Honda Civic Type R Sedan with a 225Hp 2.0 i-VTEC released in Japan

As promised as last year with the prototype Civic Type R Sedan that was used as the official car for the 2006 F1 Japan Gran Prix (Suzuka Circuit on October 6-8 2006), Honda unleashed the production version that goes on sale throughout Japan on Friday, March 30. The Civic Type R sedan is fitted with a naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine with a higher compression ratio and improved breathing delivering a maximum output of 225Hp / 165kW at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm (21.9kgm) at 6,100 rpm. There’s no performance figures out yet but expect a sub 7,0 sec for the 0 to 100 km/h (62mph). Appearance-wise, I’ve said it before I’ll say it again; I just love white Civic Type R’s. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release and 55 high-res images

Press Release: Honda Adds New Type R to Civic Lineup

TOKYO, Japan - March 29, 2007– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Civic Type R, a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R will go on sale throughout Japan on Friday, March 30

This new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.

The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.

Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997. This latest all-new Civic Type R is the distillation of 15 years of technological progress and the latest expression of Honda’s “Challenging Spirit.”

Key Features of the Civic Type R

Exterior Design

The exterior employs a pure sports one-motion form design with aerodynamically advanced surface treatment and sharp edges. Newly developed aerodynamic devices include a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a high-mount rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes, giving the car an aggressive overall appearance.

•Specifically designed engine hood and front fenders.

•Specially designed shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight sub-reflector and Civic emblem design.

•Type R red Honda emblem front and rear.

Interior Design

•The overall black color scheme gives the interior cockpit a racing car-like appearance, bringing the driver closer at one with the car.

•The front bucket seats are specially designed for Type R. Separate center/side construction with high side bolsters and optimized cushion rates help hold the body in place, helping the driver concentrate on driving.

•The multiplex i-VTEC engine revolution indicator alerts the driver that engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions. Self-illuminated, lit with red-colored flashing lights and is strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high speed driving conditions.

•Other performance-oriented features include a small-diameter, genuine leather oval steering wheel, an aluminum ball-type shift knob, a short stroke sports shift linkage, metal sports-type pedals and footrest, and a separate, button-type engine starter.

Engine

•A higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency help the naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine output a maximum of 165kW (225PS) at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm (21.9kgm) at 6,100 rpm.

•NSX production methods contribute to smoother port surfacing, improving intake/exhaust airflow.

•Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output.

•Optimum tuning of intake and exhaust manifolds provides for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.

Transmission

•A close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is matched to the Type R engine.

•Optimized gear ratios offer superior accelerations at high speeds, providing exhilarating performance.

•New features include a highly rigid aluminum transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate helps mitigate oil starvation at high cornering speeds.

•A short stroke shift linkage contributes to a sporty shifting feel.

Highly Rigid Yet Lightweight Body/Chassis

•The highly rigid Civic body and its advanced layout serves as the basis for an even more highly rigid, yet lightweight Type R body. Measures to enhance body rigidity while reducing weight have translated into a body that is 50% more rigid than in the Integra Type R production model sold between 2001 and 2006.

•Specially tuned suspension, high performance 18-inch tires, a torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential, large disc brakes for improved fade resistance and other performance-enhancing features contribute to higher cornering performance and stability for an exciting, racecar-like driving experience.

•The specially tuned suspension boasts revised spring and damping rates, and thicker stabilizer bars for improved vehicle stability.

•225/40R18-sized high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires.

•17-inch disk brake with Brembo 4-pot aluminum front calipers.

•Specially-tuned ABS/EBD system.

•Special lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels are matched to black wheel nuts.

Safety Performance

•Honda’s original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a body with a crash safety performance that is among the best in the world, withstanding a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, a 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision.

•The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a high level of self-protection and also improves compatibility toward other vehicles.

•The vehicle is also designed to help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.

•The front seats are equipped with 3-point, load-limiting ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with E-pretensioners.

•Front-seat occupants are further protected by standard driver/front passenger i-SRS air bags.

•ISO FIX compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether belt anchor plates are standard on the rear seats.

Environmental Performance

•The Civic Type R complies with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport emissions regulations for 2005. PVC and Cr6+ use have been eliminated from interior and exterior components and wherever possible throughout the vehicle to achieve over 90% recyclability.