The 2020 Civic Type R was recently revealed as a revised version of Honda’s frontline hot hatchback. Changes primarily focused on alterations to the suspension for better high-speed stability, improved cooling, and hardier brakes. Today we receive news of the surprise announcement of two new variants of the FK8 Honda Civic Type R.
The first is one that some people have been crying out for since the car’s launch back in 2017. The Type R Sport Line is a more subtle take on the 316bhp performance car, with revised aero that removes that eye-catching rear wing. Aerodynamic stability has been retained through other elements of the car and work done to the chassis. Suspension tweaks, softer Michelin Pilot Sports 4S tyres, as well as additional sound deadening has been installed to make this FK8 more comfortable as a daily driver. You’ll also notice that those distinctive red seats are now black.
At the other end of the spectrum is what is being called the Limited Edition Type R. Just 100 examples of this lightweight Type R will be built for Europe, 600 for America, with only 20 cars allocated to the UK. This extremely rare variant of the FK8 is only available in yellow and is 47kg lighter than the standard car. The infotainment system and air condition have been stripped from the interior, and lightweight 20-inch BBS alloy wheels have been fitted to reduce unsprung mass.
For both new versions of the Civic Type R, engine performance remains the same. The now familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC engine produced 316bhp and 295lb ft of torque in Euro-spec cars, and 306bhp for US specification vehicles. The power difference comes down to calibration for higher octane fuels in Europe.
Pricing has yet to be announced for the Sport Line or Limited Edition, so watch this space.
