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Our tears have barely dried at the passing of the last Type R and the new one, expected to launch later this year, is already setting records. Down falleth the front-wheel-drive record, previously belonging to the outgoing hardcore Civic Type R Limited Edition, at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
Video: New Civic Type R breaks Suzuka lap record
Setting a 2:23.210, the new Type R in prototype form has nicked the record from its no-compromise predecessor by no less than 0.8 of a second. That’s the difference between a podium finisher and the back of the grid over an F1 race lap. At the Nürburgring, where the first FK8 set a 7:43.8-second lap record in 2017, the new car could go a lot quicker.
What do we know about the new Type R so far? Well, the new Civic in general tones down those design-by-excess boy racer looks, so expect more of the same with the Type R version. It’ll also use a new version of the outgoing K20C VTEC turbo engine, which currently produces 320PS (235kW). Crucial too is that this will be a Civic that isn’t built in Swindon, with the UK factory shutting up shop.
We’re also expecting for the first time to see a Type R with a choice of both a six-speed manual gearbox and a paddle-shift item. Come what may, it’s a Civic Type R, so you know it’s going to be one of the very best-driving hot hatches on the market, if not the most cossetting.
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