Honda celebrates 25 years of the Civic Type R

MANILA: This year, Honda's legendary Civic is commemorating two milestones: 50 years of continuous manufacture, as well as 25 years of the high-performance Type-R model, which changed the definition of what a hot hatch should be.

Although the Civic variations were designed to be the more affordable Type-R, they best represent the Type-R ethos because of their superb engineering and thrilling dynamics.

The formula has changed over six generations to give customers the best front engine, front wheel drive performance hatchback. It is one that can go through the daily commute in ease from Monday through Friday before taking on the circuit on the weekends.

The 1992 Honda NSX Type R, which set new standards for performance and dynamic capabilities but was only made in very small quantities, is where the Type R moniker first appeared. To provide a thrilling, satisfying experience, the Type R philosophy was applied to the Civic using the same engineering principles as the Integra and NSX.

The high-end Honda Civic Type R EK9, which was only sold in Japan from 1997 to 2000, featured a hand-ported 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine with an impressive 116 horsepower per liter, a lightweight seam-welded body that helped it weigh just 1,050 kilograms overall, a helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and special suspension parts that completely changed the driving experience.

The Honda Civic Type-R EK9, which debuted to rave acclaim, kicked off the search for the ultimate front-engine, front-wheel-drive performance hatchback.

The Honda Civic Type- R EP3 was sold in Europe from 2001 to 2005 as a result of the first-generation vehicle's enormous success, in part because it was now produced in the United Kingdom.

A brand-new, now-iconic 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC 'K' series engine was unveiled with the new vehicle, redefining what a normally aspirated two-liter engine could do. It also included upgraded brakes, a precise, close-ratio six-speed transmission, and a shell that used high-tensile steel extensively to boost torsional static stiffness by more than eighty percent over the EK9.

For an incredibly satisfying steering feel and feedback, the new electric power steering (EPS) and variable gear ratio (VGR) are paired with toe-control link strut suspension up front and reactive-link double-wishbone suspension at the back.

The European and Japanese versions of the third-generation Honda Civic Type-R were notably different from one another.

The Civic Type-R FN2 hatchback, which was released in Europe, kept the tried-and-true 2.0-liter engine but added a new chassis and relocated the fuel tank beneath the front seats to increase interior flexibility and space.

The Civic Type-R FD2 saloon, which was instead made available to Japanese buyers, provided an even more concentrated driving experience because it included extras such a more potent K20A engine, a helical LSD, and potent Brembo brakes. In order to reduce the saloon's added weight, structural adhesives were frequently used in place of welding, and aluminum was used for both the chassis and the panels.

It was inevitable that Honda would move toward turbocharging as market and regulatory expectations changed. Honda engineers methodically developed the K20C1 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine for the Honda Civic Type-R FK2, which was produced between 2015 and 2017. The engine's 310ps output promised explosive performance.

Honda introduced its Dual Axis Strut Suspension along with a limited-slip differential to combat the torque-steer experienced in high output front wheel drive cars in order to better control that large increase in power.

The 2015 Civic Type-R had big diameter front discs as part of the high-performance Brembo braking system and could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in only 5.7 seconds. The FK2 proved to be a strong foundation for a racing vehicle, taking home numerous TCR Touring Car titles across the globe.

Arriving in 2017, the Honda Civic Type-R FK8 was the ultimate iteration of the Civic Type R, replacing the FK2 with a large amount of new mechanical improvements such adaptive dampers and more modifications to the K20C1 engine to increase power to 320 ps.

The brand-new Honda Civic Type-R FL5, which goes on sale later this year, further develops, matures, and hones technology that have been created over multiple generations.

The bar has been raised once more because to new technologies and improved aerodynamics, yet the quickest, most exhilarating, most addictive Civic Type R ever produced has a clear lineage that can be traced back to the FD2 generation. The 2022 Civic Type-R FL5 is a great way to commemorate 30 years of the Type R brand and is already the track record holder at Suzuka.

A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission and rev-matching system powers the 2023 Honda Civic Type R.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R has a powerful yet svelte and fashionable appearance, as well as balanced downforce and drag reduction. The sporty hatchback also has a stylish honeycomb grille mesh, big front fender grilles, new side sill designs, and reworked bumpers and spoilers at the back.

Instant vehicle information of the FL5 Civic Type R is provided by a new +R driving mode-exclusive meter design that features a graphic engine RPM display, rev indicator lights, and a gear position indicator.

On the other hand, the Honda LogR data recorder offers real-time data on the mechanical operations of the car. A timer and the ability to share driving films are also included in the cockpit.

Photos from Honda

Also read: WATCH: Honda Cars PH marks 50th year of reliable, sporty Civic