Honda Civic Type R EK9 Model
Source: Honda
Honda’s first generation of Civic Type R’s can be traced back to the EK9 models which were in production from 1997-2001. Pop the hood of this established JDM legend and you’ll find a high-performance version of the sixth-generation Honda Civic hatchback, which was only available in Japan and Europe. The EK9 was powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine that produced 182 horsepower at 8,200 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. It had a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential which combined with the high performance engine, allowed for blistering speeds up to 140 mph and quarter-mile times of 15.3 seconds, and remember, this is all straight from the factory.
Interior of 6th Generation Honda Civic Type R
Source: Honda
With the high performance engine, sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and nimble chassis, this made the first generation of Civic Type R’s the perfect platform for automotive enthusiasts within the tuning community. The EK9 was an instant hit among enthusiasts and was praised for its exceptional handling and high-revving engine. It set a new benchmark for front-wheel-drive performance cars and won numerous awards and accolades. That first generation Civic Type R was beloved by everyone and more importantly, it established the foundation upon which all preceding Honda Civic Type R’s would emulate.
7th Generation (2000-2005) Honda Civic Type R
Source: Honda
The follow-up to the EK9 Civic Type R, was the more European market centered EP3. This performance focused model was introduced in Japan and Europe in 2001 and based on the seventh-generation Honda Civic hatchback. Powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that produced 197 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque it was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. This performance oriented model allowed the second-generation Civic Type R to hit quarter-mile times of 13.9 seconds, a vast improvement upon the first-generation Type R’s. The EP3 officially introduced the western world to the performance prowess of Honda and they would continue to dominate the high-performance hatchback/sedan market.
Interior of EK9 Civic Type R
Source: Honda
The third-generation Civic Type R, also known as the FD2, was introduced in Japan and international markets in 2007. The FD2 was powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that produced 222 horsepower and 159 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential the FD2 was able to achieve quarter mile times of 14.4 seconds and 0-60 times under 6 seconds. Despite the prominent performance figures, the FD2 remains a controversial model year due to only being produced as a four-door sedan and not the 3-door hatchback model many enthusiasts had become accustomed to.
8th Generation (2005-2011) Honda Civic Type R
Source: Honda
Interior of FN2 Civic Type R
Source: Honda
In 2015, Honda introduced the fourth-generation Type R, based on the ninth-generation Civic. This model was the introduction of a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produced 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Civic Type R yet. The fourth-generation Type R also featured an adaptive suspension system, larger brakes, a more aerodynamic body kit, and driver assistant safety features.
9th Generation (2011-2015) Honda Civic Type R
Source: Honda
2017 would mark Honda’s return to form in the eyes of automotive enthusiasts after Honda set a new lap record for front-wheel-drive production cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany with the fifth-generation Type R, completing the 12.9-mile course in just 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds. Known also as the FK8, this model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, similar to the previous generation. The new Honda Civic Type R also featured a revised suspension system, improved aerodynamics, and a refreshed exterior design
10th Generation (2005-2011) Honda Civic Type R
Source: Honda
FK8 Honda Civic Type R badgeSource: Honda
Source: Honda
As of 2023, Honda released the most powerful Civic Type R to date in its sixth generation dubbed the FL5. Although more conservative in exterior design to its predecessor, the FL5 carries the same 2.0-liter engine with an improved 325 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Undoubtedly, the most powerful production model of the Civic Type R. Additionally, this model year continues the revival of the hatchback along with the 6-speed manual transmission. Honda’s return to the roots of the first-generation Civic Type R will undoubtedly make the FL5 a future JDM classic.
Honda Civic Type R 11th Generation Models (2022 - present)
Source: Honda
Despite 26 years of unparalleled success in the automotive world, Honda continues to push the performance boundaries with every iteration of the Civic Type R. They have reestablished themselves as one of the dominant figures in the high-performance hatchback/sedan segment and shattered speed records on the most prestigious track in the world. And they achieved all these remarkable feats while keeping the Honda Civic Type R attainable for any and all automotive enthusiasts. Success achieved only once would be considered luck, success achieved yet again could be considered skill, but success achieved over a sustained period of 26 years must be considered timeless. Should anyone look up the definition of timeless, the word should only be accompanied by a single image, that of the Civic Type R.
Source: Honda
Source: Honda
Source: Honda
