2017 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R FIRST LOOK

2017 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

I haven’t driven a Honda product with a Type R badge since the late 90s Acura Integra. The R stands for Racing and for the past 2 decades, the hardcore Civic Type R has been left out of Honda’s U.S. lineup – until now.

Based on the 10^th generation Civic, this all-new 2017 Type R is a front-wheel drive, high-performance hatchback with track-ready capabilities.

A tuned and turbocharged i-VTEC 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with up to 22.8 psi of boost pumps out 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque mated to a 6-speed manual making this Type R the fastest Honda production automobile ever offered in America with a top speed of 170mph.

A driver-selectable rev-matching feature smooths high performance upshifts and downshifts, and Launch Control helps optimize off-the line traction for maximum acceleration. And to help put the power to the ground, a helical limited-slip front differential is standard.

The Civic Type R features a specially designed high-flow exhaust system with a unique triple-outlet design centered in the rear of the car – a key factor in the sound of the exhaust note in the interior. According to Honda, the system is engineered to offer a stirring exhaust note under acceleration, coupled with quiet cruising at low power settings.  Gas mileage is rated at 25mpg in combined driving on premium fuel.

A special 3-mode Adaptive Damper System helps the Type R transition from the street to the track, with Comfort, Sport and +R settings. This Civic also uses the most aggressive wheel/tire combination ever fitted to a production Honda with all-new 20” Continental SportContact 6 summer-use rubber.

Brake-based torque vectoring is used to improve initial turning response and overall cornering ability as evidenced by the Type R’s claim as the fastest front-wheel drive production car in the world after recently setting a Nurburgring record.

Available in a single trim with the only option being body color, the Civic Type R Touring carries an MSRP of $34,775.