The iconic Honda Civic is celebrating two anniversaries this year: one is the 50th birthday of the Civic nameplate and the other, the 25th anniversary of its race-derived Type R variant.
It has been one of the most sought-after models in the lineup and many Civic owners aspire for a Type R-inspired build. We even did a video that could inspire 10th-gen Civic owners to soup up their PH-spec sedans. You can check it out here.
Life, for the Civic Type R, started in 1997 when Honda first slapped the Type R badge on the EK9. It was a Japan-only model and had high specs such as a hand-ported 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine, a lightweight seam-welded shell, a helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and unique suspension components to completely transform the driving experience.
Honda brought the Civic Type R to Europe in 2001 with the second-generation model. The new car introduced an all-new, and now iconic 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC “K” series engine that redefined what a normally aspirated two-liter engine could do. Also featured in the Euro-spec Civic Type R also had uprated brakes, a precise, close-ratio six-speed transmission and a shell that made extensive use of high-tensile steel to increase torsional static rigidity by 80 percent over the EK9.
Additional updates to the second-generation Civic Type R was the toe-control link strut suspension in the front, reactive-link double-wishbone suspension at the rear, electric power steering (EPS), and variable gear ratio (VGR).
The third-version Civic Type R spawned both a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and a Euro-spec version. The former was the FD2 saloon and came with a more powerful K20A engine, a helical LSD, and powerful Brembo brakes. The latter, on the other hand, was an FN2-based hatchback. It retained the proven 2.0-liter engine, but introduced a new chassis that moved the fuel tank beneath the front seats to improve interior space and flexibility.
Styling and performance of the Civic Type R took a more aggressive turn when Honda introduced its fourth-generation model. From here, the succeeding models all sported a Gundam-esque look and are packed with some of the best performance appointments.
The fourth-gen Civic Type R was given the meticulously-developed K20C1 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and featured a Dual Axis Strut Suspension paired with a limited-slip differential to counter the torque-steer encountered in high output front wheel drive cars.
The FK2 proved a formidable base for a competition car, winning several TCR Touring Car titles across the globe.
Its successor, the fifth-gen FK8 was dubbed as the ultimate version of the Civic Type R. It gained a host of new mechanical features such as adaptive dampers, and further revisions to the K20C1 engine. It also played with aerodynamics better and introduced downforce to the equation for an even more intense drive.
Launching later this year, the all-new generation Civic Type R further evolves, matures, and refines technologies that have been developed over several generations.
“Whilst new technologies and refined aerodynamics have helped set the bar higher once again, a clear lineage can be traced back to the FD2 generation with the incremental revisions resulting in the fastest, most rewarding and addictive Civic Type R ever built. Already the track record holder at Suzuka, the 2022 Civic Type R is a fitting way to celebrate 30 years of the Type R nameplate,” Honda said in a press release.
Photos from Honda
Also read:
Honda Civic Type R breaks record at Suzuka Circuit
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