25 Years Honda Civic Type R.
22-08-2022 22:44 - EVENTS
For a quarter of a century, the Civic Type R has shaped the entire Civic model family with its captivating dynamics. Honda has continued to develop the winning formula over six model generations to offer the ultimate driving experience.
EK9 (1997-2000): The first generation
The Type R designation dates back to the 1992 Honda NSX Type R, which set new standards in performance and dynamics but was only available in limited numbers. In order to achieve the most exciting driving experience possible, the development of the Civic Type R followed a philosophy similar to that of the Integra and NSX. The EK9 was offered exclusively on the Japanese market in a high-end specification: in addition to a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine that had an impressive 116 hp, the vehicle featured a responsive, helical limited-slip differential, among other things (LSD) and unique suspension components. The light, seam-welded body contributed to the low overall weight of just 1,050 kilograms.
EP3 (2001–2005): The European variant of the Type R
Following the overwhelming success of its predecessor, the second generation Civic Type R was also offered in Europe: the model, also produced in the UK, featured a new, now iconic 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, the 'K ' series, which raised the possibilities of a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine to a new level. There were also upgraded brakes, a precise six-speed gearbox with a short ratio and a body made of high-strength steel that increased static torsional rigidity by 80 percent compared to the EK9. Toe-Control-Link strut suspension at the front and Reactive-Link double wishbone suspension at the rear combined with the new Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) provided extremely comfortable steering feel and feedback.
FN2 / FD2 (2007–2011): One Type R, two types
The third generation Civic Type R was unique: the European model variant was very different from its Japanese counterpart. The FN2 offered in Europe was based on the five-door with the proven 2.0-liter engine. However, to improve interior space and flexibility, the new chassis moved the fuel tank under the front seats. The Japanese model, based on the FD2 sedan, featured a more powerful K20A engine, a worm gear limited-slip differential and powerful Brembo brakes for an even better driving experience. The sedan's heavier weight was offset by the extensive use of structural adhesives in place of welds and the use of aluminum for the chassis and panels.
FK2 (2015-2017): Debut for the VTEC turbo
With market and regulatory requirements becoming increasingly stringent, the move to the turbocharger was inevitable. The Honda-designed K20C1 turbo engine developed an impressive 310 hp from a displacement of 2.0 litres. To better control this significant increase in power and to compensate for self-steering during acceleration, a double-axle front suspension was combined with the limited-slip differential. As a result, the 2015 Civic Type R accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The Brembo high-performance braking system, which used front brake discs with a large diameter (351 mm), guaranteed optimal deceleration. First used in the Civic Type R, adaptive dampers provide controlled roll and pitch in milliseconds to maximize cornering speed.
FK8 (2017-2022): compact athlete through and through
The FK8 marked the ultimate evolution of the Civic Type R. A further development of the FK2, the vehicle featured multi-link rear suspension, revised adaptive dampers and a K20C1 engine boosted to 320 hp. Additional downforce guaranteed an even more intense driving experience, while aerodynamic details and the almost flat underbody counteracted the lift.
FL5 (2023): Ultimate Sports 2.0
The new Civic Type R is the next step in the compact sports car that has been optimized over several generations: new technologies and even better aerodynamics raise the bar again, without the DNA of the Type R and in particular the connection to the FD2 to deny. The result is the fastest and most engaging Civic Type R ever built. As the reigning record holder for the fastest lap time at Suzuka, the new Civic Type R is a worthy model to celebrate not only the 25th anniversary of the compact sports car, but also the 30th anniversary of the 'Type R' range.
EK9 (1997-2000): The first generation
The Type R designation dates back to the 1992 Honda NSX Type R, which set new standards in performance and dynamics but was only available in limited numbers. In order to achieve the most exciting driving experience possible, the development of the Civic Type R followed a philosophy similar to that of the Integra and NSX. The EK9 was offered exclusively on the Japanese market in a high-end specification: in addition to a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine that had an impressive 116 hp, the vehicle featured a responsive, helical limited-slip differential, among other things (LSD) and unique suspension components. The light, seam-welded body contributed to the low overall weight of just 1,050 kilograms.
EP3 (2001–2005): The European variant of the Type R
Following the overwhelming success of its predecessor, the second generation Civic Type R was also offered in Europe: the model, also produced in the UK, featured a new, now iconic 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, the 'K ' series, which raised the possibilities of a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine to a new level. There were also upgraded brakes, a precise six-speed gearbox with a short ratio and a body made of high-strength steel that increased static torsional rigidity by 80 percent compared to the EK9. Toe-Control-Link strut suspension at the front and Reactive-Link double wishbone suspension at the rear combined with the new Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) provided extremely comfortable steering feel and feedback.
FN2 / FD2 (2007–2011): One Type R, two types
The third generation Civic Type R was unique: the European model variant was very different from its Japanese counterpart. The FN2 offered in Europe was based on the five-door with the proven 2.0-liter engine. However, to improve interior space and flexibility, the new chassis moved the fuel tank under the front seats. The Japanese model, based on the FD2 sedan, featured a more powerful K20A engine, a worm gear limited-slip differential and powerful Brembo brakes for an even better driving experience. The sedan's heavier weight was offset by the extensive use of structural adhesives in place of welds and the use of aluminum for the chassis and panels.
FK2 (2015-2017): Debut for the VTEC turbo
With market and regulatory requirements becoming increasingly stringent, the move to the turbocharger was inevitable. The Honda-designed K20C1 turbo engine developed an impressive 310 hp from a displacement of 2.0 litres. To better control this significant increase in power and to compensate for self-steering during acceleration, a double-axle front suspension was combined with the limited-slip differential. As a result, the 2015 Civic Type R accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The Brembo high-performance braking system, which used front brake discs with a large diameter (351 mm), guaranteed optimal deceleration. First used in the Civic Type R, adaptive dampers provide controlled roll and pitch in milliseconds to maximize cornering speed.
FK8 (2017-2022): compact athlete through and through
The FK8 marked the ultimate evolution of the Civic Type R. A further development of the FK2, the vehicle featured multi-link rear suspension, revised adaptive dampers and a K20C1 engine boosted to 320 hp. Additional downforce guaranteed an even more intense driving experience, while aerodynamic details and the almost flat underbody counteracted the lift.
FL5 (2023): Ultimate Sports 2.0
The new Civic Type R is the next step in the compact sports car that has been optimized over several generations: new technologies and even better aerodynamics raise the bar again, without the DNA of the Type R and in particular the connection to the FD2 to deny. The result is the fastest and most engaging Civic Type R ever built. As the reigning record holder for the fastest lap time at Suzuka, the new Civic Type R is a worthy model to celebrate not only the 25th anniversary of the compact sports car, but also the 30th anniversary of the 'Type R' range.