August 1997: The EK9 Civic Type-R is launched in Japan. It is powered by an exclusively-developed 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B16B engine that makes 185 bhp at 8,200 rpm.

The lightweight B16B engine features a new valve system allowing higher engine speeds, reduced engine friction, improved breathing, and increased compression ratio.

Main features of handling include increased body rigidity, reduced weight, sports suspension, torque-sensitive helical LSD, sports-tuned ABS, and Bridgestone Potenza RE010 tires.

The Civic Type R models were preceded by the 1990-1991 EF8 CRX SiR and the 1992-1995 EG6 SiR-II. The 1990-1991 Civic CRX SiR was the first Civic ever to utilize the potent B16A engine and an optional LSD, and with a stripped out interior devoid of optional luxuries such as power windows, A/C and power steering, they proved to be quite a quick hatch.

This inaugural top-of-the range Civic marked Honda's successes in Formula One, with multiple Constructor's Championships with the Marlboro McLaren team.

The latter EG6 SiR-II used the same stripped out formula, with a 10 hp (7 kW) hike for the B16A engine and a marginally stiffer chassis, this time in a larger heavier body shell.

The 1998 EK9 Civic was the first to be given the Type R badge. It featured a Type R prepared B16B engine producing 185 PS (182 hp), Helical LSD, stiffer chassis, upgraded sway bars and strut bars, Recaro alcantara seats, 15" alloy wheels and a large boot spoiler. Since then, most generations have offered a Type R variant. The Type R version of the Civic has never been sold in the U.S.