2017 Type R: a record at the start of sales
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R Somewhere under the spoilers, widened fenders and behind the louvers, air intakes and vortex generators is indeed a Honda Civic. However, this is a special representative. We were allowed to put it through its paces at the Lausitzring near Dresden (D). Unlike many compact sports models, where the visual spoilers are more or less cosmetic [...]
In contrast to many compact sports models, where the visual spoilers perform more or less cosmetic tasks, the Honda engineers have consistently geared all measures to achieving the sportiest possible handling. The interplay of a revised chassis, improved torsional rigidity and a lighter body results in a sports model that accelerates to a maximum of 272 km/h.
Specially developed tire
The Sport Civic is powered by a two-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 320 hp at 6500 rpm. Maximum torque is 400 Newton meters. The time between zero and 100 km/h is just 5.7 seconds. No competitor accelerates faster. To prevent the front wheels from spinning during this acceleration, Honda does not rely on a traction control system - which always works with a delay - but on a precisely tuned characteristic curve in the engine control unit, which only delivers as much (calculated and tested) power as the grip still permits. Together with Continental, a very special tire was also developed that makes this possible in the first place.
The Green Hell
Of course, the record drive at the Nürburgring must not be missing from this collection of data. The Type R circumnavigated the "Green Hell" in seven minutes 43.8 seconds, which equates to an average speed of 161 km/h. That's really quite a word.
Type R in motion
After the driver and front passenger have settled into the sports seats, they experience a sporty, civilian interior in contrast to the body. The driver looks at clearly arranged instruments, and the front passenger is pleased with the generous space. There are three driving settings to choose from: Comfort, Sport and R+ show distinctly different characteristics. In contrast to its predecessor, the new Type R shows sufficient suspension comfort in the "Comfort" setting. On fast journeys, on the other hand, "Sport" is the appropriate choice. The suspension becomes significantly firmer and, together with the appropriately adjusted steering, high speeds are no problem. For sports drivers who want to be constantly informed by the chassis about the road characteristics, the "R+" mode is intended. But even in the hardest of all settings, the Type R is anything but a Vmax bruiser.
One lap at the Lausitzring
We were allowed to experience the brute force for a front-wheel drive car on open German highways (250 km/h) and on the circuit. Lausitzring experience. Conclusion: you won't find so much sports car for a low 37,300 francs (for the already well-equipped base version) anywhere else! After some familiarization, you quickly feel very comfortable with the sports car and the fun can begin - but really! How this can look, we show in the video "A lap at the Lausitzring in the Honda Civic Type R".
