Honda has launched the next-gen Civic Type R on its domestic market. The hot hatch has a 10-hp advantage over its predecessor and is 15 hp more powerful than the new U.S. spec, despite the main engine being the same. You can buy a new Type R starting from ¥ 4,997,300 in Japan, which roughly amounts to US$ 35,200. The standard Civic hatchback costs ¥ 3,190,000 before options.
Powering the new generation is a modified
version of the familiar K20C engine, complete with turbo kit and ECU
improvements. The output is manufacturer-rated at 330 PS and
420 Nm of torque. In the United States, the mill makes only 315 PS with the same peak torque.
The transmission is six-speed manual.
Unlike the old version, the new one benefits from smoother gear transitions
(especially when downshifting from 5th into 4th) and is better rev-synced. The
manufacturer goes as far as to claim even shifting from 2nd into 1st is no
longer accompanied by a jerk. The flywheel is 18 percent lighter, too.
Standard features include a self-locking
differential, stiffer suspension, Brembo front brakes and an active-valve
exhaust system. The weight gains 50 kilos and now amounts to 1,430 kg.
