Introducing a new hot hatch in the middle of summer Honda Civic Type R, the Japanese kept the most interesting information secret – technical specifications. But now that the ax has entered the Japanese market, Honda has revealed most of the parameters.
In technical terms, the new Type R represents an evolution previous model sample of 2017. Under the hood, the same two-liter K20C turbo engine is installed, which only had a turbocharger and exhaust system replaced. The new turbine wheel has a changed size, profile and number of blades, and an active damper has appeared in the exhaust tract.
The maximum power of the turbo engine has increased from 320 to 330 hp, and it is reached, as before, at 6500 rpm. The maximum torque is also increased from 400 to 420 Nm, but this thrust is available at 2600-4000 rpm, while before the maximum was in the range of 2500-4500 rpm. By the way, to improve radiator airflow, the area of the front air intake is increased by 48%, which also made it possible to increase the cooling efficiency of the front brakes.
The six-speed “mechanics” is the same, but with an 18% lighter flywheel and a recalibrated electronic system for adjusting the crankshaft speed when shifting gears (to reduce jerks). Front-wheel drive is still with a self-locking differential.
The chassis has also undergone only point modifications. The Civic Type R has a McPherson front suspension with separate steering knuckles and a rear multi-link. The stiffness of the adaptive suspension has been increased, lighter 19-inch wheels have been replaced with 20-inch wheels, while Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are now 20 mm wider (265 mm). The front track has been increased by 25mm and the rear by 12.7mm. The four-piston Brembo brakes have been preserved on the front axle.
The new Civic Type R has become not only more powerful, but also noticeably heavier: the curb weight has grown from 1380 kg immediately to 1430 kg. However, the dynamic characteristics have not yet been disclosed. The old hatchback might hit 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 272 km/h, and the new model is unlikely to improve those figures. However, on the track, the Type R definitely became a little faster: this is evidenced by the lap time at the Suzuka race track, which was set back in April as part of the development tests. The new hot hatch completed a 5.8 km lap in 2 minutes and 23.120 seconds versus 2 minutes and 23.993 seconds for the previous model in the special version Limited Edition. This is a new record among front-wheel drive cars.
In native Japan, the new Honda Civic Type R is already available for order at a price of almost 5 million yen (36 thousand dollars). The start of sales in America is scheduled for late autumn, and in Europe – for early 2023, so local prices have not yet been announced.
