The Honda Civic Type R has followed in the wheel tracks of its predecessor, setting a new track record for fastest front-wheel drive vehicle on the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Its predecessor had previously earned the title of fastest front-wheel drive car at the famous Green Hell in 2017.
The new-generation model set a time of 7 minutes and 44.881 seconds, which is technically longer than the old car’s 7m 43.80s record which it maintained before being toppled by the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R in 2019.
Since the last Type R’s attempt, however, Nurburgring officials extended the required distance for record-setting.
The Type R completed the course wearing its optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tyres instead of the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres.
“Six years after the lap record was set by the previous-generation Civic Type R (FK8), we reached this new dimension as a result of all of the passions we poured in and all the advancements we made for this Type R model,” said Hideki Kakinuma, development leader for the Civic Type R.
“Finally, our wish to share this title with all Type R fans all around the world came true.
“We sincerely hope that all current and prospective owners of the Type R will enjoy and love their vehicle with the pride we share with you.”
Honda has already set a front-wheel drive car lap record at Suzuka International Racing Course (Suzuka Circuit) with a 2:23.12 lap time.
The Civic Type R is in hot demand, with wait times in Australia blowing out to late 2024.
Honda says it developed the Civic Type R to be the fastest front-engine, front-wheel drive vehicle, while offering both an “addictive” driving feel and secure high-speed stability.
It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235kW of power and 420Nm of torque, up 7kW and 20Nm on the previous model.
Honda claims a 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.4 seconds, while top speed is 275km/h.
Drive is sent to the front axle via a six-speed manual transmission and helical-type limited-slip differential – which never locks the speed of the two driving wheels together like a locking diff.
The new generation has a more rigid body structure, a longer wheelbase, and wider tracks front and rear.
Honda has retuned the dual-axis strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension to improve straight-line stability and steering feel.
The front brakes feature dual-piece rotors, and cooling has been improved relative to the previous model.
There’s a wider exhaust intake allowing for 10 per cent more airflow, while the six-speed manual has a lighter flywheel and revised rev-matching system.
MORE: Everything Honda Civic
