It was an exciting week for the domestic automotive market as the first batch of Civic Type R’s were unloaded at the Batangas Port early this month, which Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) say is intended for display purposes in choice Honda dealers nationwide. Fans of the red badge can visit the iconic Type R in dealers starting the second week of this month.
After years of waiting for Honda to sell the Type R locally, a limited run of 100 units were sold out in a matter of hours last July 10 to an eager and lucky few would be owners. When asked if Honda were to sell another batch next year. HCPI said that the chances of this happening will be a matter for review and study by Honda Japan.
The Type R badge has denoted the highest performance version of its respective model, derived from philosophy of crafting racing-inspired road cars. Honda’s Type R models have always represented the purity of the original concept of minimizing weight while maximizing power, responsiveness, dynamic stability and braking performance. The Type R’s concept aims to deliver the most rewarding driving experience, both on the road and on the race track.
Engineered from the ground up, this Fifth generation variant sits on a global platform and brings to the fight a potent 2.0-liter VTEC TURBO engine with a maximum power output of 310 PS at 6,500rpm, and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that is further enhanced by a rev match control system which enables the car to sustain maximum power during gearshifts. The rev-matching function can be switched on or off in the user settings for the car, regardless of which driving mode is selected.
All of the power is transmitted to its front wheels through an exceptionally responsive helical limited-slip differential (LSD) that provide the Type R’s with strong cornering traction.
The All-New Civic Type R features a bespoke chassis, suspension, and steering setup for a more responsive handling as well as improved high-speed stability. Up front, the Type R sports a lower-arm-type front MacPherson strut suspension that minimizes torque steer and maximizes handling. While at the rear, a multi-link suspension setup helps the All-New Civic Type R improve its stability when braking as well as reducing the vehicle’s body roll movement when cornering. It also features a revised four-wheel Adaptive Damper System that delivers superior ride quality and exceptional road performance
The Type R is also equipped with a new lightweight aluminum hood with hood scoop to provide higher air intake to the turbo. And to keep the All-New Civic Type R’s massive airflow, three fully-functional tailpipes are positioned at the rear lower center of the car. Main tailpipes on either side deliver exhaust from the engine, while a unique, smaller center tailpipe controls the sonic tone of the engine. Similar to previous Civic Type R models, it is adorned with Honda’s famous red ‘H’ badge. Filling the enlarged wheel arches are 20-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels with 245/30 R20 tires.
The All-New Civic Type R is available in two color hues: Championship White and Rally Red and as a special treat to the first owners of the All-New Civic Type R in the country, HCPI will be holding an exclusive event early 2018 once deliveries are completed.