The is a series of hot hatchback and sports sedan models based on the Civic, developed and produced by Honda since September 1997. The first Civic Type R was the third model to receive Honda's Type R badge (after the NSX and Integra). Type R versions of the Civic typically feature a lightened and stiffened body, a specially tuned engine, and upgraded brakes and chassis, and are offered only in five- or six-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain is front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF layout). Like other Type R models, red is used in the background of the Honda badge to distinguish it from other models.
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EK9 (1997; based on sixth generation Civic)
The first Civic to receive the 'Type R' nameplate was based on the fan-base 'EK' Civic, the sixth-generation. The contributing base model was the JDM Civic 3-door hatchback called the SiR (code-named EK4). Like its sibling, the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8, the Civic SiR's transformation into a Type R was achieved by building on the base model and refining it into Honda's vision of a car capable of high performance on the circuit.
The first Civic to receive the Type R badge was introduced on 19 August 1997, as the EK9. The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8, such as the omission of sound deadening and other weight reduction measures, a hand-ported 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC B16B 4-cylinder engine, front-helical limited-slip differential and a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission. The B16B engine boasted one of the highest power output per litre of all time for a naturally aspirated engine with at 8,200 rpm and at 7,500 rpm of torque from of displacement. For the first time, a strategically seam-welded monocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red Recaro bucket seats, red door cards, red Type R floor mats, a titanium shift knob, and a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel. The EK9 was only available for sale in Japan.
Performance figures include a acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.3 seconds. The EK9 could reach a top speed of .
In 1998, the Civic Type R Motor Sports edition was introduced. It came with steel wheels, the standard grey EK interior, manual windows, no air conditioning, and no other creature comforts.
Facelift The Type Rx model introduced in 1999 was given a CD player, body-colored retractable electric door mirrors, power windows, auto air conditioning, keyless entry unlock system, aluminium sports pedals, and a carbon-type center panel. The Type Rx was the final model of the EK9 generation. Production of the EK9 Civic Type R totalled 16,000 units.
In 1999, Honda tuning company Spoon Sports designed an N1 racing version of the Type R that had the B16B engine redline increased from 8,400 rpm to 11,000 rpm.
EP3 (2001; based on seventh generation Civic)
In 2001, Honda introduced the next-generation Civic Type R as a unique 3-door hatchback to the UK market; it was manufactured in Swindon, England. This European Domestic Market Civic Type R featured a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine (K20A2) and the regular Type R treatment of seam welding, close-ratio 6-speed transmission, and upgraded brakes, but did not include some of the other higher-end features such as the helical limited-slip differential and red Recaro race seats that were standard on the EK9.
However, Honda marketed a JDM (Japanese domestic market) version of the EP3 (exclusively manufactured in Swindon, UK, and shipped to Japan) that retained the highly renowned helical LSD, similar to that of the EK9, and red Recaro race seats. Other differences of the JDM model included more track-oriented chassis/undercarriage settings as compared to the European model, as well as a more powerful engine having a power output of (designated K20A), which had a fully balanced crankshaft assembly with a different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, high-lift camshafts, high-compression pistons, chrome-moly flywheel, and ECU programming. All Japan-spec K20A Type R powertrains were built in Japan and shipped to the Swindon plant for installation in the Japan-spec Type R EP3. The JDM EP3 was also available in the traditional Type R Championship White, while the European domestic market (EDM) version was not. The EDM variant has more-relaxed gear ratios and some high-rpm torque traded for low-rpm torque compared to the JDM variant.
In 2003, the EP3 was updated with many improvements – revised EPS with quicker steering, revised suspension settings, projector headlamps (JDM came equipped with halogens only, while the EDM offered an option for HIDs with self-leveling motors), a lighter clutch and flywheel assembly, etc. Based on Honda literature, this facelifted (FL) model was intended to address customer and critic feedback, including understeer at the limit (due to the front MacPherson strut setup), a numb steering response, and a lack of low-end torque.
Performance (all figures are manufacturer claims)
0– in 5.8/6.5 seconds (JDM/EDM Pre-facelift), 5.8/6.4 seconds (JDM/EDM Facelift) 0– in 15.1/16 seconds (JDM/EDM Facelift) Top speed and (JDM/EDM) Note: JDM (Japanese Export Model), EDM (European Domestic Model).
Mugen Motorsports developed an upgraded version of the JDM Civic Type R, with a sport exhaust system and engine tuning, a special Mugen grille, and anti-roll bars for pro racing activities.
A total of 25,798 units were built for Europe and Japan. Europe received 24,334 units, and Japan received 1,464 units.
30th Anniversary Edition In 2003, Honda celebrated 30 years of the Civic badge by offering a special edition 30th Anniversary Civic Type R. This special edition featured red Recaro bucket seats, air conditioning, privacy glass on the rear windows, a leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, red interior carpet and door cards. The 30th Anniversary models in the UK were available in Nighthawk Black, Satin Silver and Milano Red. Only 300 of these models were produced, 100 in each color.
Premier Edition In 2005, towards the end of the EP3's production run, Honda introduced the Civic Type R Premier Edition, which had Recaro Trendline seats (similar to those found in the Anniversary Edition, only in red and black rather than all red), a darker shade of fabric on the rear seat center sections, a MOMO steering wheel, red carpet, door linings, "Type R" embossed into the front brake calipers, and black privacy glass on the rear windows. Air conditioning was an option. They were available in Milano Red, Nighthawk Black, Cosmic Grey and Satin Silver.
C Package In 2004, Honda introduced the "C Package" option (¥330,000 JPY) to Japan's Civic Type R lineup, which included an additional color, Satin Silver Metallic, HID lighting, rear privacy glass, an automatic air conditioner, carbon-fiber accents on the dashboard, and an outside air temperature sensor.
Last year of production In its final production year (2005), the EP3 Type R was offered in Vivid Blue Pearl in the European market. A total of 132 EP3s, which were all left-hand drive, were produced in Vivid Blue Pearl.
The 2005 Vivid Blue Pearl EP3 is often mistaken for a Premier Edition, which it is not. They were sold with the standard, facelifted Type R interior, although they also had other variations that were not found on the right-hand-drive EP3s sold in the UK market.
All 132 Vivid Blue Pearl EP3s were delivered with xenon headlights featuring integrated headlight washer jets in the front bumpers, as well as a height sensor in the right rear wheel arch, which automatically adjusts the light beam height as required by EU regulations.
It is also fitted with rear privacy glass and an outside air temperature sensor, as well as the EUDM center console with mechanical knobs placed over the radio unit, as opposed to the UK, US, and JDM models with electronic knobs fitted on the side of the radio unit.
Sales figures Country: Units sold: Finland 17 Spain 12 Russia 3 Switzerland 51 Lithuania 4 Latvia 1 Sweden 43 Estonia 1
FD2/FN2 (2007; based on eighth generation Civic) The third generation of the Civic Type R was offered in two distinct models: one developed for the Japanese domestic market and the other for the UK and international markets, each matching the availability of its regular 8th generation counterpart.
FD2 (Japanese version)
The Japanese market Civic Type R (FD2) went on sale on 30 March 2007. For the first time, the JDM Civic Type R was sold as a four-door sedan, rather than a three-door hatchback. The FD2 Type R was bigger, wider, and heavier than the EP3 Type R. The wheelbase grew from to , giving the FD2 more stability during high-speed cornering. The Japanese model's engine power output is higher than the European versions, with being generated at 8,000 rpm and of torque peaking at 6,100 rpm (versus at 7,800 rpm and at 5,600 rpm for the European model). Honda quoted that mid-range is increased by . Power is sent to the front wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and a helical limited-slip differential is fitted as standard. The front brake discs are diameter and fitted with four-piston Brembo calipers. The car is fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires in size 225/40 R18.
Honda claims the chassis is 50% more rigid than the previous Japan-only pre-facelift DC5 Integra Type R and 25% more rigid than the previous Japan-only facelift DC5 Integra Type R. The FD2 features an independent rear suspension rather than the torsion beam configuration used on the FN2 Type R. To save weight, aluminium is used extensively and bonded with adhesive instead of welded. Though the chassis is larger and more rigid than the JDM Integra Type R, it is only heavier.
Exterior-wise, the front bumper is wider and different from the standard Civic, with an aerodynamic design. The rear bumper features a built-in diffuser, and a large rear wing completes the aero package. Inside, the trademark black-and-red bucket seats are no longer made by Recaro as in previous versions, but are designed in-house by Honda. Also gone is the Momo- made steering wheel, replaced instead by a Honda-made version. The familiar red-on-black or black-on-black color scheme is offered on Championship White and Super Platinum Metallic Silver, while a black-on-black scheme with red stitching is available only on the Vivid Blue Pearl model.
In October 2008, the Type R received new colors: Premium White Pearl, Premium Deep Violet Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl. The Vivid Blue Pearl color was dropped.
In back to back tests, the Civic Type R (FD2) was on average 1 second quicker than the Integra Type R (DC5) at the Tsukuba Circuit and four seconds faster at the longer Suzuka Circuit.
In a back-to-back test on the United Kingdom TV program Fifth Gear, the FD2 Type R was three seconds quicker than the equivalent FN2 UK version around Castle Combe Circuit in wet conditions. However, the FN2 managed a 13.1 second quarter mile pass at Killarney Raceway.
A total of 14,062 FD2 Civic Type R units were produced until production ceased in August 2010 due to failure to meet the upcoming emission requirements. Following the previous success of the FN2 Civic Type R introduced in Europe in 2009, another batch of FN2 Type R with minor updates became available in Japan from fall 2010. However, the engine was the same K20Z4 straight-4 as used in the European version.
Civic Mugen RR (ABA-FD2)
In addition to the Civic Type R, 300 units of Honda Civic Mugen RR cars available exclusively in Milano Red were also produced for the Japanese market, which reduced weight to using carbon fiber bumpers and aluminum for the hood. The engine is rated at at 8,000 rpm and torque at 7,000 rpm, achieved through Mugen parts such as camshafts, exhaust system, and ECU. Other exclusive items include Recaro SP-X racing bucket seats and other Mugen interior items, while special 18-inch Mugen 7-spoke wheels come standard. It went on sale in Japan on 13 September 2007.