Type R stands as the ultimate symbol of Honda’s factory performance, a badge that signifies track-honed engineering and driving exhilaration. While the Type R lineage began with the NSX supercar in the early 1990s and expanded to models like the Integra and Accord, it’s the Civic Type R that has truly captured the hearts of global driving enthusiasts. Today, the Type R Civic is more than just a car; it’s a high-performance icon, and the anticipation for each new generation, especially the groundbreaking 2023 model, is palpable among young drivers and seasoned автолюбителей alike.
Since its inception, Honda has sold approximately 200,000 Type R vehicles globally, a testament to its enduring appeal. Let’s delve into the rich 30-year history of Type R, with a special focus on the legendary Civic Type R models.
NSX Type R: The Genesis of Performance
The NSX Type R, based on the first-generation NSX, was exclusively available in Japan under the Honda brand. Produced from 1990 to 2005, the first-generation NSX laid the foundation for the Type R philosophy.
1992-1995 (Japan): The Original Honda NSX Type R
2002 (Japan): NSX-R – Further Evolution
2005 (Japan): NSX R GT – Homologation Special
The Integra Type R holds a special place in the Type R story, bridging the gap between the NSX and the iconic Civic Type R. It was the second model to wear the coveted red badge and the first Type R to reach American shores.
1995-2001 (DC2) (Japan, U.S.): The First Integra Type R Generation
Accord Type R: European and Japanese Exclusivity
The Accord Type R sedan, sold exclusively in Europe and Japan, spanned two generations, showcasing Type R performance in a sedan format. While not as globally recognized as the Civic Type R, it holds a significant place in the Type R lineage.
1998-2001 (CH1) (Europe): The First European Accord Type R
Civic Type R: The Global Hot Hatch Icon
The Civic Type R has become a global performance icon, synonymous with the hot hatch segment. With five distinct generations preceding it, the arrival of the sixth iteration, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, is eagerly awaited in Japan, Europe, and the United States, reinforcing the Civic Type R‘s status as the benchmark for front-wheel-drive performance.
1997-1999 (EK9) (Japan): The Birth of a Legend – First Generation Civic Type R
 (Europe, Japan): Expanding Horizons – Second Generation Civic Type R
 (Japan) & (FN2) (Europe): Divergent Paths – Third Generation Civic Type R
and Europe (FN2). The Japanese Civic Type R FD2 was sold as a four-door sedan, resembling the U.S. market Civic Sedan, and featured a 222 hp 2.0-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, a close-ratio 6-speed manual, and a helical limited-slip differential. Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension were also standard. Notably, structural adhesive was used extensively in the body construction, instead of seam welding, to enhance chassis stiffness. The interior featured black and red sport seats and a choice of black-on-black or red-on-black color schemes, maintaining the sporty Civic Type R aesthetic.
Exclusively sold in 2007, the Civic Mugen RR was a limited edition variant based on the Japanese Civic Type R FD2. Limited to just 300 units, all painted Milano Red, the Mugen RR underwent weight reduction through a carbon fiber front bumper and aluminum hood. Engine performance was boosted to 237 hp with Mugen performance camshafts, exhaust, and engine computer. Recaro racing seats and special 18-inch Mugen wheels further differentiated the Civic Mugen RR.
The European market Civic Type R FN2, in contrast, was based on the European Civic 3-door hatchback and retained a 198 hp engine similar to its predecessor, paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. The suspension was updated for improved handling. Several variations of the European Civic Type R were available, including the Type R GT, which added comfort features like dual-zone climate control and cruise control. For the 2010 model year, Type R GT models also gained a helical limited-slip differential. The Type R Heritage edition, based on the GT trim, further added HID headlights and an audio system with Bluetooth® and DVD satellite navigation. At the other end of the spectrum, the Type R Race edition was a stripped-down version, removing features to reduce weight by approximately 88 pounds, aimed at purist track enthusiasts. From 2007 to 2011, approximately 13,400 units of both FD2 and FN2 Civic Type R models were sold globally.
2015-2017 (FK2) (Europe, Japan): Turbocharging Arrives – Fourth Generation Civic Type R
, marking the debut of turbocharging for the model. This 5-door hatchback was powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine featuring VTEC® and direct injection, producing 306 hp, making it the most powerful Civic Type R to date. Power was delivered to the front wheels via a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and a helical limited-slip differential. Approximately 7,500 units were sold, showcasing the initial success of the turbocharged Civic Type R.
The FK2 Civic Type R featured unique suspension enhancements, including an Adaptive Damper System with a track-oriented +R mode and an advanced dual-axis strut front suspension to improve high-speed stability and cornering. The H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension was retuned for enhanced stability and roll resistance. Extensive use of structural adhesives, combined with structural reinforcements, resulted in an 18% increase in rigidity compared to standard Civics. Brembo front brakes, measuring 13.8 inches, were the largest ever fitted to a Civic Type R, reflecting its performance intentions. The Civic Type R FK2 was instantly recognizable with its wide-body exterior design and a red-on-black interior featuring special sport seats with enhanced bolstering, solidifying its aggressive and sporty image. In its final model year, a Black Edition was introduced for the UK market, limited to just 100 units. Additionally, 750 units were exported from the UK to Japan for the final year of production.
2017-2021 (FK8) (U.S., Japan, Europe): Global Reach and Record-Breaking Performance – Fifth Generation Civic Type R
, paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual and helical limited-slip differential. It retained the dual-axis front suspension of its predecessor but introduced a multi-link independent rear suspension, combined with the Adaptive Damper System, providing an unparalleled balance of ride comfort and sharp handling, making the Civic Type R FK8 a truly versatile performance machine.
The Civic Type R FK8 immediately made headlines by claiming the front-wheel drive track record at the Nürburgring in 2017, with a lap time of 7:43.80, shattering the previous record by a significant 7 seconds. It further solidified its track prowess by setting new front-wheel drive lap records at renowned circuits like Magny-Cours, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Estoril, Hungaroring, and Mount Panorama, demonstrating the global dominance of the Civic Type R on the world stage.
A refresh for the 2020 model year brought the Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies and further refined the driving dynamics with a retuned and faster-reacting Adaptive Damper System. Additional enhancements included stiffer bushings in the rear lower B-arm, lower-friction ball joints for sharper steering feel, and two-piece brake rotors with more fade-resistant brake pads, showcasing Honda’s continuous improvement approach to the Civic Type R. As of December 31, 2021, a remarkable 21,424 units of the Civic Type R FK8 had been sold in the United States since its launch in June 2017, highlighting its instant popularity in the American market.
In 2021, the Civic Type R Limited Edition debuted, with only 600 units produced, adding to the exclusivity and collectability of the Civic Type R lineage. Visually distinguished by its Phoenix Yellow paint, black roof, and hood scoop, the Type R LE also featured lightweight forged-aluminum BBS wheels and grade-exclusive Michelin Cup 2 tires, reducing unsprung weight by 18 pounds. Engineers further reduced weight in the Type R LE by removing sound deadening materials, the cargo cover, rear heater ducts, and rear wiper mechanism, achieving a total weight reduction of 50 lbs. The Adaptive Damper System and electric power steering were recalibrated to complement the lighter weight and enhanced dynamic performance, delivering an even more engaging driving experience, especially on the track, solidifying the Civic Type R Limited Edition as the ultimate expression of the FK8 generation.
| Civic Type R | |
|---|---|
| 1998-1999 (EK9) | |
| Engine | 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 182 hp 118 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| 2001-2005 (EP3) | |
| Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 198 hp (Europe), 212-hp (Japan) 144 lb.-ft. (Europe) 149 lb.-ft. (Japan) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 2007-2011 (FD2 – Japan) | |
| Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 222 hp, 237-hp (Mugen) 159 lb.-ft., 161 lb.-ft. (Mugen) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 2007-2011 (FN2 – Europe) | |
| Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 198 hp 142 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 2015-2017 (FK2) | |
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 306 hp 295 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 2017-2021 (FK8) | |
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder 306 hp (U.S.), 316 hp (Europe, Japan) 295 lb.-ft. (all markets) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
The Future of Civic Type R: The 2023 and Beyond
The legacy of the Civic Type R is set to continue with the arrival of the all-new 2023 model. Building upon decades of performance engineering, the latest Civic Type R promises to be the most exhilarating yet, carrying the torch for Honda’s commitment to high-performance vehicles. As enthusiasts eagerly await its release, the history of the Civic Type R serves as a powerful reminder of Honda’s dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering driving experiences that are truly exceptional. The Type R Civic story is far from over, and the next chapter is poised to be the most exciting one yet.
