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Type R

Car culture term

Type R
Photo: Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Type R?

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.

Related terms

Mugen

Frequently asked questions

What is the most legendary Type R?
The Integra Type R DC2 (1995-2001) is widely considered the connoisseur Type R. The original NSX-R (1992) is the halo model. The Civic Type R EK9 (1997-2000, JDM-only) is the original Civic Type R and now a cult collector item. Different generations have devoted followings.
Why are Type Rs Championship White?
Honda Championship White paint is the traditional Type R color. The white paint references Honda Formula One racing heritage (Honda Formula One cars were typically white with red livery). Type Rs are also offered in other colors, but white is the iconic Type R color and the most associated with the lineage.
Is the Civic Type R fast?
Yes, very. The current FL5 Civic Type R makes 320 horsepower, runs 0-60 in around 5.0 seconds, and posted a 7:44 Nürburgring lap time, setting a new front-wheel drive record. The chassis dynamics and gearbox are widely praised. The Type R is considered one of the best modern hot hatches.
Is there an NSX Type R?
Two production Type R NSXs exist. The 1992 NSX-R (built only in 1992, 483 produced) was the original. The 2002 NSX-R (built 2002-2007, 140 produced) was a refresh of the formula on the second-generation NSX chassis. Both are highly collectible; clean examples sell for over $300,000 today.
Is the Acura Integra Type S the same as Type R?
The 2024+ Acura Integra Type S uses the same K20C1 turbocharged engine and chassis as the Civic Type R FL5. The badge differs (Type S, not Type R), and Acura tunes the suspension slightly differently. Whether it qualifies as a true Type R is debated; the engineering connection is undeniable.

Type R on the blog

BMW is building an electric M3 and keeping the six-cylinder one
BMW is building an electric M3 and keeping the six-cylinder one

BMW's electric M3 is expected in production next year on a dedicated EV platform, and a combustion M3 is lined up for 2028 using a modified version of today's S58 twin-turbo inline-six with mild-hybrid help. M boss Frank van Meel has hinted the gas car may even keep a manual.

The next BMW 3 Series has been spotted without camouflage
The next BMW 3 Series has been spotted without camouflage

The next-generation BMW 3 Series, an M350 xDrive, has been photographed undisguised in Munich. The clearest change is at the back, with wide taillights that stretch almost to the center of the trunk and a busier, heavily creased bumper borrowed from the electric Neue Klasse i3. Production starts in the second half of this year.

Honda's hardcore Type R HRC is reportedly heading to production
Honda's hardcore Type R HRC is reportedly heading to production

Honda Racing Corporation's track-focused Civic Type R could become a full production model by 2027, according to Japanese outlet Response. What's confirmed is the aero kit itself, which HRC president Koji Watanabe says will be sold as accessories. Takuma Sato tested it at Suzuka and called it "way better" than standard.

The next Hyundai Kona looks like it's giving up the weirdness that made it interesting
The next Hyundai Kona looks like it's giving up the weirdness that made it interesting

Spy photos of the third-generation Hyundai Kona, expected for 2028, show a much more conventional crossover than the sharply creased current car. It's a prototype, not an official reveal, and outlets disagree on whether it's getting boxier or softer. Either way, the weirdness looks like it's going.

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