Honda Civic Type R concept premieres in Paris

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The highly anticipated all-new Honda Civic Type R took centre stage at Honda’s booth at the Paris Motor Show today. The Civic Type R Concept “Series 2” may wear the concept badge at the show, but the car you see here is pretty much the production version, safe a few details.

Set to hit European showrooms next year, with the rest of the world to follow, the concept is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged i-VTEC four-cylinder engine producing more than 206kW (280PS). Honda has not announced detailed specifications, but in a new video released today along with its premiere in Paris, the company said it will deliver “unmatched performance compared to any previous Type R car.” That includes all generations the Civic, Integra, Accord and even the NSX.

“Honda has had four Type R model derivatives – the Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX. The engine in this new Honda Civic Type R is unrivalled against all of them in terms of raw power, torque and engine response,” said Suehiro Hasshi, Large Project Leader for the Civic Type R at Honda R&D in the promotional video.

Honda has been determined to crush the current record for the fastest lap around the Nürburgring for a series production front-wheel drive with the new Civic Type R. The record is currently held by the Renaultsport Mégane 265 Trophy with a lap time of 8:07.97.

Read our Renaultsport Mégane 265 Review

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Besides the powerful engine, Honda has also undertaken a number of engineering innovation said to make the new Civic Type R a true driver’s car.

Chief amongst them is the debut of Honda’s new ‘+R’ button. Located to the side of the steering wheel, once pressed, it activates ‘+R’ mode that heightens engine response, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focussed setting. Its steering becomes more responsive and, together with the new four-point Adaptive Damper System, is claimed to deliver the ultimate handling experience.

“In default standard mode, the Civic Type R is exceptionally agile, an everyday sports car with an enjoyable and fluid acceleration. The ‘+R’ button brings out a more dynamic and athletic car for the driver, to set pulses racing. The difference in character is immense. The ‘+R’ mode is extreme; the car is ideal for track use and will be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast,” Hasshi explained during the car’s unveiling earlier this week.

Another example of Honda’s innovative approach is the car’s ‘steer axis’. In order to deliver the power of the turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, the new Civic Type R’s front suspension system includes this additional mechanical system involving two supporting ‘kingpins’. They minimise torque steer and allows the driver to fully exploit the car’s exceptional driveability.

A new four-point Adaptive Damper System has also been developed specifically for the Civic Type R. It automatically adjusts the front and rear suspension damping force stiffness in a split second, based on driving conditions. This allows the new Civic Type R to provide a comfortable ride during cruising, yet become firm and agile when high-performance handling is required.

The new UK-built Civic Type R will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors with a six-speed manual transmission. The development team selected this option to maximise driving enjoyment.

 

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