Blog - Classic

Honda Type R story: Road to the red zone

The book tells the story of the Type R brand; cars made for those passionate about the thrill of driving.

The book is available worldwide, the shipping costs are the same, 12 € for all countries (except France).

We begin in a small village at the foot of Mt Fuji to retrace the life of a little boy that didn’t think like the others, and who created – a few years later – a giant of the automotive industry: The Honda Motor Company.

Through his exceptional success story, we’ll discover the advent of the sportiest Honda cars; from the first NSX to the 2015 Civic Type R.

With anecdotes, exclusive photographs, interviews, technical specifications and a unique insight from an enthusiast’s perspective, I will guarantee that this will be an invigorating read.

The book is an illuminating narrative, written by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts who see cars as an object of pleasure, and not just as a means of getting from A to B.

Below is an unfinished extract from the book. The book’s content will be dual language, English & French.

To preorder the new book, please visit the following URL:

http://www.ulule.com/type-r-livre/

What are the funds for?

I don’t have a publishing house working with me on this project as they’re not crazy enough! I’m doing this with small team.To understand the book to a degree where I would want to buy it, I knew I needed to be surrounded by people who are as passionate as I am. There are now thirteen people working on it!

It’s been a risk to personally bear all of the operating costs (design, graphics, correction, translation, linguist & travel).

With almost 18,000 Euros invested in the project so far, if I do not acquire enough orders to print the book, the team will be paid as agreed.

The justification of the crowdfunding is to make sure the printing of the book happens.

I have chosen to use a well known European printer (Escourbiac), who can offer the best type of materials to make sure the book has the quality feel it deserves.

During discussions on the French forums, a final price of €45 Euros was agreed for European orders (excluding delivery).

For us to achieve this price point, an initial order of 500 books would have to be placed. The book would not make the project a profit until around 950 orders have been placed.

This project is something I care about deeply and therefore I propose to you (on Ulule only) that the price to acquire the book will have a special price of €39 (excluding delivery) for European orders.

If the orders of the book exceed 1000 units, then instead of giving you back some Euro’s, I will be offering additional content, which will be obtained from a trip to Japan in the near future, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

If the campaign is successful, and I truly hope it is, I will be offering a financial bonus to my team for all of the hard work that I have asked of them for the duration of this project. If it doesn’t work, I’ll offer you a new campaign with a lower goal but with a higher price.

I am pleased to introduce to you my wonderful team.
 

About the project owner

Lionel Lucas, 32 years old.In addition to my daily career as a civil engineer, I’ve  also been a blogger the French website Caradisiac since 2006.With regards Type R’s, I think I loved them from the moment I knew they existed.

When Honda stopped selling the Type R in Europe in 2010, I had the thought to begin writing this book, and to celebrate the planned return of the Type R brand to Europe, I started this project just over a year ago.

I have to honest and say that this book provides a certain element of therapy for me. After many years of driving iconic cars such as Peugeot Rallye’s, Clio Cups and Civic Type R’s, I almost lost my licence, and realising that I had paid out more than €2500 euros in fines, I took a moment of reflection and purchased a hybrid car.

I must admit that my behaviour during this period changed. I believe that we can take pleasure in driving on the road whilst being completely responsible. There is a time for everything.

For me it is a matter of balance, self control and responsibility.

The sheer thrill of driving is something that we must relish in those exceptional moments, and through the reading of this book, I really hope I can share this philosophy with you.

29th January 2016 Journal, Media, Press Releases, Uncategorized

Tuners give new twist on Civic Type R at Tokyo Auto Salon.

  • Japanese tuning houses Mugen and Modulo unveil their vision of Civic Type R at Tokyo Auto Salon
  • Tokyo Auto Salon is the world’s largest customised automobile show
  • Other Honda vehicles to feature include several versions of S660 roadster
  • Honda Racing to exhibit Super GT500 NSX CONCEPT-GT
  • Tokyo Auto Salon open to the public from 15-17 January

Amongst the concepts and special editions at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2016, tuners have turned their attention to the new Civic Type R to give their unique twist on the race car for the road.

The event is the world’s largest customised automobile show, with thousands attending to see radical versions of some of the best-selling cars in Japan and globally.

Mugen Civic Type R concept
Famous for making many adaptations of best-selling Honda models, tuning house Mugen has taken the new Civic Type R (recently launched for sale in Japan) and added even more aggressive body styling to the package.

The concept adds a revised front bumper with contrasting black parts around the lip and wheel arches. The black theme is continued through the rest of the car, with side and rear skirts giving an aggressive on road stance. The standard rear spoiler is replaced by a lighter, race car inspired design, again finished in black.

Modulo Civic Type R
Modulo have taken the standard Type R design, and added a revised body kit, with flared side skirts. The standard fuel filler cap has been replaced with one of a different design, while red body colour accents are used on the wing mirror covers and the sides of the rear spoiler.

Honda Racing at Tokyo Auto Salon
Honda Racing will exhibit a range of its challengers from 2015, including the McLaren-Honda MP4-30, the Super GT GT500 NSX CONCEPT-GT and Honda’s entry in the Japanese Super Formula series.

Other Honda exhibits at Tokyo Auto Salon

Modulo
STEP WGN Modulo Concept
Modulo S660 Study Model
Modulo S660 Drago Modulo Special Model
N-ONE Modulo X
N-BOX Modulo X
N-WGN Daily Luxe Collection + E500
Modulo FIT
Mugen
Mugen S660
Honda S660 MUGEN RA Prototype
Mugen STEP WGN Spada
Mugen Vezel

Honda Civic Type R Mugen

Honda Mugen S660

Honda NSX Super GT Concept.

12th November 2015 BTCC, Latest, News

BTCC Honda Yuasa Racing secures first motorsport title for new Civic Type R

The new Honda Civic Type R has this weekend added motorsport honours to its growing list of plaudits, as Honda Yuasa Racing clinched the drivers and manufacturers championship in the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in a tense final round at Brands Hatch.

Continuing the success story for the most high performance car ever to wear the red ‘H’ badge, the new Honda Civic Type R was developed with help from the brand’s World Touring Car Team. Vital analysis and feedback from the track informed decisions about performance and styling, supporting the British team to driver and manufacturer titles in its first competitive year.

The road-going version of the Civic Type R broke cover at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show back in March and with the Dunlop MSA British Touring Cars season kicking off just a few short weeks after, the Honda Yuasa Racing team required special assistance from Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) to ensure the car was ready to race.

Billed as a race car for the road, the aggressive hot hatch set the fastest time for a front wheel drive car around the legendary Nurburgring and has a total output of 310ps, a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 170 mph.

Gordon Shedden commented: “You’re only as good as the car you’re sat in, and the Honda Yuasa Racing guys have given me an amazing bit of kit all season. The Honda Civic Type R only came out this year, and we’ve won both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships.

“At the start of the season, because of the newness of the car, we had severely limited part

Honda wins BTCC drivers and manufacturers championships

Honda wins BTCC drivers and manufacturers championships

12th November 2015 Latest, News

Ricky Wilson gets exclusive tour of McLaren Technology Centre from Jenson Button

Ricky Wilson, lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs and Honda Civic Type R ambassador, spent today (Thursday 15th October) being given an exclusive guided tour of the McLaren Technology Centre by McLaren-Honda driver Jenson Button, as well as taking on the McLaren F1 simulator.

In front of a huge crowd of fans on the Honda stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed back in June, Jenson invited The Voice coach and Radio X DJ to the state-of-the-art facility in Woking to see the production side of McLaren for both F1 and road cars but due to the pairs busy schedules the tour has only just been able to take place.

As well as taking in the state-of-the-art Formula One facility, the immaculate McLaren Road Car production line and the on-site wind tunnel, Ricky was put to the test in the F1 simulator. This is where Jenson prepares for each grand prix, learning the tracks and refining the car’s set-up for the weekend ahead. For Ricky, it was a baptism of fire – he was given a crash helmet and a pair of driving gloves before immediately being strapped into the cockpit for some super-fast laps of the Circuit Of The Americas, the venue for next week’s US Grand Prix.

“I am so glad Jenson had gone by the time I got into the simulator as I don’t think the boys at McLaren had ever seen anyone roll it before now,” said Ricky Wilson. “When it comes to toys; they don’t come any bigger or better than that and I feel extremely lucky to be one of the very few people to have experienced it. I thought my Civic Type R was quick but that is a whole new level.

“Becoming an ambassador for the Civic Type R has been fantastic and I’m doing some amazing things and going to some amazing places, like the MTC. From earning my race licence up at Knockhill with the 2015 BTCC champion Gordon Shedden to taking on the Goodwood hillclimb this summer at the Festival of Speed to now experiencing the wonder of the McLaren Technology Centre; every day I am loving it more and more!”

“It’s his turn to invite me to something now,” said Jenson Button. “He owes me VIP backstage passes to the next big gig he does and I am not taking no for an answer!”

“Signing Ricky to the Honda family was a fantastic decision,” said Phil Crossman, Managing Director of Honda UK, “Not only is he a rock star but he’s now a fully qualified racing driver with a race car for the road in the new Civic Type R. Jenson taking him around the McLaren Technology Centre can only serve to further fuel his passion for all things automotive.

“Plus I sincerely hope that Ricky will also provide me with me a couple of VIP backstage passes to his next gig!”

Ricky Wilson and Jenson Button at the MTC

Ricky Wilson and Jenson Button at the MTC

Ricky Wilson and Jenson Button at the MTC

Ricky Wilson and Jenson Button at the MTC

12th November 2015 Latest, News

Honda NSX supercar shortlisted for What Car? Reader Award 2016

Honda NSX supercar shortlisted for What Car? Reader Award 2016

  • Next generation NSX supercar among the most eagerly anticipated new cars of 2016
  • Honda HR-V took the 2015 What Car? Reader Award crown
  • Voting open now until Friday 27 November. Cast your votes for the NSX here: www.wcreaderaward.com
NSX shortlisted for 2016 What Car? Reader Award

NSX shortlisted for 2016 What Car? Reader Award

Hot on the heels of the Honda HR-V taking the 2015 What Car? Reader Award crown, the NSX supercar is in the running to continue Honda’s success for a second year in a row. Compiled by What Car? experts and voted for by readers, the shortlist for the 2016 Reader Award features the most eagerly anticipated new models coming to the UK market in the next twelve months.

Arriving in the UK next year, the NSX has been specially created to bring a “new sports experience” to the supercar sector. Resulting from a three-year intensive engineering programme by a global design and engineering team at Honda’s development centre in Raymond, Ohio, the NSX features classic low and wide proportions, an aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX.

At the heart of the NSX’s performance is an all-new mid-mounted, 75-degree, DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT which delivers 565bhp and a 0-62mph estimated at under three seconds.

The Reader Award is part of the 39th annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards, in association with Warranty Direct and is a valuable indication of sentiment towards cars being brought to market in the next year.

Jim Holder, What Car? Editorial Director commented: “With so many exciting new models going on sale over the course of the next 12 months, British motorists have never had so many outstanding options available at every price.

“The Reader Award holds a special prominence for all the manufacturers because it is voted for purely by the paying public. Winning this award is a huge accolade, because it signals to a manufacturer that it has an upcoming sales success on its hands.”

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda (UK) commented: “It’s great to see that I’m not alone in looking forward to the launch of the NSX and I have my fingers crossed that it will help us retain the Reader Award title. We were all very proud when the HR-V won the crown back in January and to be able to see the title go to the NSX would be brilliant. I will be encouraging everyone I speak to and see to cast their vote.”

Voting is open now and closes on Friday 27 November, with the Reader Award winner announced at the What Car? awards ceremony on Wednesday 13th January 2016. To view the shortlist and to vote please visit: www.wcreaderaward.com

For further information on the new NSX please visit: hondanews.eu.gb

11th November 2015 Uncategorized

Type R History

TYPE R PHILOSOPHY

Type R – The “R” stands for Racing.

The Type R brand delivers speed and excitement that stimulates the driver and enhances the driving experience. All Type R cars are immersed in Honda’s racing DNA and the knowledge and expertise of Honda’s engineers. When creating a Type R car, Honda aim to create the ultimate driving machine.

The spirit of Type R was first seen in 1964, long before the first Type R model was built. This was the year that Honda first joined Formula One. At the time Honda was still a relatively small car manufacturer but with the dedication of our engineers we met challenging targets and achieved what often seemed unachievable.

The first Honda Formula One machine to compete in a Grand Prix (Germany) was painted in Ivory White and featured the Honda emblem in red…these colours have been passed on to all Honda Type R cars.

TYPE R HISTORY

1992 NSX Type R

Available in Japan only.

This car marked the beginning of the Type R story. The revolutionary NSX had a never seen before all-aluminium body. The Type R NSX was 120kg lighter than the standard NSX base and furthermore had surprisingly stiff suspension which delivers excellent handling, that was best felt while driving on the circuit. The NSX Type R was truly, a track-ready, racing sports car, and from here on the legend of the Type R was born.

Engine: 3.0L Six-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 280PS / 7,300 rpm
Maximum Torque: 30.0kg · m / 5,400 rpm

1995 Integra Type R

Available in Japan only.

In 1995 Honda introduced the Integra Type R. This was a more down to earth car and more accessible to customers. The Integra had a reputation of delivering nimble handling and Honda engineers applied similar principles to those applied to the NSX Type R, reducing the base weight of the car and applying hard “track ready” suspension. Following this level of fine tuning and testing, the piston speed of this car was said to be faster than that of the F1 cars of the time.

Engine: 1.8L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 200PS / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 18.5kg · m / 7,500 rpm

1997 Civic Type R (EK9)

Available in Japan only.

Engine: 1.6L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 185PS / 8,200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 16.3kg · m / 7,500 rpm

1998 Integra Type R

Available in Europe and U.S. This was the first Type R model introduced in Europe.

Engine: 1.8L Four-cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 190PS / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 178 N · m / 7,300 rpm

1999 Accord Type R

Available in Europe only.

Engine: 2.2L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 212PS / 7,200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 215N · m / 6,700 rpm

2001 Second Generation Integra Type R

Available in Japan only.

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 162kW [220PS] / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 206N · m [21.0kg · m] / 7,000 rpm

2001 Second Generation Civic Type R

First Civic Type R available in Europe.

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 162kW [220PS] / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 206N · m [21.0kg · m] / 7,000 rpm

European version:
Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 200PS / 7,400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 196N · m / 5,900 rpm

2002 Second Generation NSX Type R

Available in Japan only.

Engine: 3.2L 6 cylinder DOHC VTEC
Maximum Output: 206kW [280PS] / 7,300 rpm
Maximum Torque: 304N · m [31.0kg · m] / 5,300 rpm

2007 Third Generation Civic Type R

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 165kW [225PS] / 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 215N · m [21.9kg · m] / 6,100 rpm

2007 Third Generation Civic Type R (European Version)

Engine: 2.0L Four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output: 148kW [201PS] / 7,800 rpm
Maximum Torque: 193N · m 5,600 rpm

27th May 2015 Events, Latest

Evo Magazine Honda Day

Recently we were approached by EVO magazine and asked if we could organise a get together to provide images of past models to accompany the full write up of the new 2015 Civic Type R upon their test drive.

We opened this up across all platforms and were overwhelmed by the response we had from users who owned cars from all eras.

Honda UK did us proud with providing refreshments and food, Many thanks for those who organised! Whilst journalists from EVO perused the attended masses cars for shots for the magazine piece.

These included not only a new Type R for users to peruse, most for the first time, but other Honda UK Hertiage cars including their S2000, FN2 Mugen Civic Type R “20” and a rare Ayrton Senna driven NSX.

EVO Magazines online piece is here – http://www.evo.co.uk/honda/civic-type-r/15911/road-to-type-r-evo-meets-owners-at-honda-hq

Further pictures from teh day can be found here – https://flic.kr/s/aHskaAsRzE

 

23rd March 2015 Latest

Nurburgring Type R Release

 

Nürburgring plays host to exclusive event for Civic Type R fans

          Honda fans invited to Nürburgring to celebrate release of all-new Civic Type R

          First time an FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race will be held at famed circuit

          Opportunity to get hands on with the all new Civic Type R, visit pit lane, meet the drivers, and a chance to take their own car on the circuit.

To celebrate the launch of the all-new Honda Civic Type R at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Civic Type R fans and owners are invited to attend an unmissable race weekend at Germany’s famous Nürburgring – a circuit at which the new Type R recently set the lap record for a front-wheel drive hot hatch.

Honda is offering Type R owners and fans the opportunity to attend the historic ADAC Zurich 24-hour sports car race from 15-17 May, which will feature for the first time ever a round of the FIA WTCC, as part of a jam packed weekend of around-the-clock racing,

Held on the punishing 25 kilometre long combined Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit, fans will cheer on Team Castrol Honda drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro as they vie for victory on one of racing’s most hallowed stretches of racetrack.

This one-of-a-kind event will allow Type R fans the opportunity to purchase a three-day package for €175 per person, which includes a VIP entrance ticket to the race with paddock access, camping accommodation in a souvenir tent, all food and drink throughout the weekend, a hands-on encounter with the new Civic Type R, a tour of the garage, and chance to meet the drivers at a special Q&A session. A lucky few will also be able to follow in their heroes racing line by taking their Civic on a lap around the circuit before the 24 hour race gets under way.

For more information, or to purchase a three-day package, log onto www.typeR-nurburgring.honda-experience.com. Registration is now open.

The all-new Civic Type R, dubbed the ‘race car for the road’, was unveiled earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show in front of a crowd that included McLaren-Honda F1 driver Jenson Button, and WTCC driver Tarquini. To relive the evening, visit http://www.redline.global/itstime.

To relive the Civic Type R’s class leading lap record around the Nürburgring, click here.

If you have any questions, please contact PR Manager Simon Branney at [email protected] or +44 (0) 1344 888644.

For more information about the ADAC Zurich 24 Hour race, visit http://www.nuerburgring.de/en/events-tickets/automobile/adac-zurich-24-hour-race.html.

For more information about the WTCC and their presence at the Nürburgring, visit http://www.nuerburgring.de/en/news/artikel/fia-wtcc-ab-2015-auf-der-nuerburgring-nordschleife.html.

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