This is it, the new Honda Civic Type R. Honda has revealed the much-anticipated hot hatch to selected media (we're not in the list) a day before its proper debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and with that are official pics and info.
The "race car for the road", as the latest Type R is billed, is powered by a 2.0 litre VTEC Turbo engine that can push the six-speed manual (thanks, Honda), front-wheel-drive car to 270 km/h - that we already know.
What's revealed now is that the Earth Dreams Technology direct-injection unit makes a massive 310 PS at 6,500 rpm and max torque of 400 Nm at 2,500 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm in keeping with the high-revving Type R tradition.
That's just 10 horses less than the new Ford Focus RS' 320+ PS, which is made with 300 cc more. In any case, Honda says that the Civic Type R boasts the most performance in the FWD hot hatch arena (Focus RS is now AWD) and is the fastest one too, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
The CTR was subject to exhaustive aerodynamic work, through computer-based CFD modelling and wind tunnel testing at Honda's dedicated motorsports facility in Sakura, Japan (home of the company's F1 engine development), and prototype testing on the road and on tracks such as Suzuka, Nurburgring and the in-house Takasu facility.
An almost completely flat underside aids airflow and combines with a rear diffuser to optimise downforce. The structure of the rear wing – angle, height, shape and vertical end plates – have been selected to optimise downforce without causing a big increase in drag at higher speeds. A wide front splitter and deep side skirts also manage airflow and reduce lift, while the front bumper has been shaped to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels.
Heat management was another major focus, influencing several prominent external design modifications. Enlarged upper and lower grilles up front allow greater volume air into the engine. The airflow is channelled to outlet vents above the wheels on the front quarter panels and vents at the trailing edges of the widened front wheel arches to provide greater cooling and ventilation for the turbo motor.
At each corner are 19-inch alloys wrapped with bespoke design 235/35 tyres. A Brembo brake package is standard, with four-piston front calipers grabbing 350 mm drilled discs.
The new CTR marks the debut of the '+R' button, which sits on the opposite side of the push start button. When pressed, engine response is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive setting. The electric steering receives reduced power assistance (more responsive) and basic damping force from the new four-point Adaptive Damper System is increased by 30%.
Speaking of suspension, the front is held up by "Dual Axis Struts" that help to reduce torque steer by 50% compared to the standard Civic's suspension. At the rear, the torsion beam is constructed with a bespoke "crushed pipe" that improves rear roll rigidity by 180%, Honda says.
Optional is a GT Pack that adds red highlights to the front and rear splitters, front and rear parking sensors, auto headlamps/wipers, dual-zone auto air con, red ambient lighting and electric folding door mirrors. Integrated Garmin satellite navigation is added to the Honda Connect infotainment system, linked to an eight-speaker 320-watt stereo.
The GT Pack also includes Honda's Advanced Driver Assist Systems. This comprehensive suite of sensor-based safety technologies includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, High-Beam Support System, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor. City-Brake Active will be fitted as standard on the Civic Type R.
To go on sale across Europe this summer, the Civic Type R is available in Crystal Black (pearlescent), Polished Metal (metallic), Brilliant Sporty Blue (metallic) and Milano Red, not forgetting the signature Championship White, of course.
We'll be back with live pics, but for now, what do you think of the new Type R? Worth the wait?
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