Piloted by Super GT Series racer Takuya Izawa, the Type R Limited Edition achieved its record-breaking lap during final performance evaluations in February using a development car built to final European production specifications, with no modifications or performance enhancements. Video capturing the record breaking lap through in-car footage is available here, with a separate video of the development crew working on the Type R at the track 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 for the U.S. market is the ultimate street-legal, track-focused variant of Honda’s legendary Civic Type R, with significant measures taken to reduce weight and improve handling performance. Just 600 will be available when it launches in the U.S. later this year, exclusively painted in new Phoenix Yellow Pearl with contrasting gloss black accents on the roof and mirrors, and a dark chrome Civic badge. Inside, each Type R Limited Edition will feature an individually numbered serial plate denoting the vehicle’s original country of sale. The U.S.-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 mechanical upgrades from the standard Type R for the U.S. market include: Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels from acclaimed manufacturer BBS (18 lbs. unsprung weight reduction); Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for improved traction and handling grip; dampers optimized for the new wheel/tire package; recalibrated steering for finer control and feedback; and further weight reduction of 28.2 lbs. through measures such as strategic reduction of sound-deadening materials.
In addition to its unique touches, the Type R Limited Edition shares most of the updates that debuted on 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, plus the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.
Under the hood, the Type R Limited Edition draws power from the same race-bred 2.0-liter VTEC® Turbo engine, putting out a peak 306-horsepower (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.
