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Automobile March 29, 2007 |
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| Honda Adds New Type R to Civic Lineup |
TOKYO, Japan - March 29, 2007– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new Civic Type R, a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance. The new Civic Type R will go on sale throughout Japan on Friday, March 30.
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New Civic Type R |
This new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.
The all-new Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-liter normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.
Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997. This latest all-new Civic Type R is the distillation of 15 years of technological progress and the latest expression of Honda’s “Challenging Spirit.”
 Key Features of the Civic Type R
< Exterior Design > |
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The exterior employs a pure sports one-motion form design with aerodynamically advanced surface treatment and sharp edges. Newly developed aerodynamic devices include a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a high-mount rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes, giving the car an aggressive overall appearance. |
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Specifically designed engine hood and front fenders. |
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Specially designed shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight sub-reflector and Civic emblem design. |
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Type R red Honda emblem front and rear.
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| < Interior Design > |
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The overall black color scheme gives the interior cockpit a racing car-like appearance, bringing the driver closer at one with the car. |
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The front bucket seats are specially designed for Type R. Separate center/side construction with high side bolsters and optimized cushion rates help hold the body in place, helping the driver concentrate on driving. |
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The multiplex i-VTEC engine revolution indicator alerts the driver that engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions. Self-illuminated, lit with red-colored flashing lights and is strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high speed driving conditions. |
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Other performance-oriented features include a small-diameter, genuine leather oval steering wheel, an aluminum ball-type shift knob, a short stroke sports shift linkage, metal sports-type pedals and footrest, and a separate, button-type engine starter.
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| < Engine > |
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A higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency help the naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine output a maximum of 165kW (225PS) at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm (21.9kgm) at 6,100 rpm. |
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NSX production methods contribute to smoother port surfacing, improving intake/exhaust airflow. |
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Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output. |
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Optimum tuning of intake and exhaust manifolds provides for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.
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| < Transmission > |
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A close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission is matched to the Type R engine. |
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Optimized gear ratios offer superior accelerations at high speeds, providing exhilarating performance. |
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New features include a highly rigid aluminum transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate helps mitigate oil starvation at high cornering speeds. |
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A short stroke shift linkage contributes to a sporty shifting feel.
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| < Highly Rigid Yet Lightweight Body/Chassis > |
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The highly rigid Civic body and its advanced layout serves as the basis for an even more highly rigid, yet lightweight Type R body. Measures to enhance body rigidity while reducing weight have translated into a body that is 50% more rigid than in the Integra Type R production model sold between 2001 and 2006. |
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Specially tuned suspension, high performance 18-inch tires, a torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential, large disc brakes for improved fade resistance and other performance-enhancing features contribute to higher cornering performance and stability for an exciting, racecar-like driving experience. |
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The specially tuned suspension boasts revised spring and damping rates, and thicker stabilizer bars for improved vehicle stability. |
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225/40R18-sized high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires. |
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17-inch disk brake with Brembo 4-pot aluminum front calipers. |
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Specially-tuned ABS/EBD system. |
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Special lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels are matched to black wheel nuts.
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| < Safety Performance > |
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Honda’s original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a body with a crash safety performance that is among the best in the world, withstanding a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, a 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision. |
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The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a high level of self-protection and also improves compatibility toward other vehicles. |
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The vehicle is also designed to help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures. |
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The front seats are equipped with 3-point, load-limiting ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with E-pretensioners. |
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Front-seat occupants are further protected by standard driver/front passenger i-SRS air bags. |
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ISO FIX compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether belt anchor plates are standard on the rear seats.
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| < Environmental Performance > |
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The Civic Type R complies with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport emissions regulations for 2005. |
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PVC and Cr6+ use have been eliminated from interior and exterior components and wherever possible throughout the vehicle to achieve over 90% recyclability. 1 |
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