Honda Automobiles: 2017 Honda Civic Type R

Overview
Based on the 10th generation Civic platform, the 2017 Civic Type R chassis – including the suspension, electric power steering and brakes – is exclusively tuned to deliver the leading edge of front-wheel drive performance for road and track. In doing so, the Type R also sets new standards for Honda in road holding, feel and control.

The Civic’s dual-axis strut front suspension was redesigned especially for the Type R. Its special geometry was refined for sport handling, and includes more camber and more caster, which adds stability. In back, the multi-link system uses more rigid control arms and has more wheel camber to increase handling response, cornering agility and overall stability. Spring and stabilizer bar rates are significantly stiffer than the base Civic Hatchback’s, and a special 3-mode Adaptive Damper System helps the Type R transition from ultimate track Civic to civilized street machine.

The Type R has the most aggressive wheel/tire combination ever fitted to a production Honda – 245/30ZR20 summer performance tires riding on 8.5-inch wide black-finish aluminum-alloy wheels. And matching the car’s bulging fenders, the front and rear track dimensions are significantly wider than the standard Civic Hatchback (LX). Together with specially tuned versions of Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and Agile Handling Assist, the dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering system provides highly responsive, direct and accurate steering feel. Braking is also upgraded, with larger rotors all around (cross-drilled and ventilated in front) and unique front 4-piston Brembo® aluminum calipers.

Key Chassis Features

Chassis Summary

  • Dual-axis strut front suspension
  • Multi-link rear suspension
  • Front and rear stabilizer bars
  • Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes
  • 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
  • Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)
  • Straight Driving Assist
  • Agile Handling Assist
  • Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
  • Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • 20-in. aluminum alloy wheels
  • 245/30ZR20 Continental Sport Contact 6 high-performance tires

Front and Rear Suspension
Specially equipped with an Adaptive Damper System (see below), the Civic Type R front and rear suspension systems provide exceptional handling that puts the new model at the top of its competitive segment, which includes benchmark American, European and Japanese sport-compact competitors.

In front, dual-axis struts contribute to the Type R’s highly responsive steering, while also optimizing component packaging and crash performance. In back, a multi-link system provides exacting handling characteristics, while also helping maximize second-row seating and cargo space. Firmer spring and bushing rates, additional suspension camber and front steering caster, and stiffer front and rear stabilizer bars, sharpen turn-in response while minimizing body roll during cornering. The front and rear stabilizer bars are bonded to their mounting bushings and use low-friction connecting links for smoother operation.

While the new Type R suspension clearly has a keen sporting edge, it doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. On the road, the Type R provides an accommodating cabin environment – along with the great cargo utility you would expect from its 5-door hatchback design.

Dual-Axis Strut Front Suspension
The dual-axis strut front suspension was designed especially for the Type R. It features aluminum knuckles, strut forks and lower arms, and has special geometry optimized for sport handling that includes more initial negative camber for crisper turn-in, and more caster, which adds stability. Although the front track is more than 2 inches wider than that of the Hatchback LX, a ¾-inch reduction in steering axis offset (each side) greatly reduces torque steer. The lower suspension arms are aluminum, and the Type R uses a 29.0mm tubular stabilizer bar.

The front spring rates are twice as stiff as those of the Civic Hatchback LX and the large diameter lightweight hollow stabilizer bar is 1.7-times stiffer. The specially tuned Adaptive Damper System (see below) helps the Type R excel on the street and track by allowing different, optimized damping curves that also adjust automatically to suit conditions while driving, based on steering input, lateral G and suspension stroke.

Multi-Link Rear Suspension
Specially tuned for the Type R, the multi-link rear suspension provides nimble handling in city driving, precise response for sport driving and emergency maneuvers, and the ultimate in track performance in the +R drive mode. Mounted on a rigid subframe, the system incorporates stamped-steel control arms, aluminum hub carriers and a 20.5mm solid stabilizer bar, which helps provide crisp turn-in along with body roll control.

Compared to the Civic Hatchback LX, unique rear suspension tuning for the new Civic Type R includes a 1.6-times higher spring rate, a 2.4-times higher stabilizer bar rate, and bushings that are over twice as firm. In addition, the Type R rear control arms are supremely rigid, the rear track is 1.2-inches wider, and more negative wheel camber is utilized – all to increase handling response, cornering agility and overall stability.

Adaptive Damper System (ADS)
The Civic Type R’s Adaptive Dampers are part of the Drive Mode system that also controls the Electric Power Steering, Drive-by-Wire throttle system, automatic rev-matching, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), Agile Handling Assist and traction control. The Adaptive Dampers have electronically adjustable damping that lets the driving mode automatically fine-tune ride and handling to driver preferences. 

The Adaptive Damper System takes inputs from three G sensors, four suspension stroke sensors, and steering angle to determine the appropriate damping force for the driving condition.

A switch on the center console allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Sport and +R modes. As directed by the driving mode controller, an electric actuator integrated into each damper governs hydraulic fluid movement inside the unit. Damper settings are automatically calibrated to the driving mode setting to achieve the following benefits:

  • Comfort – Provides a civilized balance of ride and handling for everyday driving conditions.
  • Sport – This default mode provides firmer damper settings that flatten and stabilize the vehicle body during rapid steering inputs and maneuvers, which noticeably improves tactile feel, handling precision and overall responsiveness.
  • +R – Transforms the Civic Type R from balanced and comfortable daily driver and backroads sporting machine into a track-optimized performance machine. In +R mode, the driver can additionally choose to switch off VSA and traction control. (See the Powertrain and Safety and Driver Assistive sections for more information.)

Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) incorporates dual pinion gears and a variable gear ratio for exceptional steering feel and handling performance. Compared to a traditional single-pinion steering system, the dual pinion EPS utilizes the physical steering input from the driver as well as from a supplemental electric motor. A non-contact torque sensor measures the driver’s steering effort and an ECU determines how much electric motor assist to add, with the result being seamless, natural feeling steering in all situations.

Uniquely tuned for the Civic Type R, the steering ratio is variable over a 17-percent range, with a final full off-center ratio of 11.7:1 and an on-center ratio of 14.9:1. This provides a quick 2.11 turns lock-to-lock, which minimizes hand movement and steering effort when turning, parking or maneuvering. High steering-mount stiffness and an increase in steering column diameter from 22 mm to 30 mm further enhance steering precision and feel.

Like the Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan, the new Civic Type R has a larger electric motor and unique EPS tuning in comparison to other Civic models. In Comfort mode, the Civic Type R’s EPS delivers a smooth, natural turning and handling response. This transforms into a noticeably more direct and linear feel when the driving mode is set to Sport, and to a highly direct and fully racetrack-ready steering feel in +R mode.

An integral part of the Type R’s driving mode system, the steering feel automatically firms up when the mode is changed from Comfort to Sport or +R. The benefit for the Type R driver is firmer steering effort and substantially more direct feeling through the wheel in Sport mode, and additional steering feel, quickness and precision in +R mode.

Straight Driving Assist
Straight Driving Assist reduces the steering effort required when driving on a sloped or crowned road. When the Straight Driving Assist system detects that continuous steering effort is being applied to keep the car driving along a slope, the Electric Power Steering system applies motor assist to reduce driver steering effort to the same level as is required on a flat road.

4-wheel Disc Brakes with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist
The Civic Type R is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, with larger rotors than other Civic models for highly responsive and durable braking performance. The system utilizes a large-diameter master cylinder to achieve a short-travel, firm pedal. This results in an accurate and refined braking feel at low speeds, quick and predictable operation on the highway, a sporty, fun-to-drive feel on winding roads, and high-performance stopping on the track and in emergency situations.

The largest ever fitted on a production Honda Civic, the ventilated and cross-drilled front brakes rotors are 13.8 inches in diameter (1.3-inch rotor thickness) and are clamped by red high-performance Brembo® 4-piston aluminum brake calipers. The rear disc brakes incorporate 12.0-inch diameter solid rotors (0.43-inch rotor thickness) paired with single-piston brake calipers. The rear rotors are likewise the largest production Civic rear rotors to date.



Front Brembo 4-piston calipers w/ cross-drilled rotors 
Cooling ducts and air guides aid front brake cooling.  

Special brake pads work effectively at all temperatures, and cooling ducts up front improve braking performance during severe use. The low-friction design of the brake calipers reduces energy losses when the brakes are not in use, directly improving fuel efficiency.

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Civic Type R’s Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver.

Specially tuned in conjunction with the Type R’s helical limited-slip differential, VSA provides an additional limited-slip effect for the driving wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. In +R mode, the driver can choose to switch off VSA.

The driver can additionally reduce the traction control effectiveness to allow more wheel slip by pressing the VSA button should the vehicle become stuck; ABS remains fully operational at all times. (See the Safety and Driver Assistive section for more information.)

Agile Handling Assist
Standard on all Civic trims including the new Type R, Agile Handling Assist selectively uses the vehicle’s brakes to improve initial turning response and overall cornering ability. Agile Handling Assist utilizes brake vectoring to improve corner traceability and promote a confident handling feel. In slippery conditions (such as wet or icy roads), as well as during cornering at high lateral G, the system creates a yaw moment by applying braking force to the inside wheel, thus generating more turning force and reducing understeer. In the Type R, the algorithms that control Agile Handling Assist are automatically adjusted when the driver switches between the Comfort, Sport and +R drive modes.

Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist function helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward gear when facing up hill or reverse gear when facing downhill. The system uses a longitudinal G-sensor along with a wheel speed sensor to control the hydraulic brake modulator. Hill Start Assist, when activated, will release the brakes when the driver depresses the throttle or if the driver doesn’t press the accelerator after a couple of seconds.

Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The standard Electric Parking Brake (EPB) is simpler, more convenient and comfortable to use than a traditional parking brake. The EPB also frees up center console space, allowing a higher console and an extended armrest length.

Besides promoting the use of the parking brake, EPB makes hill starts easier when the Type R is parked on a grade. As with a traditional manually activated parking brake, EPB functions on the rear wheels only. Electric servo actuators are integrated into the rear brake calipers. (See the Comfort and Convenience section for more information.)

Automatic Brake Hold
When activated, Automatic Brake Hold retains brake pressure when the vehicle comes to a stop such as at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. This frees the driver from continually pressing the brake pedal to maintain the vehicle in a stopped position, a significant improvement in driving enjoyment in difficult conditions.

Operating the system requires two simple actions from the driver:

  • Activating/deactivating the system via a switch on the center console
  • Pressing on the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a stop

Once these steps are taken, Automatic Brake Hold will indicate engagement and then maintain brake pressure when the vehicle has come to a stop, even if the driver later releases the brake pedal. A green “BRAKE HOLD” icon on the instrument panel illuminates to show that the system is functioning. The Type R then remains stopped – even on a hill – until the driver releases the clutch pedal. At this point, Automatic Brake Hold releases the brakes and the vehicle resumes normal braking function.

Wheels and Tires
The Type R has the most aggressive wheel/tire combination ever fitted to a production Honda – 245/30ZR20 max performance summer tires riding on 8.5-inch wide black-finish aluminum-alloy wheels. The tires are 10mm wider, and the wheels are 2-inches larger in diameter and one-inch wider, than those fitted to the Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan. The Civic Type R tire is a Continental Sport Contact 6, developed cooperatively with Honda engineers and the tire company. Despite being wider, the tires maintain a low rolling resistance while also helping to reduce road noise and vibration. With low unsprung weight, the wheels and tires allowed the engineers greater control of suspension tuning, helping the Type R achieve world-class front-wheel drive handling performance.

The 2017 Civic Type R’s wheel and tire sizes include:

  • 20 x 8.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels
  • 245/30ZR20 90Y high-performance tires

Spare Tire
Civic Type R comes standard with a lightweight and compact tire repair kit (TRK). An optional accessory temporary spare tire will be made available.

Low-Friction Wheel Bearings
As in other Civic models, the Civic Type R’s wheel hubs feature low-friction bearings that measurably reduce rolling resistance, which directly contributes to improved fuel efficiency.

Fuel Tank
The 12.4-gallon fuel tank and fuel lines are molded of high-density polyethylene for low weight, freedom from corrosion, impact resistance and fuel vapor losses. The tank and filler pipe are formed as a single unit, reducing weight and complexity, while further improving safety performance in the event of a collision. Additionally, the tank is positioned ahead of the rear wheels to help guard against collision damage. A high-efficiency fuel pump is housed inside the tank, and the fuel filter is a lifetime design that never needs replacement. An integrated baffle system positioned inside the tank reduces the sound of fuel sloshing.

Suspension Chassis Features

 

(See the Specifications Features document for all data.)