Honda Releases the Civic Type R Euro in Japan
November 11, 2009; Honda Motor co., Ltd. announced that it will begin
sales of a limited number of the Civic Type R Euro, a premium sports model
with a distinctive, stylish form and performance that was forged on
European roads. Only 2,010 units will be available for sale in Japan.
The Civic Type R Euro is a premium sports model built for mature customers
who enjoy exciting driving performance together with a refined ride. It
delivers supple handling and exhilarating, prodigious output over a wide
range.
The Civic Type R Euro is equipped with a specially designed, 2.0l naturally
aspirated engine (max. output: 148kW (201PS)/ 7,800rpm) paired with a
responsive, 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell,
specially tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels contribute to the Civic Type
R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Custom aerodynamic
components enhance the body’s already outstanding aerodynamic form,
while interior features including a custom 3-spoke, small-diameter,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum ball-type shift knob, and Honda R
spec seats enhance the driver’s sense of oneness with the
vehicle.
The ultimate driving performer in the European Civic series, the Civic Type
R Euro is manufactured in the United Kingdom by Honda of the UK
Manufacturing Ltd. This is the second time since 2001 that this model has
been exported to Japan. Type R models are sporty models which are specially
tuned to highlight the base model’s driving performance to pursue the
joy of driving and provide a racing-like feel. With two models of Civic
Type R now available in Japan—the 4-door Civic Type R introduced in
2007 as a ‘best of circuit’ performer and now the
European-evolved Civic Type R Euro—Honda continues to deliver the joy
of driving and the satisfaction of superior performance.
Key Features of the Civic Type R Euro
Exterior
The exterior form of the Civic Type R Euro expresses a
distinctively honed, stylish refinement reminiscent of the body of a highly
trained athlete.
·
Custom aerodynamic components are designed to achieve the
ideal balance between aerodynamic performance and styling (including mesh
grill, aerodynamic garnishes, and a colored tailgate spoiler).
·
A large engine under-cover, floor under-cover, suspension
beam cover and other components are employed to smooth out overall airflow
beneath the vehicle for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.
·
The distinctive Type R red “H” emblem is
complemented with a special Civic Type R Euro insignia.
Interior
The interior is designed to enhance the feeling of oneness
between car and driver, while refined materials and exhilarating styling
resonate with a mature sensibility. (Includes 3-spoke, small-diameter,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum ball-type shift knob, Honda R spec
seats, and metal sports-type pedals and footrest.)
·
The custom Honda R spec front bucket seats are designed to
provide full-surface contact that wraps around the driver’s body,
ensuring both the firm hold required for sporty driving and the comfort
that is indispensable on longer trips.
·
The custom instrument panel features a multiplex i-VTEC
engine rev indicator with self-illumination, red lighting, and illumination
control that is strategically located for minimum eye movement during
high-speed driving. Engine rpm is indicated by a series of lights that
illuminate incrementally as the engine revs higher, allowing the driver to
concentrate more completely on driving.
·
An aluminum emblem displays the car’s serial number.
Comfort Features
The Civic Type R Euro comes equipped with full auto air
conditioning with independent right and left temperature controls and a
rear heater duct.
·
The sound system includes a CD player with AM/FM tuner,
vehicle speed-sensitive volume control, six speakers, illuminated audio
remote control switch, and USB/AUX jack.
·
Other luxury features include EPS (Electric Power
Steering), a parking sensor system, and keyless entry system.
Engine
· | The naturally-aspirated, K20A 2.0l DOHC i-VTEC engine
features a higher compression ratio, head ports finished using an NSX-style
process to attain a smoother surface for lower intake and exhaust
resistance, and optimized intake and exhaust systems and valve timing, to
deliver high revs and high output.
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· | Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle
response and power output. |
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· | The custom intake manifold ensures high output at high rpms
while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed
range. |
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· | The engine is equipped with a secondary balancer to reduce
engine noise and secondary vibration, while the intake system is tuned to
produce a refined roar under acceleration as the engine climbs toward the
redline. |
· | The Civic Type R Euro comes equipped with a close-ratio,
6-speed manual transmission. |
· | Optimized gear ratios ensure both high top speeds and
nimble acceleration. |
· | The short-stroke shifter with aluminum ball-type shift knob
delivers a sporty shift feel. |
Lightweight, high-rigidity body and chassis
The lightweight, high-rigidity body capitalizes on the
outstanding layout of the base vehicle (European Civic 5-door), with
expanded use of high-strength steel in strategic locations.
In addition to a spacious interior, the center-tank layout
provides a low center of gravity to ensure superior driving stability.
Outstanding handling stability is achieved with a specially
tuned suspension, high performance 18-inch wheels, and a torque-sensitive
helical limited slip differential.
Equipped with VSA (ABS + TCS + sideslip control).
Equipped with ABS with custom tuned EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution system) and Brake Assist.
Custom front brake calipers feature the Type R logo.
Equipped with custom 18-inch tires (225/40R18 88Y) on custom 18-inch
lightweight aluminum wheels.
Safety Performance
The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™)
body is designed to help protect vehicle occupants and to mitigate damage
to other vehicles in the event of a front-end collision.
The vehicle is also designed to help mitigate pedestrian
injury in the event of a collision due to the use of impact-absorbing
structures.
Driver and front-passenger SRS airbags are standard
equipment.
The front seats are equipped with 3-point, load-limiting
ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with pretensioners. Rear seats
are equipped with 3-point, ELR/ALR (child seat securing mechanism)
seatbelts.
Equipped with HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights
(low beam, with auto-leveling).
Equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system.
Environmental Performance
The Civic Type R Euro complies with the Japanese Ministry
of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport emissions regulations for 2005.
·
PVC use has been eliminated from interior components and
the body undercoat, and significantly reduced elsewhere throughout the
vehicle. Use of lead has also been eliminated wherever possible.
·
Adoption of recyclable materials has resulted in overall
vehicle recyclability of more than 90%*.
* Based on 1998 JAMA guidelines for defining and
calculating new-vehicle recyclability