The Honda Civic Type R is celebrating its silver anniversary. Now on its sixth-generation model, the Civic Type R has gone a long way. It can even be considered one of the popular Honda models globally due to its engineering and performance.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R
Honda models with the Type R badge are known for track-oriented aerodynamics that go hand-in-hand with several performance enhancements. Over six generations, the Honda Civic Type R has arguably developed a global reputation for ultimate front-wheel drive performance.
The Japanese automaker even claims that the race-derived Civic Type R rewrote the rulebook on what a hot hatch should be. The said claim is bold but the Civic Type R’s resume through the years can back that claim. To name a few, the FK 8 version has smashed several records during its production period. It has set the fastest front-wheel drive production lap record in Nurburgring, Germany as well as in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, and Suzuka Circuit, Japan.
The 2023 Civic Type R is currently the fastest FWD vehicle on Suzuki Circuit
So in celebration of its 25th anniversary, let us look back on the history of the Civic Type R and see how it changed and evolved to eventually become the recently released 2023 Honda Civic Type R.
Honda Civic Type R EK9
The first of the Civic Type R models, is the Civic EK9 Type R. It was released back in 1997, and many say that it redefined the definition of what an economy hatchback can do.
That’s because this version was known for its focus on high-performance circuit racing. This was thanks to its hand-ported B16B that was paired with a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox.
The Honda Civic Type R EK9
The said powertrain can make 182 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. Honda also gave the first Civic Type R a more rigid chassis, as well as the now iconic signature red Recardo bucket seats and the red Honda emblems.
Honda Civic Type R EP 3
The EK9 was then followed by the EP 3 Civic Type R. Notable on this model was the debut of the now familiar K-series engine, which was able to make up to 212 horsepower.
The Civic Type R EP 3
Other improvements also included larger brakes, an improved power steering system, as well as a new six-speed gearbox. It was also underpinned by a new shell which was 80 percent more rigid compared to the EK9.
Honda Civic Type R FD 2
In 2007, Honda released the FD2 Civic Type R. It is based on the eight-generation Civic, and unlike the EK9 and EP3, it assumes a four-door sedan body type. Sure, it was heavier than the latter versions, but it proved to be more powerful thanks to its 222-horsepower K20A engine.
Civic Type R FD2
In other parts of the world though, Honda also released the FN2. Unlike the FD2 Civic Type, this version still had the three-door hatch configuration. It also utilized a different K-series engine from the FD2, specifically K20Z4. This, though, made slightly less output than the FD 2 at 198 horsepower.
Honda Civic Type R FK 2
Fourth in the Type R line was the FK2, which like the EP 3 was also made in the United Kingdom. It also returned to the three-door hatchback body style while continuing the use of the K-series engine.
The said engine did come with several improvements. It was now designated as the K20C1, and it was definitely gruntier with its 306 horsepower output.
Civic Type R FK2
Of note, this was also the first time that Honda’s Earth Dreams engine technology was used on the Civic Type R. It was also the first turbocharged Civic Type R. The first Type R that used a turbocharged mill though, was the Honda NSX-R which debuted way back in 1992.
Honda Civic Type R FK 8
In 2017, Honda then rolled out the FK8. This was also a hot hatch, though it presented a leap for Honda and the Civic Type R nameplate when it comes to technology. This is because this particular version was the first to feature adaptive dampers. Its exterior aero kit was also noted for being able to provide considerable downforce even for a road-going model.
The Honda Civic Type R FK 8
Like its predecessors, the FK 8 came with a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. It also used a K-series inline-4 engine, specifically the 316-horsepower K20C1 Earth Dreams turbo inline-4.
In 2017, the Civic Type R set a record breaking lap time of 7:43.80 on the Nürburgring. This made it the fastest front-wheel-drive cars during this time. The said record however, was beaten by the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R in 2019.
The Civic Type R FK 8’s Suzuka Circuit track time of 2:23.993 that was set back in 2020 remained unbeaten by rivals. The only other car to beat that time, is the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R.
Honda Civic Type R FL 5
The latest model is of course the upcoming FL5 Civic Type R that’s based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic.
The Honda Civic Type R for 2023 model year was already released in July 2022. And like its predecessors, Honda is positioning it to continue the high-revving and agile nature of all the Civic Type versions that came before.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R FL 5
As mentioned, the Civic Type R FL 5 broke the previous Civic Type R’s (FK8) Suzuka Circuit record. Specifically, it managed to travel around the said race track in 2:23.120. That’s a mere 0.873 seconds faster than the FK8.
So there you have it folks, a brief history of the Civic Type R’s generation models. For more car industry updates as well as interesting tidbits from the histories of your favorite car models and brands, keep it here on Philkotse.