Premiering at the Geneva Motor Show next month, Honda's Civic Type R features a striking design and packs plenty of power. The car also boasts a number of enhancements that have been heavily influenced by extensive aerodynamic development and testing.
The car's new underside is almost completely flat, encouraging air to cascade under the vehicle and, along with a rear diffuser to optimise downforce, enables the model to make the most of its powerful engine. It also has a striking appearance thanks to its aerodynamic design and the structure of its airfoil section.
A wide front splitter and deep side skirts also control the flow of air, reducing lift and enabling stability at high speeds.
This superior aerodynamic performance allows the car's 2.0 litre direct injection VTEC TURBO engine to reach its full potential. These both help the Civic Type R achieve a top speed of 167 mph – significantly faster than its counterparts.
Honda's latest edition also comes with a high performance Brembo brake package, which has been crafted especially for the Civic Type R. At the front, four-piston calipers apply braking force to 350 mm drilled discs, while the 19-inch alloy wheels complement the new overall design, allowing room for the larger brakes.
There are also several modifications to improve heat management, with enlarged upper and lower grilles in the front bumper being the most obvious advances. The Civic Type R also sports vents above the wheels on the front quarter panels – as well as on the trailing edges of the front wheel arches – to deliver greater cooling and ventilation for the high-output engine.
Speaking about the launch, Leon Brannan, head of cars at Honda UK, said: "We've already seen huge customer interest for this much-anticipated and unique car with over 100 orders already in the bank. With the release of these new technical details I think we can expect many more."
Posted by Fred Mason