Honda Automobiles: 2017 Honda Civic Type R

The all-new 2017 Civic Type R is the fastest, most powerful Honda and the first-ever Honda Type R model to be sold in America. Globally, it is the fifth generation of the legendary Civic Type R, whose history dates to its 1997 launch as a hatchback model in Japan (see history below).

The move to one global platform for all models in the 10th-generation Civic lineup paved the way for the introduction of the Civic Type R on American soil – the final chapter in the most comprehensive and ambitious remake of the Civic in its storied, 44-year history. The Civic Type R joins the Civic Sedan – 2016 North American Car of the Year – the Civic Coupe, Civic Hatchback and Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan in rounding out the 10th-generation Civic lineup.

The all-new Civic Type R is the second generation of Type R to feature turbocharged power and shares significant elements of its engine design with the 9th-generation Civic Type R sold overseas.  Its 306-horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC direct-injected i-VTEC® turbo powerplant, manufactured exclusively by Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in Anna, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts, is the most powerful production Honda automobile engine made in America (surpassed only by the Acura NSX twin turbocharged 90-degree V6, also made in Anna). The vehicle is manufactured exclusively in Honda’s Swindon, UK plant alongside the standard hatchback model on which it is based.

The ultimate in Civic performance and a direct manifestation of Honda’s racing spirit, experience and heritage, the Type R stands as a banner of Honda’s commitment to creating products that enliven the senses and stir the soul. Moreover, the new Civic Type R has claimed the title as the fastest front-wheel-drive production car in the world, based on setting a record lap time of 7 minutes 43.80 seconds on Germany’s 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife (north loop) on April 7, 2017.

This new Type R also benefits from the fundamental redesign of the 10th-generation Civic body and chassis, which set its sights on luxury-class European C-segment cars with respect to steering, handling, ride quality and high-speed stability. Improvements to the breed include a 38 percent more rigid body, a new multi-link rear suspension, improved aerodynamics for the best balance of aerodynamic drag and lift, and a sports chassis fine-tuned on the circuits of Suzuka, Takasu and Nürburgring. The result is the ultimate in Civic performance, the very best that Honda can produce in a front-wheel-drive performance car.

Essential Specifications