Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition Sets New Record at Suzuka

Honda’s most extreme Type R yet – the Civic Type R Limited Edition – has set a new lap record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan for Front-Wheel Drive cars, with a time of 2 mins and 23.993 seconds.

In case you’re wondering what is different with the Civic Type R Limited Edition, it features lightweight components, suspension and steering upgrades, and a stripped-back, driver-focused interior, making it lighter which of course means quicker.

The record-breaking lap was achieved by a Type R Limited Edition development car as it underwent its final performance evaluation in February 2020.

The development car featured the same technical specifications as the production version, with no modifications or performance enhancements.

Just 100 of the Type R Limited Edition will be built for Europe, each benefiting from the standard Type R’s outstanding driving dynamics and performance.

The new Limited Edition features lightweight 20-inch forged BBS alloy wheels with high grip Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres. These are designed exclusively for outstanding circuit performance but still deliver exceptional on-road performance, whilst providing a 10kg weight saving.

Modified dampers optimise this new wheel and tyre combination and, together with recalibrated steering, offer maximum control and feedback.

The Adaptive Damper System’s control software now evaluates road conditions faster, resulting in improved damper reactions for both better handling response and ride quality.

The new Limited Edition model retains the Type R’s 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine. Peak power output is 320PS at 6,500 rpm and peak torque is 400 Nm from 2,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. 0-100 km/h is achieved in 5.7 seconds.

The striking Type R Limited Edition will be available in an exclusive new colour, ‘Sunlight Yellow’, and will feature an exclusive dark chrome Civic badge on the rear hatch and a contrasting gloss black roof.

Gloss black wing mirrors and an intake vent on the bonnet complete its aggressive styling.

The interior of the flagship Civic Type R Limited Edition echoes Honda’s sporting bloodline with red bucket seats and a plaque marking the build number of the car.

The Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a newly designed teardrop style gear knob provides the driver with a greater sense of oneness with the Type R even on the highly technical Suzuka Circuit.

The track-focused nature of the car means the infotainment and air conditioning systems are omitted to save weight, but the rear seats remain to ensure that that the Limited Edition retains the everyday usability for which the Civic is renowned.

The new tyres and wheels, together with new lightweight components and a stripped-back interior all contribute to a 47kg weight reduction compared to the Type R GT variant.

Meanwhile, the suspension set-up and Adaptive Damper System have also been improved across all Type R models for more responsive, sharper handling and improved ride quality.

FK8 Honda Civic Type R: Spoon, Mugen, or Stock?

So, today turned out to be an exciting day for Honda fanboys as news broke out that renowned Honda tuner, Spoon Sports, now has an extensive list of upgrade options for the FK8 Civic Type R – you know, carbon fibre bodykit, carbon fibre this, carbon fibre that, N1 exhausts, SW388 wheels, racing-grade drive shafts and ball joints, and what not.

Does the car look good with all the Spoon bits in it and on it? Of course it does! It looks like it’s ready to take on any circuit that gets thrown its way bro…

Although the people at Spoon claim that there is improvement in terms of performance with the kit, we don’t know the exact details yet, but its Spoon lah… Not some Sudu Motorsports Bawah Pokok garage. Trust them when they say the car’s better than the stock version.

Now, there will definitely be those who feel that the Spoon Civic Type R is too racy and hardcore, and prefer something that just looks visually outrageous, but with standard performance.  The people who’re all about the gaya,mutu, keunggulan, you know?

If you fall under this category, then this thing right here might tickle you in the right places. Say hello to the Mugen Civic Type R. Previewed at the 2019 Malaysia Autoshow, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd certainly managed to tease the privates of thousands of ricers who set sight on the car.

Unlike the Spoon version, Mugen’s version of the FK8 here is all about cosmetics, both inside and outside the car. There are tonnes of additions like the carbon fibre grille, front lip spoiler, rear spoiler, special MUGEN LED lights, insane 20-inch wheels, carbon fibre wing mirrors, red Mugen gear knob, Mugen scuff plates, carpets, and so much more lah. Memang gila…

Now, keep in mind that the FK8 Civic Type R is already an insane car in its standard guise. Ask anyone who has driven it. 306 PS, 400 Nm of torque, 0 – 100 in under 6 seconds, auto rev-matching, blow off valve, Prang exhausts, Nurburgring record, eh,apa lagi you mahu?

So, which one would you go for? “Standard itu indah”, Mugen Madness, or Spoon-tuned and ready to rumble?