Kah Motor Introduces The All-New 2017 Civic Type R

Newly engineered from the ground up, the Type R was developed in parallel with the new standard Civic hatchback, with mutual benefits to the dynamics and refinement of both variants. It retains the heritage of Honda’s high-performance hatchback bloodline, combining the purity of front-wheel-drive chassis dynamics with aggressive design and finely-honed aerodynamics.

A new single-mass flywheel coupled with the slick six-speed manual gearbox reduces clutch inertia weight by 25%, and combines with a 7% lower final gear ratio to enhance response under acceleration. The gearbox’s rev-matching function smooths shifts, eliminating undesirable transmission ‘shock’ associated with excessive or insufficient revving. The rev-matching function further enhances the joy of driving a manual transmission sports car.

A lightweight, highly rigid bodyshell – the product of innovative new engineering and construction techniques – complements the lower centre of gravity and a sophisticated new suspension system, contributing directly to the car’s rewarding dynamics.

An advanced Dual-Axis Strut Front Suspension system reduces torque steer and enhances on-the-limit cornering and steering feel. At the rear, Type R’s new multilink suspension enhances ride comfort as well as high speed stability.

Dual-Pinion Variable-Ratio Electric Power Steering is new to the Type R, using a similar system as featured on the standard Civic, but optimising the variable ratio to deliver a more direct and secure feel at high speed.

Peak power output from the optimised and refined 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine is 310 PS at 6,500rpm, and peak torque is 400Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 270km/h; meaning it is both the fastestaccelerating and quickest car in its class. It is also the fastest Type R ever around the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a lap time of 7min 43.8sec.

The 2017 Type R has a new selection of driving modes, adding a ‘Comfort’ setting to the default ‘Sport’ and track-focused ‘+R’ modes – all of which tailor the suspension compliance, steering geometry and throttle response of the car on demand. Compared to the previous Type R, the more significant difference between the damping forces of each driving mode gives the new car greater usability across a wider range of road surfaces. Notably, Comfort mode affords a high degree of compliance, coupled with a less urgent level of steering response.

The aggressive silhouette makes a confident statement about the Civic Type R’s dynamic character. Wider, longer, and lower than any of its predecessors, the allnew Civic has short overhangs and muscular, taut lines. A sharp and aggressive ‘face’, pronounced wheel-arches and sculpted front and rear intakes project the Civic’s sporting brief.

A comprehensive aerodynamic includes a smooth underbody, front air curtain, a slim rear wing and vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roof line. These features contribute to a best-in-class balance between lift and drag, delivering superior levels of high speed stability.

The all-new interior has significantly improved levels of quality, comfort and refinement. Front and rear seat occupants benefit from greater visibility and more space than ever before in which to experience the Type R’s blistering performance, while the large boot and innovative side-sliding tonneau cover ensure the car retains its position as the most practical and versatile of high-performance hatchbacks.

The advanced platform that underpins the all-new Civic Type R provides the foundation for the most sophisticated chassis dynamics setup in the model’s history.

All-new suspension, a lower centre of gravity and a boost in body rigidity help this latest generation Civic Type R deliver the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch segment. As well as more responsive handling, ride comfort is also significantly improved over its predecessor, as a result of exhaustive development and a focus on compliance-enhancing techniques and technologies.

At the front, lower-arm-type front Dual Axis strut suspension provides high lateral rigidity for linear handling, and low longitudinal rigidity for optimised ride compliance. Civic Type R makes use of a unique dual-axis setup, with revised geometry that incorporates a reduction in centre offset of 19mm and reduction of initial camber by 1.0 degree compared to the standard Civic’s setup. This Type R-specific setup minimises torque steer and maximises sporty handling.

Furthermore, in pursuit of increased rigidity and weight reduction, the struts’ lower arms and knuckles are now made out of high-rigidity aluminium.

At the rear of the car, an all-new rear multi-link setup and unique suspension arms deliver increased geometrical stability for improved high-speed stability and enhanced ride comfort compared to its predecessor, as well as more linear handling in conjunction with the electric power steering tuning.

The multi-link suspension contributes to significantly improved stability under braking, reducing the total roll movement of the car. Combined with the lower centre of gravity and wider wheel track, it enables later braking and higher cornering speeds. Upper, lower and trailing arms are all high-rigidity parts unique to the Type R.

Relocation of elements, including the fuel tank, throughout the length of the car has also delivered improved weight distribution across the axles. The redistribution achieves a 3% reduction in the proportion of weight over the front axle compared to the previous Type R, which is a further contributing factor to the improved dynamics and stability.

The all-new Civic Type R features a revised four-wheel Adaptive Damper System that delivers superior ride quality and exceptional road holding performance. The system incorporates upgraded shock absorber units, which are now of a threechamber design, giving a much wider range of variability for the damping force.

Continuous independent control of the damping force in all four dampers is activated by adjusting the current sent to electromagnetic coils inside the dampers, using feedback from a suite of three G-sensors around the car.

These G-sensors – one on each side of the car at the base of the A-pillars, and one just forward of the rear axle – and stroke sensors on the suspension of each wheel, monitor the car’s status in real-time. The current to the electromagnetic coils inside the dampers is adjusted in milliseconds, altering the oil flow channels and thereby controlling the damping force. Existing lateral G, steering angle and brake pressure sensors also form part of the system.

The revised three-chamber dampers enable a significant improvement in the variability of damping force in both the tension and compression strokes of the suspension, which has facilitated the addition of a much softer ‘Comfort’ setting in the Civic Type R’s selectable driving modes.

A logic tuned specifically to the Type R’s unique suspension and tyres delivers independent control of each wheel, improving contact with the road surface (including on uneven surfaces), maintaining high levels of traction at all speeds. This ensures sharp handling and stability during cornering at higher speeds, limiting body roll. The damping force is increased further in the revised +R mode.

The Civic Type R’s dual pinion variable-ratio electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a similar setup as the standard Civic, but with an optimised variable ratio to deliver a more direct and secure driving experience.

The two pinions allow the steering and power assistance functions to be separated, while the variable-ratio system adjusts in accordance with the geometry between the rack and pinion, rather than by the speed of the car, which maintains a steady steering feel.

Steering feel of the electric power steering (EPS) is calibrated individually to each of the three selectable driving modes: Comfort, Sport and +R. The latter delivers the most direct feel, a direct and linear balance is present in Sport, and a smooth and natural feel is available in Comfort.

Honda’s Agile Handling Assist (AHA) electronic stability system has been specially tuned for the new Civic Type R, including bespoke operating parameters for the car’s track-focused +R mode. AHA operates through the Vehicle Stability Assist system, applying a light braking force to the inner wheels when the steering wheel is turned. It provides subtle, discreet assistance for increased responsiveness and stability at low and high speeds, and with both gentle and rapid steering inputs. AHA also improves the limited-slip differential effect by reducing the inner wheel slip during mid-corner acceleration.

To help the driver manage the Type R’s prodigious power, its front wheels are equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package, developed specifically for the car.

At the front, four-piston callipers apply braking force to ventilated 350 mm discs. The front bumper’s intakes house unique cooling ducts that channel air through the body to reduce the heat of the discs and calipers. At the rear, solid 305mm discs are 9mm larger than those found on the previous Type R.

The advanced new unibody platform of the tenth-generation Civic hatchback means that the new Type R’s body frame is 16kg lighter than the previous Civic Type R’s, with a torsional stiffness improvement of 37% and a static bending rigidity improvement of 45%. This provides significant benefits to steering response and cornering stability, as well as aiding the passive safety and NVH characteristics of the car.

Type R also benefits from the Civic hatchback’s innovative body assembly process, which involves a high-efficiency joining technique. The entire inner frame is assembled first, followed by the outer frame, and then the joints. This new ‘inside out’ process defies the conventional method of body frame assembly, but contributes greatly to the overall stiffness of the body.

The Civic Type R’s fuel tank has been relocated and the car’s floor is lower than that of the outgoing model. Combined with the revisions to the chassis and suspension, the all-new model’s centre of gravity is 10mm lower. These changes also allow the driving position to be set nearer to the road, with a hip point 25mm lower than its predecessor, giving a sportier feel.

Based on the low and wide proportions of the new Civic hatchback, the Type R is enhanced by muscular styling and aggressive body modifications that deliver superior aerodynamic performance.

The new Civic Type R is 165mm longer, 36mm lower and 2mm wider than the previous-generation model. The low and wide proportions underpin the distinctive design and classic hot hatch styling cues, while also enabling a more spacious cabin thanks to the larger footprint.

The all-new Type R has a more comprehensive aerodynamic package than the previous model, including a smoother underbody, front tyre air curtain, a slim rear wing and vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roof line.

The muscular, aggressive body has a best-in-class balance between lift and drag, contributing to greater high-speed stability.

At the front, the aggressive bumper is extended with a winged carbon fibre effect splitter and sporty red accent line, which runs around the entire car. Additional slatted ducts add width to the bumper, and diamond-mesh inserts fill the sculpted air intakes.

The sharp and aggressive interpretation of Honda’s family ‘face’, incorporating signature Honda front headlight clusters, is enhanced with a new air vent at the nose of the car. Like all Type R models before it, it is adorned with Honda’s famous red ‘H’ badge. New Civic Type R features a lightweight aluminium bonnet with an integrated air duct, sited centrally in a trapezoidal recess. The bonnet weighs 5.3kg less than the steel bonnet on the standard five-door model.

Carbon fibre effect side skirts between front and rear wheel arches are wider than those of the previous-generation Civic Type R. The wheel arches accommodate larger wheels and, at the rear, a wider track – increased by 65mm to 1,593mm.

New 20-inch berlina black alloy wheels, unique to the Type R, complement the visual changes, filling the enlarged wheel arches with 245/30 R20 tyres.

A substantial carbon fibre effect diffuser runs below the wider rear bumper, which frames three fully-functional tailpipes with a pair of directional strakes at each side. The central tailpipe is of a smaller diameter. Unique peaks at the roof flanks point backwards towards a dramatic, visually striking rear wing.

A short front overhang combines with an almost entirely flat underside and new under-engine and under-floor covers to aid airflow under the vehicle. Coupled with the rear diffuser that increases stability and optimises downforce, the overall aerodynamic profile helps to ‘suck’ the car onto the road to deliver a more rewarding driving experience. The overall drag coefficient is reduced by 3% compared to the previous Type R.

The front bumper is shaped specifically to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels, with a new front air curtain, wide front splitter and deep side skirts that manage airflow and create downforce on the front axle. Air slats in the bodywork behind the wheels reduce static pressure within the wheel arches and improve the lift coefficient by 1%.

At the rear, the large wing works in conjunction with vortex generator strakes on the roof line, diverting air flow across the tail and generating additional downforce on the rear axle. A carefully engineered, optimised and thinner design, the wing also represents a 0.7kg weight saving compared to the tailgate spoiler on the standard five-door model. The wing contributes to overall negative lift, and improves road-holding abilities, particularly through high-speed corners, to deliver a more secure dynamic driving experience.

The 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO ‘heart’ of the multi-award-winning previous generation Type R has been optimised and refined to deliver power, torque and performance figures unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment.

Throttle response and driveability have improved thanks to optimised engine control settings, while the smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission is further enhanced by a rev match control system, ensuring no compromise in the Type R’s intimate, rewarding connection with the driver.

Peak power output from the direct-injected turbocharged engine is 310 PS at 6,500rpm, and peak torque is 400 Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. It covers the 0100km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds and will go on to a top speed of 270km/h. These performance statistics mean it is both the fastest-accelerating and quickest car in its class.

Honda’s VTEC (Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control) and Dual-VTC (DualVariable Timing Control) technologies provide specific advantages to the engine’s mono-scroll turbocharger setup. VTEC varies the degree of exhaust valve lift to reduce turbo lag through increased exhaust pressure at lower rpm while delivering a high output at higher rpm. Dual-VTC allows a degree of overlap in valve opening, which is finely controlled across a broad rpm to improve responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The engine’s electric waste-gate enables a higher degree of freedom in boost control over a conventional turbo type.

Advanced thermal management technology addresses the challenges presented by a high compression ratio of 9.8:1 and turbocharging. Charge air is cooled through a high-capacity air-to-air intercooler, while the cylinder head has a two-piece water-cooled manifold to lower exhaust gas and combustion chamber temperatures. Each piston also features a cooling channel to provide increased oil flow, which dramatically increases knock resistance.

A smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission safeguards an intimate, rewarding connection with the driver.

A new single-mass flywheel improves the engine response and reduces clutch inertia weight by 25%. Additionally, the gear ratios of the transmission have been optimised for performance, with a 7% lower final gear ratio to enhance response under acceleration. The Type R’s top speed is 270km/h.

The powertrain’s rev-matching function enables engine speed to be aligned with the main shaft speed during upshifts or downshifts, avoiding undesirable transmission ‘shock’ associated with excessive or insufficient revving. The rev-matching function can be switched on or off in the user settings for the car, regardless of which driving mode is selected.

Final drive is transmitted through an exceptionally responsive helical limited-slip differential (LSD). The LSD aids strong cornering traction, even during hard driving. It can contribute to a reduced lap time around the Nürburgring, when compared to the same powertrain with a traditional differential.

A water-cooled oil cooler specific to the gearbox helps to manage temperatures during prolonged at-the-limit driving (e.g. at a circuit). Furthermore, the transmission case is fin-shaped and matched up to wind-directing shapes in the under-engine cover to provide additional transmission cooling at high speeds.

Three fully-functional tailpipes are positioned in the centre of the rear diffuser. Main tailpipes on either side deliver exhaust flow from the engine, while a unique, smaller centre tailpipe controls the sonic tone of the engine. The flow rate through the exhaust has improved by 10% compared to the previous Type R, which reduces back pressure within the system. To help generate a more aggressive tone while the engine is building speed, the centre tailpipe acts as another exhaust outflow, resulting in an increase over the previous model at the same speeds.

However, at mid-load engine speed, the pressure in the centre tailpipe becomes negative, sucking in ambient air. This improves NVH characteristics by eliminating the exhaust booming sound that can otherwise permeate the passenger cabin.

A drive-by-wire throttle system replaces the conventional throttle cable with intelligent electronics that link the accelerator pedal to a throttle valve inside the throttle body. The result is lower component weight, as well as quicker and more accurate throttle actuation. A specially programmed non-linear ratio between the throttle pedal and engine offers improved drivability and optimised engine response to suit specific driving conditions.

An enhanced selection of driving modes gives the all-new Civic Type R greater usability compared to the previous model. A new ‘Comfort’ setting sits alongside agile ‘Sport’ and track-focused ‘+R’ modes. Each tailors the adaptive dampers, steering force, gear shift feels and throttle response of the car, on demand.

The Comfort mode affords greater compliance and everyday usability compared to the previous Type R, offering a softer suspension setup and smoother steering feel. Its presence in the new Type R is enabled by the revised three-chamber adaptive dampers, which offer greater variability of damping force in both tension and compression.

New Comfort mode is not only ideal for rough road surfaces, but is also a more secure configuration when driving on choppy, undulating motorway surfaces at higher speeds. While there are now far greater differences between the damping forces of each driving mode, improvements in the calibration of all three settings mean that new Type R feels more connected to the road at all times, helping to deliver a more secure and engaging driving experience.

Sport mode remains the default setting when starting the vehicle. It offers a blend of comfort and dynamic response that corresponds approximately to a mid-point between the previous Type R’s standard and +R modes.

Comfort mode can be selected by using a convenient rocker switch located behind the gear lever. The instrument cluster illuminations change when the mode is engaged, lessening the intensity and number of red accents around the virtual gauges.

The +R mode remains the choice for track driving. Engine responsiveness is heightened, with the torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused configuration, allowing more of the available torque at lower engine speeds. The throttle ‘blipping’ effect from the rev-matching function is also enhanced.

Damping force from the new four-wheel Adaptive Damper System in +R mode is increased by 15% over Sport mode. This produces a firmer, flatter ride and greater agility for high-performance handling. Furthermore, the variable-ratio EPS becomes heavier, with reduced power assistance that delivers a more direct and linear steering feel.

The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) system is retuned for +R mode to focus on acceleration and performance, allowing a greater yaw and slip rate before intervening. Additionally, both the Traction Control System and the VSA function can be turned fully off if the VSA button is pressed for five seconds while the Type R is in +R mode. The instrument gauge illumination switches to a more intense red theme when +R is selected from the rocker switch.

The interior treatment of Type R models is always unmistakable, and can be traced back 25 years to the very first Honda with the iconic red badge.

The all-new Civic Type R builds on the sophisticated, premium ambience of the standard car’s cabin with striking suede-effect red and black fabric trim for the new high-backed sports seats. The seats incorporate revised bolsters and cushion pads, offering superlative support for sports driving, and are the lightest Type R specification seats ever.
The steering wheel incorporates red leather inserts and hexagonal stitching, while the dashboard panel’s carbon centre inlay is surrounded by red pinstripe trim – extending into the door cards. The spherical gear lever knob is made from machined alloy. These interior features are unique to the Type R.

The sporty interior is designed to offer the most comfortable and sophisticated cabin in the compact class, and exudes a thoroughly modern, sleek and simple aesthetic to complement the sharply sculpted exterior. This is achieved with horizontal lines that accentuate the feeling of width and length, and therefore spaciousness.

With the longer, wider platform and longer wheelbase, front seat and rear seat occupants benefit from greater visibility and more space in which to experience the Type R’s blistering performance. For the driver, a more compact dashboard upper surface means it sits 65mm lower, resulting in improved visibility. Thin A-pillars (12mm narrower than the previous Type R) also reduce the obstructed forward view providing a class-leading 84.3 degrees of forward visibility.

Boot space is a generous 414 litres, and the compartment features an innovative side-sliding and removeable compact tonneau cover, ensuring the Type R retains its position as the most practical and versatile of high-performance hatchbacks. Ease of access is ensured by rear seats that split / fold 60:40, with a low sill height (680mm) and wide boot opening (1,120mm) combined with the flat boot floor to make the loading of heavy, wide and long items easy.

NVH performance in the cabin has improved, with reduced interior sound pressure at higher engine rotations compared to the previous Type R.

The centre console features a piano-black finish, and follows a ‘technology centre’ theme. The lower part in front of the gear lever is configured as a two-tier storage area, with a front tray that provides grab-and-go access to devices. A second tray behind the centre console provides a more discreet storage area, as well as access to the HDMI and USB ports, and a 12-volt power socket. Cable pass-through enables a connection from the second tray to the first.

At the top of the centre console sits the seveninch display audio colour touch-screen. As well as being a touch-control device for the infotainment and climate control functions, the display also integrates with a reversing camera. It also offers enhanced intuitive operation and full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay®.

In front of the driver, the instrument display layout provides vivid clarity and highly intuitive usability. A seven-inch colour TFT-LCD Driver Information Interface (DII) display makes up the largest central section of the reconfigured instrument binnacle, which includes virtual gauges as well as a switchable section that can display a variety of different function readouts. Unique to the Type R is a driving mode-specific illumination function that features specialised readouts, including an LED gearshift indicator light, boost pressure gauge, G-Meter and lap time recorder.

Scroll and select functions for the DII are performed via thumbpad controls on the left spoke of the steering wheel. The combination of thumbpad controls and DII display in the driver’s forward line-of-sight helps to minimise distractions for the driver while underway. Also on the left spoke are the integrated Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® telephone controls, while a second thumbpad on the right spoke of the steering wheel operates the adaptive cruise control.

Also fitted as standard are Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, which enhances control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering, and Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Type R also benefits from dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, 8-speaker audio system and LED front fog lights.

2017 marks 25 years since the introduction of the very first Honda Type R vehicle. For more than two decades, the Type R badge has denoted the highest performance version of its respective model, derived from a philosophy of crafting racing-inspired road cars.

Honda’s Type R models have always represented the purity of the original concept – minimising weight while maximising power, responsiveness, dynamic stability and braking performance.

Newly engineered from the ground up to deliver the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch segment, the fifth-generation Civic Type R represents the first truly ‘global’ Type R.

Honda’s European production facility, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), is the global production hub for the tenth-generation Civic hatchback, and the only plant to build the Civic Type R.

To ensure that the quality of the paint finish complements the high quality exterior design, Honda has invested in new paint facilities at HUM. The quality of the finish from the new paint shop will be class-leading thanks to improved paint thickness and a new type of clear-coat application. The combination of these two enhancements is an improved depth and quality of gloss shine, and an enriched reflection characteristic.

The all-new Honda Civic Type R environmental performance is geared to set a new standard in its competitive class. Under LTA’s FELS system, the Civic Type R is expected to achieve fuel economy of 8.8/100km and a CO2 output of 200g/km.

The all-new Honda Civic Type R is available in 6 colours, they are Championship White, Rallye Red, Polished Metal (metallic), Brilliant Sporty Blue (metallic), Sonic Gray (pearl) and Crystal Black (pearl).

The all-new 2017 Civic Type R is covered by an exclusive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty offered by Kah Motor.

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