| Civic Type R 2007
At Paris Salon De L'Automobile
- World debut for the high-performance Civic Type R production model
- More comfort and refinement without compromising performance
- Different levels of equipment available
- Built in Europe
Civic Type R
Honda's much anticipated Civic Type R, making its world debut in Paris, takes the concept of the 'superhatch' into new realms of desirability. Compared to its predecessor, the new Type R is just as exhilarating to drive, but greater cabin refinement, fully integrated styling, and handling that is tuned for enhanced predictability and responsiveness, deliver an even more rewarding driving experience.
There will be different levels of equipment available, ranging from a fully equipped car to one that even has the rear parcel shelf removed. With these variants, the new Civic Type R therefore looks set to endear itself to a whole new wave of enthusiasts and to repeat the cult success of the first 'CTR' which exceeded all sales predictions. First deliveries will begin in early 2007.
Given the outstanding performance credentials of its predecessor, Honda saw little purpose in increasing engine output. The new Civic Type R therefore continues to be powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0 liter DOHC i-VTEC engine with similar output, but reworked for greater refinement and responsiveness thanks to a new balancer shaft and a drive-by-wire throttle. The 201 PS maximum power output is now reached at 8,000 rpm (previously 200 PS at 7,400 rpm).
While the headline performance figures are expected to be virtually identical to the 6.6 second 0-100 km/h time and 235 km/h top speed of Civic Type R in its previous incarnation, the engine enhancements mean the new car is more responsive generally, while improved aerodynamics ensures the new car cuts through the air more cleanly. Slightly lower gearing compensates for a small increase in kerb weight.
VTEC variable valve timing and VTC variable inlet camshaft technology continue to underpin the engine architecture. Its exhilarating, high revving nature is retained, but the switch to high lift, long duration valve timing now takes place at a lower 5,200 rpm, and continues all the way to the 8,000 rpm red line. There is a new i-VTEC indicator just to the right of the digital speedometer which is illuminated within this rev range.
Widely praised for its ride and handling balance, the chassis of the Civic 5-door forms the basis for all 3-door models and provides an ideal platform for a high performance derivative. Building on the Civic Type S suspension which is fine-tuned for sharper chassis dynamics to match its sportier profile, the Type R takes those modifications on to the next level. Like the Type S, its rear track is 20 mm wider than that of the 5-door model, but otherwise damper, bush and spring characteristics are all unique to Civic Type R.
225/40 ZR18 tyres provide added grip, while the 15 mm reduction in ride height further reduces body roll. What's more, the fuel tank's central location beneath the cabin floor lowers the center of gravity and the body's inertia moment. Firmer steering, a quicker ratio and stiffer steering box mountings in combination provide pin-sharp responses to steering wheel input.
The Civic 5-door already offers one of the stiffest body structures in the C-segment; and the Civic Type R's body is further enhanced, playing a key role in the particularly responsive chassis dynamics.
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