Car Sport 2011: Honda Civic Type-R

Showing posts with label Honda Civic Type-R. Show all posts

4/20/10

Honda to Terminate Civic Type R Sedan

It's the end of the road for Honda's Civic Type R sedan as the Japanese automaker announced it will discontinue production of the car at the end of August, 2010. However, Honda will make amends to fans by continuing to import the three-door Civic Type R Euro hatchback into Japan.

The first-generation of the Civic Type R four-door sedan was launched in 1997 and was produced at Suzuka Factory. The second-generation model followed in 2001 and was produced at Honda's UK plant in Swindon, while for the current, third-generation Civic Type R, which was released in 2007, production returned to the Suzuka Factory.

The current model, which is sold only in Japan, makes use of a high-revving, naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter inline four that puts out 225HP at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm at 6,100 rpm, with power channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The folks over from the creative agency BRWUSA have sent over some videos "about a group of Honda enthusiasts" known as the FF Squad. Now before you think, "God, if it's ten minutes, forget it," don't worry. They're short and sweet.

Quality cinematography? Check. Funky music? Check. Real life story about normal people driving normal cars and their passion for them? Big Check.

Do yourself a favor, take three minutes out of your day and watch them; these videos will make you want to go out, buy a beater, build it up, and then go race it (if you haven't already). I'm liking this series in a big way. We can only hope there's more to come. Videos after the jump.

By Phil Alex

Honda to Release Refreshed 2011MY Civic Type R Euro in Japan this Fall

Seeing that the limited edition 2009 Civic Type R Euro hot hatch has been well received in Japan, exceeding sales of 1,850 units since its release in November of last year, Honda has decided to offer its domestic buyers a second run of its hot hatch.

The Japanese automaker said that it will soon reveal a 2010 model year version of the Civic Type R Euro with an "updated exterior design", without getting into any specific details.

As with '09 model, the revised Civic Type R Euro will be produced in Europe at the firm's manufacturing plant in Swindon, UK, with sales in Japan scheduled to start this fall. Once again, the three-door hatchback will be offered in a limited number of units.

The current model year Civic Type R Euro is powered by a rev-happy 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 201 HP at 7,800 rpm and 142 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm.

*Photo: 2009 Honda Civic Type R Euro

MUGEN Does the Honda Civic Type R Euro: JDM Launch Sparks New Line of Aero and Performance Parts

It's only been a couple of weeks since Honda introduced the UK-built three-door Civic Type R in Japan, but the automaker's aftermarket affiliate Mugen has already released a bevy of upgrades for the hot hatch. Naturally, all performance and styling parts are inspired from the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN 240HP, of which only 20 examples will be made.

And while Mugen doesn't offer the special edition's upgraded engine that develops 240HP instead of the standard model's 200HP, what it does provide is the same aero parts such as the front and rear aprons, ventilated bonnet, gigantic rear wing and rear diffuser plus the lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels that are available in gunmetal or bronze finish.

The tuner's offerings also include other hardware upgrades like the sport suspension and brake packages, tire-monitoring system, copper-fiber clutch set, sport exhaust system, quick shifter and even a limited slip differential.