- European-spec Type R Limited Edition beats previous record by 1.5 seconds
- Test car was European production spec with no modifications
- Only 100 Type R Limited Edition models will be available in Canada
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition stormed to a new front-wheel drive track record at Honda’s Suzuka Formula 1 racetrack in Japan with a time of 2:23:993, besting the previous record by 1.5 seconds.
Originally built as a test facility for Honda, the 3.6-mile Suzuka track’s figure-8 configuration today is known worldwide as a highlight of the Formula 1 season as a driver and fan favorite.
The Type R Limited Edition achieved its record-breaking lap during its final performance evaluation in February 2020 using a development car built to final European production specifications, with no modifications or performance enhancements.
Video capturing the record breaking attempt through in-car footage is available here, with a separate video of the development crew prepping for the run here.
"The Type R Limited Edition reflects Honda's dedication to refining the essence and driving pleasure of Type R as a sports car and exceeding the expectations of our customers,” said Civic Type R Project Leader Hideki Kakinuma. “The engineering team and I embraced a racing spirit that has been passed down for generations, and it’s this strong passion that’s driving the evolution of the Civic Type R towards becoming the ideal sports car. Now the “advanced” Type R that I envisioned at the beginning of this development is a reality and I am overwhelmed by the result and how our efforts have been rewarded.”
The 2021 Type R Limited Edition is the ultimate street-legal, track-focused variant of Honda’s legendary Civic Type R, with significant measures taken to lighten overall weight and improve handling performance.
All 100 units allocated for the Canadian market pre-sold in just 4 minutes - https://www.hondanews.ca/en/news/release/The-ultimate-Honda-Civic-sells-out-fast - and come exclusively in new Phoenix Yellow Pearl paint that contrasts with a black painted roof, outside mirror caps, and intake vent on the hood, along with a dark chrome Civic badge on the rear hatch.
Inside, each Type R Limited Edition will feature an individually numbered serial plate denoting the vehicle’s original country of sale. The Canadian-spec Type R Limited Edition differs from the European version by retaining air conditioning, Honda Sensing®, and the Display Audio system.
2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition modifications from stock include:
- Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels from acclaimed manufacturer BBS (8 kg. / 18 lb. total unsprung weight reduction)
- Further weight reduction accomplished via reduced sound deadening materials (8 kg. / 18 lb.)
- Michelin® Pilot® Sport CUP2 performance track tires for peak on track performance
- Modified dampers optimize the new wheel and tire combination
- Recalibrated steering for maximum control and feedback
In addition to its unique touches, the Type R Limited Edition shares most of the updates that debuted for the 2020 Civic Type R, including freshened front and rear exterior styling, a larger grille and revised radiator design for improved engine cooling, an Alcantara™-wrapped steering wheel, and a new shifter with a restyled knob. Like the standard Type R, the Limited Edition also receives the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment.
Under the hood, the Type R Limited Edition draws power from the same race-bred 2.0-litre VTEC® Turbo engine, putting out a peak 306-horseopwer (SAE net) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net), with power delivered to the front wheels through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.
The substantial power and torque is effectively managed by Type R’s dual axis strut front suspension system which virtually eliminates torque steer while allowing geometry optimized for maximum cornering performance.
About Honda Canada
Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969 and is the parent company for both Honda and Acura vehicle brands in Canada. Since 1986, the company has produced Honda engines and more than nine million cars and light trucks at its Alliston, Ontario manufacturing facilities, where the Honda CR-V and Honda Civic are currently built. Honda Canada has invested more than $4.7 billion in Canada, and each year it sources nearly $2.1 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Honda Canada has sold more than five million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light trucks in Canada. For more information on Honda Canada, please visit www.hondacanada.ca.
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