Honda Adds New Type R to Civic Lineup

TOKYO, Japan - March 29, 2007 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Civic Type R, a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R will go on sale throughout Japan on Friday, March 30.

This new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.

The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.

Источник: www.world.honda.com

Key Features of the Civic Type R

Exterior Design
- The exterior employs a pure sports one-motion form design with aerodynamically advanced surface treatment and sharp edges. Newly developed aerodynamic devices include a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a high-mount rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes, giving the car an aggressive overall appearance.
- Specifically designed engine hood and front fenders.
- Specially designed shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight sub-reflector and Civic emblem design.
- Type R red Honda emblem front and rear.

Interior Design
- The overall black color scheme gives the interior cockpit a racing car-like appearance, bringing the driver closer at one with the car.
- The front bucket seats are specially designed for Type R. Separate center/side construction with high side bolsters and optimized cushion rates help hold the body in place, helping the driver concentrate on driving.
- The multiplex i-VTEC engine revolution indicator alerts the driver that engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions. Self-illuminated, lit with red-colored flashing lights and is strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high speed driving conditions.
- Other performance-oriented features include a small-diameter, genuine leather oval steering wheel, an aluminum ball-type shift knob, a short stroke sports shift linkage, metal sports-type pedals and footrest, and a separate, button-type engine starter.

Engine
- A higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency help the naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine output a maximum of 165kW (225PS) at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm (21.9kgm) at 6,100 rpm.
- NSX production methods contribute to smoother port surfacing, improving intake/exhaust airflow.
- Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output.
- Optimum tuning of intake and exhaust manifolds provides for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.

Transmission
- A close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is matched to the Type R engine.
- Optimized gear ratios offer superior accelerations at high speeds, providing exhilarating performance.
- New features include a highly rigid aluminum transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate helps mitigate oil starvation at high cornering speeds.
- A short stroke shift linkage contributes to a sporty shifting feel.

Highly Rigid Yet Lightweight Body/Chassis
- The highly rigid Civic body and its advanced layout serves as the basis for an even more highly rigid, yet lightweight Type R body. Measures to enhance body rigidity while reducing weight have translated into a body that is 50% more rigid than in the Integra Type R production model sold between 2001 and 2006.
- Specially tuned suspension, high performance 18-inch tires, a torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential, large disc brakes for improved fade resistance and other performance-enhancing features contribute to higher cornering performance and stability for an exciting, racecar-like driving experience.
- The specially tuned suspension boasts revised spring and damping rates, and thicker stabilizer bars for improved vehicle stability.
- 225/40R18-sized high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.
- 17-inch disk brake with Brembo 4-pot aluminum front calipers.
- Specially-tuned ABS/EBD system.
- Special lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels are matched to black wheel nuts.