2006 Honda Civic Type-R

Civic Type-R also known as CTR is coming soon. To please all its fans, Honda engineers have designed a 'superhatch' to deliver blistering performance from the same power output as the previous incarnation (200 bhp). When Honda unveils a new sports car concept there is always a sense of anticipation, new Civic Type R is no exception. The aggressive hot hatch with lower and wider-looking body encases a new 2.0 liter engine.

The Type R name was introduced by Honda Motorcycles, where the letter R was added to conventional bike names to indicate a performance derivative. For example, the CB – a standard 4-cylinder across-the-frame bike – became the CB-R, a sporting model. One of the earliest Type-R cars was the Honda NSX-R, a stripped-down, lightweight version of the NSX supercar. This was developed in response to claims the NSX did not have enough power to compete with rival sportcars from Porsche and Ferrari.

The Type R philosophy is not about building the most powerful, or fastest car in the world. It is about creating a car that provides a well-engineered, but exciting driving experience. To offer this, every Type R needs to have some characteristics. An exhilarating driving experience similar to that felt when piloting a racing car and high levels of feedback and involvement in terms of sound, steering response and handling and fast is part of the Type-R experience, but not everything. The Type R should have above average levels of performance in gear change quality, braking, steering and handling. The driving experience should not be diluted or interfered with by driving aids or sound proofing that could detract from the driver's involvement. A Type R is not equipped with luxuries such as satellite navigation, hands-free telephones or leather upholstery. It should look and fee raw, like a racing car. No bolting on of a turbocharger to give silly power figures. All Type-R engines are normally-aspirated, which deliver smoother power delivery throughout the rev range, allowing power to be transferred through the chassis more easily, improving traction and acceleration.

Type-R history was starts with NSX-R launched in February 1992. In 1995 DC2 Integra Type-R came out. Then EK9 Civic Type-R was launched on August 1997. The 1998 Accord Type-R was launched. Integra Type-R (DC5) was updated on 2001. And then the Type-R version of the 7th generation Civic was built on October 2001. The CTR – as it became known by enthusiasts, was powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 200 bhp. The Civic Type-R went on selling over 35,000 units and picked up numerous Hot Hatch of the Year awards. And finally the wait was over for the next, the all-new Civic Type-R, based on a three-door hatch version of the 2006 Civic was unveiled at Geneva Motor Show.