Honda Type R
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Honda automobile Type R models are special performance editions of their respective model families.
The design of Type R ("R" for "Racing") models was originally focused on race conditions, with an emphasis on minimizing weight, and maximizing performance potential (e.g. engine tuning, suspension set-up). Thus, Type R models were first conceived for racetracks. However, due to Honda's increased focus on their highly regarded VTEC engines, the Type R was eventually designed for a much wider market.
Type R vehicles traditionally have a red Honda badge and championship white paint as an option to relate to their first F1 winning car. Honda's racing and F1 cars often feature a red Honda badge.
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[edit] Models
[edit] NSX Type R
Honda produced a very limited number of NSX type R in 1992 for Japan. Major changes include a more aggressive suspension and an extensive weight reduction to 1230 kg from the normal NSX weight of 1350 kg. The NSX type R was very track oriented as it lacked sound deadening, audio, electric windows, and air conditioning in an effort to reduce weight. The NSX type R's role was replaced by the NSX type S Zero in 1997
A second iteration of the type-R dubbed NSX-R was released in 2002, again exclusively in Japan. The NSX-R has a more aggressive rear spoiler and hood vent, along with various refinements to reduce weight to 1270 kg. Under the body, panels and air fences in the front, along with a small rear diffuser serve to produce balanced downforce. The subtle changes along with its renowned handling have kept NSX-R in contention on the track even against considerably higher-powered cars, such as the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, whose Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time it nearly tied.
[edit] Integra Type R
A regional variant is known in North America as the Acura Integra Type R (DC2). A Type-R variant of the North American RSX was not available. In the rest of the world the RSX (DC5) is still called Integra Type-R. (This applies to only certain production versions of the DC5, inasmuch as there are differences in the brakes, suspension, motors and other parts of the DC5 Type R versus the DC5 Type S.)
The DC2 Type R came standard with a 200 hp (figure may vary in different countries, 195 hp USDM) 1.8 L DOHC VTEC engine, known as the B18C5 (US) or B18C (Japan), and other versions depending on the country where it was sold. Equipped with a close ratio 5-speed manual transmission and a Torsen axle, the DC2 Integra Type R had significantly improved performance and handling relative to the non-Type R Integra.
These were the result of extensive changes, including a strengthened chassis with extra spot welds and thicker metal around the rear shock towers, weight reduction (reduced sound insulation, thinner windscreen, lighter wheels and exhaust), more power (due in part to an 8900 rpm redline and hand-polished and ported intake ports), and suspension upgrades. The result was a capable sports coupe which was acclaimed by motoring journalists worldwide. Interestingly, there was little net weight difference between the Integra Type R and the Integra GS-R, because the extra metal and cross bracing in the Type R almost completely negated the weight reductions. The DC2 Type R was the only Honda Type R ever sold in the United States.
An interesting and little publicised fact about the 1996-2001 DC2 Type R is that Honda lost money on every single vehicle sold, even though extra dealer markups sometimes made for excessive dealer profit. Honda produced the DC2 Type R for homologation purposes to meet FIA certification of the motor and the chassis changes to make the car more competitive in N-series and World Cup racing. The details required, hand tooling in early versions and finishing the product through the use of various small fabrication shops in Japan made for increased costs in manufacture that could not be made up in the list price of the vehicles. Honda (and Acura in the US) deemed the car important for the marque's image and important for the racing programmes of the era, and the parent company therefore accepted a financial net loss on each vehicle sold.
The DC5 Type R (Japanese market only) comes standard with a K20A 220 hp (164 kW) 2.0 L DOHC i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine. The "i" in i-VTEC stands for intelligent VTEC, which employs VTC (Variable Timing Control) to advance or retard the timing up to 50 degrees. The Integra Type R comes equipped with Recaro seats, Brembo brakes, a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, and a stiffer suspension.
[edit] Civic Type R
The Civic Type R models were preceded by the 1989-1991 EF9 CRX SiR and the 1992-1995 EG6 SiR II. The 1989-1991 Civic CRX SiR was the first Civic ever to utilize the potent B16A1 engine and an optional LSD, with a stripped out interior devoid of luxuries such as power windows, A/C and power steering they proved to be a quick hatch. This inaugural top-of-the range Civic marked Honda's successes in Formula One, with multiple Constructors' Championships with the Marlboro McLaren team. The latter EG6 SiR II used the same stripped out formula, with a 10 hp (7 kW) hike for the B16A2 engine and a marginally stiffer chassis, this time in a larger heavier body shell. The 1997 EK9 Civic was the first to be given the Type R badge. It featured a type R prepared B16B engine producing 180hp, Helical LSD, stiffer chassis, uprated sway bars and strut bars, recaro alcantra seats and 15" alloy wheels. Since then most generations have offered a Type R variant. The Type R version of the civic has not been released in the U.S.
[edit] Accord Type R/ Euro-R
The Honda Accord Type-R (ATR) was produced from 1998-2003 using the CH1 Accord chassis and sold in UK/EU markets, the JDM Accord Euro-R uses the CL1 chassis. Using a naturally aspirated 2.2 litre 4-cylinder H22A VTEC motor which produces 220 bhp (220ps)and the udm "uk" was (209ps) @ 7,200 rpm and 164 lb·ft (222 N·m) @ 6,700 rpm. The Accord Type-R includes a stiffened chassis, limited-slip-differential, twin-pot brakes, dual exit exhaust system, Recaro seats and a leather trimmed Momo steering wheel. 0-60 is around 7-seconds and the top speed is approximately 141 mph (227 km/h).
Its successor is the CL7 Accord Euro-R produced 2003-2007 built in Sayama, Japan for the JDM market, it came with a K20A I-VTEC motor {Displacement: 1998 cc, Compression: 11.5:1, Power: 220 bhp (220 PS, 162 kW) @ 8000 rpm, Torque: 152 ft·lbf (206 N•m) @ 7000 rpm and a Redline of 8500 rpm} same as the 02-06 Integra Type R. Of course it has the standard Type R modifications – including Recaro seats, a limited-slip-differential and independent double-wishbone suspension.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Honda Civic Type-R Owners Club
- Integra Type R Club of America
- 2007 Civic Type R concept
- Type-R owners.co.uk
- Integra Type R Forum
- Accord Type-R Forum
- EK9 Civic Type-R Forum
- The Honda Civic Type-R Resource
- ClubITR.com.au - Integra & Civic Type-R Forum Australia
[edit] References
- FNFMotors.ca - Hight Performance JDM Engines (commercial site)
- JDMRacingMotors.com - JDM Engines (commercial site)
- [1] - Specs for Civic EDM EP3 available via Used Car Search function
- [2] - Specs for 2007 Civic Type-R via: Type R 07 -> Specs -> Download specifications PDF
