Honda performance designation for the most extreme variants of select models. The original NSX-R (1992), Integra Type R (1995), and Civic Type R lineage.
Type R (sometimes shortened to Type R, with the "R" standing for Racing) is Honda performance designation for the most extreme variants of select models. The first Type R was the 1992 NSX-R (NSX Type R), a track-focused, lightweight version of the original NSX. The Integra Type R (DC2 chassis, 1995-2001) followed and became one of the most respected front-wheel drive driver cars ever made. The Civic Type R lineage (EK9, EP3, FN2, FK2, FK8, FL5) extended the formula to the Civic platform.
Type R signature elements include lightweight construction (stripped interior, lightweight wheels, removed sound deadening), performance suspension tuning, distinctive styling (often Championship White paint, red badging, aggressive aerodynamics), and high-performance powertrains (typically the highest-output Honda engines available for the platform). The cars are typically homologation-related (built in limited quantities to meet racing specification requirements).
The current Civic Type R (FL5, 2023+) is the latest in the lineage. 320 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder, six-speed manual transmission, dramatic aerodynamics, and chassis tuning that has set Nürburgring lap records for FWD cars. The FL5 represents the modern peak of Type R engineering. Whether Honda continues the Type R lineage in electric vehicles remains to be seen.