take any more FWD performance. Wonderful when you've got brand new tires, or have purposely deflated at the track. But in real world, i'm constantly spinning them even when not trying to be fancy.

 

[ECKO]

Not feeling that front end....

 

[hyracer]

I'll be very disappointed if the RS can't at least do 165+ MPH. I've been to Bonneville, Texas Mile, and the Mojave Mile and enjoy running "all out". For a racing event it is easy on the drive train and damage is low unless you are running a modified car pushing umpteen pounds of boost. With the RS designed for zero lift and stability at high speeds it should be a natural for 160 MPH plus runs. Now if Ford in it's infinite wisdom just doesn't limit the RS to the "paltry" slow speeds of 154 MPH like the ST!!
I've already signed up our ST1 for the Mojave Mile this April (April 11th-12th) and hope to sign up the RS next year for the same event. Nothing like breaking in a new car at speed

 

[Crooked Letta]

I simply can't take any more FWD performance. Wonderful when you've got brand new tires, or have purposely deflated at the track. But in real world, i'm constantly spinning them even when not trying to be fancy.

You can make a FWD vehicle handle power into the 300's (see last gen RS)