Search the Community

According to The Drive website, Mercedes-Benz is putting out a car for the quote "Pikachu Generation". The AMG A35 hot hatch is a AWD 306 HP 295 lb-ft of torque pocket rocket with a 2L Turbo 4 engine. Power is delivered to the four wheels via a 7sp dual clutch automatic transmission. For those that think 0-60 times are the measure stick, Mercedes-Benz quotes a time of 4.7 seconds with a top end speed of 155 mph. The power train is an AWD system that is FWD Biased but can go to a pure 50:50 split AWD when needed. According to Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobais Moers, this is directed to compete with the Volkswagen Golf R, Honda Civic Type R and the Ford Focus RS. The CEO has also stated they have an A45 in the pipeline for next year producing more than 400 hp. Sadly for those in the United States, Mercedes-Benz is not planning on exporting this to the US at this time.

If you happen to have a pre-production Honda Civic Type R just sitting around, what would you do with it? If you happen to an engineer in special projects division at Honda's Swindon plant in the U.K., you decide to make it into a pickup. Codenamed ‘Project P’, the Type R pickup made its debut at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Test Day. To create this truck, the special projects division changed everything from the b-pillar to the back to install a bed with diamond-plate metal bed and a set of rollbars. The big rear wing is retained. The rest of the vehicle is pretty much identical to the standard Type R with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four producing 306 horsepower, six-speed manual transmission, and adaptive suspension. Honda says the truck can hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 165 mph - just 5 mph slower than the standard Civic Type R. "We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do. The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!” said Alyn James, project lead. Before someone asks, Honda explicitly states in the press release "no plans to put the concept into production." Source: Honda Honda Reveals Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept at SMMT Test Day Created by the team behind Synchro Motorsport at the Swindon factory Potentially one of the fastest pickup trucks on UK roads No plans to put concept into production Honda UK has stolen the show at the annual SMMT Test Day this year by showcasing a Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept, almost a year after the launch of the standard road car. Built by a specialist team from the Product Engineering department at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) factory in Swindon and codenamed ‘Project P’, the Civic Type R Pickup Truck has been modified and developed from the standard road car to create potentially one of the fastest pickup trucks on UK roads. To create the Project P concept, the team used a pre-production version and adapted the design rearwards from the B-pillars of the car, with sweeping lines from the roofline to the back hiding a flatbed loading area in the centre of the car where the rear seats and boot space would normally be. Finished in Rallye Red, the concept retains the iconic rear wing associated with both the FK2 and FK8 Civic Type R, which, in a clever piece of engineering, is movable to allow direct and unfettered access to the rear of the truck. Using the same powertrain, suspension and gearbox as the standard road car, it is estimated Project P will complete the 0-62mph sprint in under six seconds and reach a top speed of over 165mph. It also possesses the same driving modes of comfort, Sport and +R, Project P offering both ride comfort as well as a unique racing capability on track. Alyn James, project lead, commented: “We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do. The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front wheel drive pickup truck!” Phil Webb, head of car at Honda UK, added: “This Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept by the special team at our Swindon-based plant demonstrates the passion and commitment of the team there – going above and beyond outside working hours to deliver the final product. There are no plans to put this in to production but we will be using it to transport our lawn and garden products as and when required!” View full article

The only way you can purchase a Honda Civic Type R is the fully loaded Touring trim with adaptive dampers, navigation, LED headlights, etc. Possibly, you might have to pay a 'market adjustment' price - i.e. a dealer adding a few grand to the price to make a quick buck. But 2018 could see Honda introduce a base version of the Type R. The Truth About Cars uncovered NHTSA certification papers filed by American Honda for the 2018 model year. The papers reveal two Civic Type R models, 'Type R' and 'Touring'. Both models have the same engine code - K20C1 which corresponds to the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. As we reported back in June, Honda is considering adding more Civic Type R variants to "broaden the audience and keep sales fresh." One way to that is to introduce a lower-cost model. Honda already sells one in other markets that lose out on the navigation system, parking sensors, and LED lighting. Source: The Truth About Cars View full article

The Honda Civic Type R is only available with a six-speed manual which limits the possible group of buyers. But according to CarAdvice, Honda was considering an automatic option of some sort for the Type R. Yuji Matsumochi, assistant large project leader for the 10th-generation Civic's powertrain told the Australian outlet that the Japanese automaker was looking at offering either a conventional automatic or a dual-clutch transmission to broaden the appeal for buyers. But the decision was made to only offer a manual due to weight concerns. “The Type R needs a lightweight powertrain because it is front-wheel-drive, and needs lightweight powertrain systems. So, the engine is a little bit heavy, so the transmission side needs to be more lightweight,” said Matsumochi. “If we applied an automatic transmission, or dual-clutch transmission, for a 400Nm engine, it would be very heavy weight, and very big. The front weight would be very heavy.” Source: CarAdvice View full article

Honda has finally given us a taste of the forbidden fruit that is known as the Civic Type R. But the Japanese automaker has plans to introduce new variants of the Type R to broaden the audience and keep sales fresh. “We’re hoping that by gradually putting out more [variants] that we’ll be able to maintain a more stable sales volume,” Hideki Matsumoto, chief engineer for the Civic model range to Automotive News. Topping the list of variants is a more hardcore Type R offering up more power. Honda is also considering a toned-down Type R that is “focused more on the grand touring aspect” to help broaden the target market. The most interesting idea on the table is making an all-wheel drive variant of the Type R. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Honda has announced pricing for the maddest Civic to date. The 2017 Civic Type R will set you back $34,775 (includes $875.00 destination charge). This confirms the price we saw on a window sticker last month . Honda will only be selling the Type R in the high-spec Touring trim. This will net you LED lighting, 12-speaker audio system, 7-inch touchscreen with HondaLink, navigation, keyless entry, and push-button start. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired solely with a six-speed manual. Other performance tweaks for the Type R includes an aero package, revised suspension with adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and high-performance tires. The Type R is now available at Honda dealers. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 First-Ever Civic Type R for America Goes On Sale Tomorrow Jun 13, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif. 306-horsepower Civic Type R is most powerful production Honda ever sold in the U.S. World's fastest production front-wheel-drive car at the Nürburgring Civic Type R capstones Honda's epic 10th generation Civic lineup The all-new 2017 Honda Civic Type R – the ultimate performance variant of America's best-selling car1 and the first-ever Type R-badged Honda sold in the U.S. – goes on sale starting tomorrow in one comprehensively-equipped Touring trim with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)2 of $33,900. The most powerful production Honda ever sold in America, the track-ready 2017 Civic Type R embodies Honda's racing spirit, making 306 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) from 2,500-4500 rpm from its 2.0-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC® engine. A pre-production version of the new Type R claimed the title of world's fastest production front-wheel-drive (FWD) car on April 7, 2017, setting a record lap time of 7 minutes 43.80 seconds on Germany's legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop), more than three seconds faster than the previous FWD best. The Type R puts the power down through a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with helical limited slip differential hooked up to 245/30ZR20 Continental SportContact 6 high-performance tires on 20x8.5-inch black-finished aluminum wheels. Speed is scrubbed by 13.8-inch cross-drilled rotors clamped by 4-piston Brembo aluminum calipers in front and 12.0-inch rotors with single-piston calipers in the rear. The Type R chassis features a dual-axis strut front suspension and multi-link rear, front and rear anti-roll bars, Type-R exclusive springs, bushings and damper mountings and a newly designed Adaptive Damper System with the ability to continuously adjust damping force at all four corners using input from three on-board G sensors, four suspension stroke sensors and a steering angle sensor. The Adaptive Damper System, along with the dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering, drive-by-wire throttle, and brake system, are tied to the Type R's three selectable driving modes, with COMFORT, SPORT and +R settings, allowing the driver to dial up the Type R's reflexes depending on the driving environment. The throttle ECU also features driver-selectable automatic rev matching with two profiles, one for COMFORT and SPORT modes and one for +R mode, to assist drivers in making smooth downshifts without the need for heel & toe downshifting. Additional performance-enhancing Type-R exclusive features include a weight-saving all-aluminum hood (-11.7 lbs.) and the application of structural adhesives to the body for added structural rigidity, as well as a high-flow exhaust system with three center-mounted exhaust outlets, and a comprehensive aerodynamic package that delivers an exceptional balance of high-speed stability and low drag. 2017 Civic Type R Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Trim MSRP1 EPA MPG Rating3(city/highway/combined) Civic Type R $33,900 22/28/25 Key Exterior and Interior Features The all-new 2017 Civic Type R offers a sporty and stylish exterior with advanced aerodynamics that immediately distinguishes the hatchback at a glance, while also providing a performance-focused interior with comfort, convenience and the latest in technology and connectivity features. Exterior Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame design Acoustic windshield Unibody structural adhesive at key points Triple door sealing Security System with Remote Entry and Trunk Release Advanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) countermeasures LED daytime running lights (DRL) LED headlights with auto on/off LED fog lights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights 2-speed intermittent windshield wipers Smart wipers Body-colored power side mirrors Body-colored door handles Capless fueling system Aerodynamics package with front splitter, side winglets, air-stabilizing vents, large rear wing, and roof-mounted vortex generators Interior 97.0 cubic feet of cabin space Class-leading 22.6-cubic foot cargo area with rear seats up 60/40 split and folding rear seat Soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with integrated HVAC controls 7-inch Driver Information Interface (DII) with selectable performance content Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility 540-watt, 12-speaker stereo Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ Driver Information Interface with performance-oriented information displays Smart Entry and Push Button Start Hill Start Assist Walk Away Door Locking Electric Parking Brake In-Vehicle Connectivity Like the rest of the Civic family, the new Civic Type R significantly benefits from advanced in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of cutting-edge technologies. Type R standard features include a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio interface with Android operating system, with a unique red graphic theme. Matching the aggressive spirit of the Type R is a standard 540-watt 12-speaker audio system. The system enables simplified smartphone connectivity with a single cable connection and is compatible with the Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ platforms. Featuring standard Pandora® compatibility, streaming Bluetooth® audio and many other content choices, including SiriusXM®, the Civic Type R offers a rich selection of audio and connectivity choices. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic is standard equipment on the Civic Type R. The Type R's red-illuminated meter cluster features a 7-inch Drivers Information Interface (DII) that includes a range of selectable real-time information designed to support performance driving. The system can display throttle and brake application in a graphic percentage format, turbocharger boost pressure, lap time (intended for use on closed circuits) and shift lights. A graphical G-meter provides a representation of acceleration, braking and cornering forces. Safety Performance The 2017 Civic Type R is equipped with numerous safety and driver-assistive features. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, Advanced 4-Channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EDB), Brake Assist, LED daytime running lights, headlights and fog lights, a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines, and an Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Passive safety begins with advanced unibody engineering and construction, which includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and energy-dispersing crash stroke front frame rails are employed, and additional passive-safety features include advanced front airbags (i-SRS), front side airbags, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor. View full article

It will not be too long before the Civic Type R begins hitting Honda dealers in the U.S. and we now have some idea on pricing. A member on the CivicX.com forums came across a lot full of new Civic Type Rs nearby a port. The member was able to get some pictures of the vehicles sitting there along with one showing the window sticker. According to the sticker, the Civic Type R Touring will carry a base price of $33,900 - add $875.00 for destination and you'll end up with a final price of $34,775. We don't know if Honda will be doing a lower-trim version of the Type R - Touring at Honda is their designation for the top trim level. If they do, we expect it to be around $30,000 to $32,000. Source: CivicX.com Pic Credit: Newspress USA View full article

UPDATE: The folks at Temple of VTEC were able to find the quote from Car Magazine that the CivicX forums referenced. "Doubtless power will continue to be transmitted by today's magical six-speed manual gearbox, with its tightly packed ratios. There's no indication of a dual-clutch gearbox for the Civic: the announced automated option is a CVT, although engineer Kariya hastily adds that he's tried to head-off the typical rev-metal thrash by making the cooking engines tractable at low revs." We can see how some may think the Civic Type R could be getting a CVT from reading this (emphasis ours). But there is one key thing to be aware of. The line bolded mentions the Civic, not the Civic Type-R. To put this story to rest, Temple of VTEC reached out to Honda for comment. Honda said that the Type R would only come with a six-speed manual. Those worried that Honda was going mad can breath a sigh of relief. Source: Temple of VTEC We're finally getting our chance to sample some forbidden fruit in the form of the Honda Civic Type R when it launches later this year. For awhile, we've known that the Type R would be coming with a six-speed manual transmission only. But it seems there is another transmission option on the horizon and one that will disappoint a number of enthusiasts. (SEE UPDATE ABOVE). In the November issue of Car Magazine (via the CivicX forums), the publication spoke with three senior Honda folks, Mirsuru Kariya - Head engineer of Civic Daisuke Tsutamori - Head designer of Civic Katsushi Inoue - Head of Honda Europe One interesting bit of information that came out of this was the Type R getting the option of a CVT transmission. Yes, we can already hear the cries of those who believe Honda is watering the vehicle down. First, this an option as the manual will be standard. Second, engineers have reportedly tuned the transmission for low-end acceleration. Source: CivicX View full article

It has been quite a while since Honda has offered a bonafide performance vehicle in its lineup (S2000 in 2009). So it was great news to hear that Honda would be bringing the next-generation Civic Type R to our shores. Today at the Geneva Motor Show, Honda pulled the curtain back on the production version. Honda wanted to make the Civic Type R's intentions clear to everyone. The exterior comes with aggressive bumpers, hood scoop, 20-inch wheels finished in black, carbon-fiber-look body kit, huge rear wing, and center-mounted exhaust makes the Civic Type R the most aggressive Honda ever sold in the U.S. For the interior, Honda has fitted the Type R with a set of sport seats, red accent trim, and a serialized Type R plaque on the center console. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder found in the current Civic Type R. Output for this engine is rated at 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. As we reported a few months ago, the Type R will only come with a six-speed manual. Those wanting an automatic are just plain out of luck. In terms of handling, Honda is fitting their Dual-Axis front-strut setup “to minimize torque steer and maximize sporty handling,” by letting the front wheels steer closer to their centerlines. The Type-R will also come with a limited-slip differential, new adaptive dampers, and larger Brembo brakes. Honda says the Civic Type-R will carry a base MSRP in the mid-$30k range when it goes on sale later this spring. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 The Wait Is Nearly Over: New 2017 Honda Civic Type R Makes Global Debut at Geneva Motor Show Mar 7, 2017 First Type R-badged Honda available in the U.S. goes on sale late spring Most powerful, quickest, fastest and most agile Civic ever 2.0-liter i-VTEC® DI TURBO: 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque Major chassis and suspension upgrades for track-ready performance GENEVA – Honda today took the wraps off one of the most anticipated models in its history with the unveiling of the production 2017 Civic Type R at the Geneva Motor Show. The long-awaited Civic Type R, slated to go on sale in the U.S. in late spring with an MSRP in the mid-$30k range, is the first ever Type R-badged Honda to be sold on American soil. The Type R will feature a high performance 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain, substantially upgraded body and chassis, and other track-ready, Nürburgring-tuned and tested performance components. The 2017 Civic Type R will make its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 12, 2017. "The fastest, most powerful Honda ever sold in America, the Type R caps off the incredible success story of our 10th generation Civic lineup," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president & general manager of the Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We're happy to inform our U.S. enthusiasts that the long wait for the forbidden fruit of Honda Type R performance is nearly over!" The new Civic Type R, sharing the body style of the 5-door hatchback variant of the tenth-generation global Honda Civic platform, will be powered by a U.S.-built 2.0-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC in-line 4-cylinder engine with peak ratings of 306 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The engine will be mated exclusively to a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching capability – employing automatic throttle blips for smoother shifts and power delivery. A new single-mass flywheel reduces clutch inertia by 25 percent versus the previous (European) Type R and a lower final gear ratio is employed to improve acceleration response. The Civic Type R chassis builds on the major upgrades undertaken for the 10th-generation Civic makeover with model-exclusive spring, damper and bushing settings, a new Dual-Axis front suspension setup with aluminum lower arms and steering knuckles for improved at-the-limit cornering and reduced torque steer; a new four-wheel Adaptive Suspension System with three-chamber dampers; a retuned and adaptive dual-pinion electric power steering system with variable gear ratio; and a helical limited-slip front differential. Mounted to the suspension are 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels shod with 245/30R 20 Continental ContiSportContact 6 performance tires. Decisive stopping power comes from Brembo 4-pot aluminum calipers squeezing 350mm (13.8-inch) cross-drilled rotors at the front. The rear braking system features solid 305mm (12-inch) rotors. The Type R's scalpel-sharp responses are further enhanced by a body more rigid than the substantially improved Civic Hatchback on which it's based – with a 38 percent increase in torsional rigidity and 45 percent gain in bending rigidity versus the previous Civic Type R – enhancing steering response and cornering stability while mitigating body vibration and cabin noise. The improvements are made possible by the application of structural adhesive throughout the body. Ultra-high strength steel is used for 14 percent of the body structure, and the Type R has an aluminum hood, contributing to a 16 kg (35 lb) reduction in body weight versus the previous Type R, and a 7 kg (15 lb) reduction versus the base 2017 Civic Hatchback. The 2017 Civic Type R is designed to reward the driver in all driving conditions, on the track and on the street, and features three driving modes: Comfort, Sport (default) and +R. The driver selectable modes adjust steering and throttle response, transmission rev-matching, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the Adaptive Damper System. Utilizing new, three-chamber dampers, individual stroke sensors and three vehicle-G sensors, the new damper system offers a wider range of variability for ride comfort and dynamic handling response. The 2017 Civic Type R will launch this spring in a single, premium-contented Touring trim. A 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface with embedded Honda Navigation system has both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility; and should the driver ever tire of hearing the Type R growl, a 540-watt, 12-speaker audio system with SiriusXM 2.0, HD Radio and Pandora compatibility is also provided as standard. Additional interior Type R features include heavily bolstered sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift boot, aluminum shift knob, aluminum sport pedals, red Type R driver's meter and serialized Type R plate on the center console. The Civic Type R will be manufactured by Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing in Swindon, England, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine made by Honda of America Mfg. at its Anna, Ohio engine plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. Pricing specifics and additional details on the 2017 Civic Type R will be provided closer to launch. Specifications and Features Overview Powertrain Engine Type L-4 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC turbocharged engine with dual valve timing control Horsepower 306 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm Torque 295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm Transmission 6-speed manual transmission Chassis Drivetrain Front wheel drive with limited slip differential Steering Dual pinion electric power steering with variable ratio and active steering Suspension Dual axis front strut suspension and independent multilink rear suspension with adaptive damper system Brakes Front Brembo aluminum four piston calipers with drilled 350mm (13.8-inch) rotor brakes. Rear brakes feature solid 305mm (12-inch) rotors Wheels 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels Tires 245/30R 20 Continental ContiSportContact 6 performance tires Driving Modes Three-mode driving dynamics control with Comfort, Sport (default) and “+R” modes adjust dampers, steering, throttle response, transmission (rev matching), VSA (vehicle stability assist) and traction control systems Body Increased body stiffness over current Civic Hatchback and previous generation Type R Exterior LED headlights, fog lights, brake lights and turn signals Interior High-bolstered sport seats with red/black suede-effect fabric Leather wrapped steering wheel Leather wrapped shift knob Sport/racing pedals Illuminated visors Features Display Audio with Navi Dual Auto HVAC XM and HD Radio 12 speaker 540-watt premium audio system Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ View full article

Honda has apparently rediscovered its sporty side when they announced that the Civic Type R would be coming to the U.S. in the near future. But Automotive News reports the Japanese brands wants more sporty cars. Speaking with executive vice president of American Honda, John Mendel, Automotive News asked if the Honda S660 - a roadster that is about two feet shorter than the Mazda Miata would be coming the U.S. Mendel said no. "I wouldn't put my chips on that," said Mendel. "When the practicalities of the market come in, and the car only so big, that might not be the best car for the U.S. market. It might be better for India or China or somewhere else." But the idea of a sports car is still alive and well at Honda. The company filed patent drawings for a mid-engine model this year, and at the opening of their Silicon Valley r&d lab, there was a full-scale exterior design study looking very familiar to the drawings. When asked about, Mendel only said it was a design study from a team. But he did admit that dealers are wanting a sports car of some kind. "They want anything in the sports car world," Mendel said. "They're going, 'Gimme a sports car.' They want a retractable hard top; they want a high-horsepower $20,000 sports car. Because that's the nature of what they do." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article