For fans of Honda and especially those of its rambunctious hot hatch, the Civic Type R, there is good news ahead. Honda has just announced a new Limited Edition Type R, and it will be coming to America. Making its debut in Milan, Italy of all places, the new car will be built in limited numbers (only 1000), of which we are lucky to receive 600 here in the U.S.
Yellow Knife Aims For Green Hell
The Civic Type R needs no introduction. The one-time record holder for the fastest laptime for a FWD car around the Nurburgring is a turbocharged, bespoilered and radical-looking hatchback that sends all of its 306 horses through the front wheels. It was only a matter of time before Honda decided to empower the already-potent Type R with more street and track swagger, and sure enough, this resplendent and laser-focused hot hatch is the culmination of its efforts. We can only surmise that Honda is itching to reclaim its Nurburgring bragging rights from Renault (with its record-setting Mégane RS), despite its claims to the contrary.
Addition by Subtraction
Every single Type R Limited Edition will be painted in the bright yellow hue dubbed “Phoenix Yellow” you see above and will carry special badging denoting it as such. Beyond the aesthetics, some enthusiasts may lament Honda’s decision not to eek out more power out of the turbo 4, as output remains the same along with a healthy 295 lb/ft of twisting power. What does set this bumble bee apart, however, is its relative lightness. Honda managed to shed some 46 lbs from the US version through removal of the sound deadening material, rear wiper, heating ducts and by using lighter, 20-inch BBS rims.
Euro versions lose an additional 30 lbs by forgoing the A/C and infotainment systems. Beyond the weight savings, Honda has managed to massage the suspension and steering geometry and replace the rotors and pads with higher performance versions. Finally, some serious rubber was outfitted to the car in the form of Michelin Sport Cup 2 (245/30ZR-20’s), at least in the Euro version. No confirmation on the U.S.-bound cars’ tires.
Aiming for Glory
There is no word as to when the Nuburgring will witness Honda’s attempt to wrest their lost FWD title back, but all indications are that they will be successful. Either way, the new Limited Edition has further honed the already-sharp instrument of speed that is the Civic Type R, and is bound to be another spectacular success story for the Japanese company.
Sources: CNET, Car and Driver