After a good many concept unveilings, the 2017 Honda Civic Type R finally made its debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show. As the hottest Civic, the Type R boasts 306 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cyinder engine, which also makes 295 lb ft of torque. For the first time, the car will be available in the U.S.
Driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission with rev-matching downshifts and short throw linkage, this latest iteration of the Type R, which having the same output as the previous European version gains a new inertia-reducing flywheel and a lower final-drive ratio that help make it quicker off the line.
Also: Check out all of the new vehicles from the Geneva Auto Show
Lighter, tighter, more agile
Building on the already stout structure of the 10th-generation Civic, the new Type R uses more high-strength steel and additional adhesives to boost torsional and bending rigidity by 38 percent and 45 percent, respectively, while trimming some 35 pounds of curb weight. Leveraging that solid foundation, the engineers fitted the new Type R with unique performance-oriented springs and chassis bushings as well as a more advanced version of the existing four-wheel Adaptive Suspension System designed to enhance control and minimize torque steer.
Also: Class of 2018: The New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks and SUVs
Rounding out the chassis remake is a revamped, and now adaptive, variable-ratio electric power steering system along with a helical limited-slip front differential. Providing the Type R with grip are 245/30 Continental ContiSportContact 6 tires on 20-inch alloy wheels while 4-piston Brembo brakes with cross-drilled rotors ensure consistent stopping power. The new Civic Type R also features three driver-selectable dynamic modes Comfort, default Sport and +R that vary programming of its steering, damping, throttle response and transmission rev-matching.
Also: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards of 2017
The Civic Type R complements its aero-enhanced aggressive exterior design and full LED lighting with an equally bold cabin treatment that nets deeply bolstered sport buckets, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals and unique trim elements as well as a serialized Type R number plate on the center console. Other notable standards include Honda Navigation with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, a 540-watt/12-speaker audio system and a dual-mode climate control system. U.S. models will come in a single Touring trim grade.
More Honda News:
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid First Review
