Honda Europe Press Release : New 10G Civic Type-R

All-new Honda Civic Type R: unrivalled against the brand's iconic performance flagship models

Highlights: 

• Unmatched performance compared to all previous Type R cars, including Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX
• Thrilling turbocharged 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine producing more than 280 PS, sets new standards on power, torque and engine response
• All-new ‘+R’ mode for enhanced on-track driving thrills
• High-revving performance red-lining at 7,000 rpm, mated to slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission
• Innovative new four-point adaptive damper system delivers ultimate handling for enthusiastic driving
• Additional ‘steer axis’ system minimises torque steer for exceptional traction
• Striking luminous blue Type R Concept model shown on Honda stand

With the automotive world about to descend on the 2014 Mondial de l’Automobile, Honda has released exciting new details about its eagerly anticipated Civic Type R.

The all-new hot hatch – due in European showrooms next year – will be the most extreme Type R yet, signalling the start of a new performance era for the brand.

Power will come from a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series. Developing over 280 PS, it will deliver unmatched performance compared to any previous Type R car. That includes all generations of the Civic, plus the iconic performance-oriented versions of the Integra, Accord and even the NSX.

While complying with strict Euro 6 emissions regulations, this is a Honda Type R powerplant like no other. While its predecessors were naturally aspirated, the new unit benefits from a turbocharger, boosting low-end power delivery. Combined with the high-end performance that’s synonymous with Honda’s VTEC technology – and much-loved by enthusiastic Type R owners – they will deliver a sensational driving experience.

Suehiro Hasshi, Large Project Leader for the Civic Type R at Honda R&D, commented: “Honda has had four Type R model derivatives – the Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX. The engine in this new Honda Civic Type R is unrivalled against all of them in terms of raw power, torque and engine response.”

Hasshi-san emphasised the car’s appeal will be far greater than (just simply) a new high-performance engine under the bonnet. A number of engineering innovations and enhancements will make the new Civic Type R a true driver’s car, worthy of wearing the famous red ‘H’ badge.

For example, the Civic Type R will mark the debut of Honda’s new ‘+R’ button. Located to the side of the steering wheel, once pressed it activates ‘+R‘ mode for the most exhilarating driving experience. The engine response is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting. Steering becomes more responsive and, together with the new four-point Adaptive Damper System, delivers the ultimate handling experience.

Hasshi explained: “In default standard mode, the Civic Type R is exceptionally agile, an everyday sports  car with an enjoyable and fluid acceleration. The  ‘+R’ button brings out a more dynamic and athletic car for the driver, to set pulses racing. The difference in character is immense. The ‘+R’ mode is extreme; the car is ideal for track use and will be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast.”

Another example of Honda’s innovative approach is the car’s ‘steer axis’. In order to deliver the power of the turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, the new Civic Type R’s front suspension system includes this additional mechanical system involving two supporting ‘kingpins’. They minimise torque steer and allows the driver to fully exploit the car’s exceptional driveability.

Furthermore, a new four-point Adaptive Damper System has been developed specifically for the Civic Type R. It automatically adjusts the front and rear suspension damping force stiffness in a split second, based on driving conditions. This allows the new Civic Type R to provide a comfortable ride during cruising, yet become firm and agile when high-performance handling is required.

The new Civic Type R will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors with a six-speed manual transmission. The development team selected this option to maximise driving enjoyment.

Hasshi explained: “The manual transmission allows the drivers to select the gear they want, for example, down from fifth to third when approaching a corner. The concept of the new Civic Type R is to be the complete driver’s car so this was the best option.”

The all-new Civic Type R has been developed and engineered for European driving tastes. To be built at Honda’s state-of-the-art plant in Swindon, UK, it will arrive in dealerships during 2015.

Type R History (provided in the Honda Europe press release)

1992 First Generation NSX Type R (Available in Japan only)

This car marked the beginning of the Type R story. The aim was to develop a car which delivered overwhelming driving pleasure and the speed of a racing car. The design language of NSX Type R echoes the image of an F1 racing machine. This was also the first time that the red Honda Emblem and Championship White body colour was introduced.

Engine: 3.0L Six-cylinder DOHC VTEC

Maximum Output: 280PS / 7,300 rpm

Maximum Torque: 30.0kg · m / 5,400 rpm

1995 First Generation Integra Type R (Available in Japan only)

Engine: 1.8L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC

Maximum Output: 200PS / 8,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 18.5kg · m / 7,500 rpm

1997 First Generation Civic Type R (Available in Japan only)

Engine: 1.6L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC

Maximum Output: 185PS / 8,200 rpm

Maximum Torque: 16.3kg · m / 7,500 rpm

1998 Integra Type R (Available in Europe and U.S. This was the first Type R model introduced in Europe)

Engine: 1.8L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC

Maximum Output: 190PS / 8,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 178 N · m / 7,300 rpm

1999 Accord Type R (Available in Europe only)

Engine: 2.2L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC

Maximum Output: 212PS / 7,200 rpm

Maximum Torque: 215N · m / 6,700 rpm

2001 Second Generation Integra Type R (Available in Japan only)

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC

Maximum Output: 162kW [220PS] / 8,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 206N · m [21.0kg · m] / 7,000 rpm

2001 Second Generation Civic Type R (First Civic Type R available in Europe)

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC

Maximum Output: 162kW [220PS] / 8,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 206N · m [21.0kg · m] / 7,000 rpm

European version:

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC

Maximum Output: 200PS / 7,400 rpm

Maximum Torque: 196N · m / 5,900 rpm

2002 Second Generation NSX Type R (Available in Japan only)  

Engine: 3.2L 6 cylinder DOHC VTEC

Maximum Output: 206kW [280PS] / 7,300 rpm

Maximum Torque: 304N · m [31.0kg · m] / 5,300 rpm

2007 Third Generation Civic Type R

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC

Maximum Output: 165kW [225PS] / 8,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 215N · m [21.9kg · m] / 6,100 rpm

2007 Third Generation Civic Type R (European Version)

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC

Maximum Output: 148kW [201PS] / 7,800 rpm

Maximum Torque: 193N · m /5,600 rpm

New rumour - 2G S2000 coming, 2G NSX delayed

One of our members with insider connections told us this latest 'news':

1)The 2G S2000 just got the greenlight from Management.
 

It will be hybrid and MR. The engine will be a version of the CTR Engine, redesigned to be higher revving than the one in the CTR. Unlike current IMA implementations however, here, the electric motor will be used to counter the effect of turbo-lag. I.e. it will be used to supply low-end torque to fill in the 'gaps' in the powerband when the turbocharger is spooling up. Gearbox will be Honda's i-DCD with a '50/50' odds of a manual version as well. He also thinks Honda will be looking at making it a 2+2 instead of the original 2-seater. 

This new 2G S2000 will be built in Ohio next to the new 2G NSX. 

2)Speaking of the 2G NSX, it seems that Nurburgring fire will now delay it from 6-12 months ! This means the new 2G NSX will now be launched in 2016 instead of the original plan of 2015.

As usual, all these 'info' are un-verified.

New 2G NSX spied at the Nurburgring

At last, spy photos have been taken of the new 2G Honda/Acura NSX being tested at the Nurburgring, under heavy camouflage. Many have been saying that the development schedule of the new NSX have slipped as it was originally supposed to make a hill run at the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed event last month. As a result, the car's debut which is supposed to be in Detroit Motor Show beginning of next year is also in doubt. Nevertheless, we still believe the new NSX will debut next year, maybe towards the end of the year. 

According to the latest insider infor, Honda has scrapped their original plan of using a transverse MR platform in favor of a longitudinal layout with a bespoke 90-degree twin-turbo V6. This powerplant is paired with an electric SH-AWD system and a dual clutch transmission, and the latest rumors peg the output of this system to total more than 600hp. The price however is expected to be at Ferrari/Porsche mad levels. 

More photos at our TOV News and Rumours report at http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1198056

Technical details behind the Honda airbag recall

A number of manufacturers have recently issued urgent recalls for their vehicle's airbags. Here are the technical details for the background to those recalls.   

Basically, Honda is one of the manufacturers who source their airbags from Takata. One of our insiders sums it up very precisely in our TOV/TOVA forums :

"Takata uses ammonium nitrate, which is an explosive, in their airbags.

The problem with ammonium nitrate is it is very volatile and highly sensitive to moisture and even to air over time. So to use it,the manufacturing process must be under a good control in a clean room.

But to keep prices down and profits up Takata moved production to Mexico and the US from Japan only and in the last 10 years lost control of the production process at their factories. "

For more details, visit the following two links. Please note that not all the facts in both articles have been totally verified so it might be worthwhile to do more research is you are interested to know more.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20140623/GLOBAL/140629966/honda-nissan-mazda-expand-recalls-over-takata-airbag-flaw 

http://www.autonews.com/article/20140623/OEM10/306239960/takata-says-moisture-may-be-culprit-in-airbag-recalls#

A couple of key extracts from these two reports:

"The problems have been twofold: Problems with moisture and problems with record-keeping. Initially, moisture due to improper storage at the factory was believed to degrade the inflators causing them to explode, spraying pieces of metal into the cabin.

Meanwhile, faulty recording keeping by Takata has forced automakers to widen the 2013 recalls to cover vehicles that might have inadvertently received faulty propellant." 

So we urge all affected Honda enthusiasts to attend to the recall as soon as possible. However, we also hope that no-one will blow this issue all out of proportion.

4G CR-V MMC coming soon for the U.S.

Spy shots of the MMC CR-V for the U.S. is showing up on the net now. We (TOV/TOVA) were offered the shots but Jeff decided not to take them because he felt the changes were relatively mild. 

Good call as the shots were taken up by another site www.autos.ca who have already published them. Checking the spy shots, we can see new wheels and reworked plastics on the front and rear - new bumpers, new font grill, and a possibility of DRLs (Daylight driving lights). The headlights are projector type possibly with HID (btw, the current ASEAN CR-V 2.4s already have HIDs). 

Other TOVers have also noticed turn signal lights on the door mirrors  which suggests Lanewatch camera on the Right side mirror. Plus a tiny square button on the driver's side door handle - which suggests push button start/keyless entry for the U.S. in this MMC (which is surprising because ASEAN 2.4 CR-Vs are already getting keyless entry).

The feature photo here is taken from the autos.ca website but you should visit their website to see their full set of photos. Their url is http://www.autos.ca/general-news/spied-facelifted-honda-cr-v-caught-testing-new-sheetmetal/

New CTR teaser at Honda UK website !

As a sure sign that the 2015 debut date for the super new 10G Civic Type-R is on schedule is the new CTR teaser page on Honda U.K.'s website. The link is at http://www.honda.co.uk/cars/campaigns/2014/civic-type-r/ and the anchor photo is a screen capture off that page. Of course no details are given but the photos at least are awesome. Check it out (warning, network intensive).

Honda wins at GT300 class in Super-GT !

Honda wins at round-3 of Super-GT Autopolis in the GT300 class with the CR-Z GT. Under good weather conditions and dry track, No. 55 ARTA CR-Z GT using the 3.5l J35A engine with just 0.018second lead (!) to the 2nd placed No. SUBARU BRZ R&D SPORT using the EJ20 engine. No. 55 ARTA CR-Z GT started the race in P2.

Meanwhile in the GT500 class, Honda delivered a much better result than in the last race. No. 100 Raybrig NSX Concept GT started from P6 and finished in 6th which is a great result, given the disaster of the last race. Two other NSX'es finished relatively well too with the No. 18 Weider NSX finishing in 7th and the No. 10 Epson finishing in 10th. The other two 2 NSX'es retired. Overall winner is the Nissan R35 which swept the podium with a 1-2-3 finish.

It was a hot day with 28deg C weather and a 43deg C road surface temperature.

Another piece of good news is that it is reported they will use new engines in the next race at the SUGO circuit.