Order books open for all-new Civic Type R

Despite no local price being announced, Honda says they've had customers - mainly 'faithful enthusiasts' - already put their names down with dealers, which led to the decision to open the order books earlier than initially planned.
 

Prospective customers started contacting dealers last year about the Civic Type R when Honda Australia announced it was returning to Australia, said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins: "We've had extraordinary interest in this car from existing owners and those enthusiasts who are looking for something bolder and visually striking; something distinctive from the usual European offerings."

 

Honda adds that buyer interest was energised last month when the all-new Civic Type R set a new lap record of 7 mins 43.80 seconds for front-wheel-drive cars at the Nurburgring.

 

Honda Australia has already brought in engineering examples of the Type R to show dealers and undertake validation testing.

 

For Australia, the Civic Type R will be available in one engine specification - a 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine mated to a new close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching capability.

 

Aus-delivered cars also feature a track-tested aero kit with front and side splitters, a rear diffuser, vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roof line and a rear wing spoiler, all designed to keep the Civic Type R planted on the road.

 

The Type R chassis builds on the major upgrades undertaken for the 10th-generation Civic makeover with model-exclusive spring, damper and bushing settings, a new Dual-Axis front suspension set-up with aluminium lower arms and steering knuckles for improved cornering and reduced torque steer, while a new multi-link rear suspension enhances stability under braking. There's also a new, four-wheel Adaptive Suspension System with three-chamber dampers, a retuned and adaptive dual-pinion electric power steering system with variable gear ratio, and a helical limited-slip front differential.

 

Other features include 20-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tyres, and red-painted Brembo 4-pot aluminium calipers on 350mm cross-drilled rotors at the front, with solid 305mm rotors at the rear.

 

The Civic Type R's driving modes - Comfort, Sport (default) and +R - adjust steering and throttle response, transmission rev-matching, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the Adaptive Damper System.

 

Visually, the upcoming Civic Type R adds a centre-exit triple exhaust system, as well as heavily-bolstered sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift boot, aluminium shift knob, aluminium sports pedals, red Type R gauges and a Type R serial plate number.

 

In Australia, the 2017 Civic Type R will be available in five colours, the hero colour being traditional (for a Type R) Championship White, with Rally Red, Crystal Black pearl, Sonic Grey pearl or Brilliant Sporty Blue metallic also available.
 

Further details and pricing will be released closer to launch.