High performer designed to stick to the road
Honda has revealed more details of the final production version of its new Civic Type-R
THE all-new Honda Civic Type R, which will make its world premiere in final production guise at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show next month, will feature a host of eye-catching design enhancements that have been heavily influenced by extensive aerody- namic development and testing, both on computer and in the wind tunnel. The company says that the result is a car with exceptional high speed stability and high levels of downforce.
The aerodynamic performance helps make the most of the new hot hatch’s 2l direct injection V-Tec turbocharged engine, enabling the car to achieve a claimed top speed of 270km/h, unrivalled amongst its front wheel-drive competitors, according to Honda.
A new, almost completely flat underside aids airflow under the vehicle and combines with a rear diffuser to optimise downforce, effectively sucking the car onto the road. A bespoke rear wing gives the car enhanced visual presence and delivers powerful additional downforce.
A wide front splitter and deep side skirts also manage airflow and reduce lift, while the front bumper has been shaped specifically to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels, cutting drag and enhancing high-speed stability.
To help the driver manage the Type R’s prodigious power, the car is equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package for the front wheels, developed specifically for the car. New 19-inch alloy wheels, unique to the Type R, complement the visual changes.
Heat management was another major focus for the design team, influencing several prominent external design modifications. Enlarged upper and lower grilles in the front bumper, vents above the wheels on the front quarter panels and vents at the trailing edges of the front wheel arches combine to provide greater cooling and ventilation for the engine.
The car will go on sale in SA in the third quarter of 2015.