Honda Civic Type R

TOKYO — Good news for Japanese customers, bad news for Americans: Honda has lifted the covers on its new Civic Type R, but the little hot rod won't be coming to the States any time in the near future.

The Civic Type R, which goes on sale Friday in Japan, gets a specially tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 225 horsepower and 159 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with short-stroke sports shift linkage.

The Type R gets a lighter, more rigid body shell and a specially tuned suspension, with 18-inch Bridgestone Potenza RE070 performance tires and Brembo disc brakes. Honda has revised spring and damping rates and has fitted larger stabilizer bars, along with a torque-sensitive limited-slip differential.

The Civic Type R features a large air intake in the front fascia, a built-in rear diffuser, extended side sills and a high-mounted rear spoiler. Inside the all-black cockpit, there are sport bucket seats with thicker cushions and high side bolsters, a small-diameter leather oval steering wheel, an aluminum-ball shift knob, metal pedals and push-button engine start.

© Source: article on insideline
We need your comments below >>