Honda Type R Timeline and Milestones

Type R is the pinnacle of Honda factory performance. First introduced on the Japanese market NSX supercar in the early 1990s, Type R's track-focused approach to the creation of speed spread to the front-wheel drive Integra, Civic and Accord by the end of the decade. Today, the Civic Type R is a global high-performance icon and young driving enthusiasts around the world excitedly anticipate the arrival of the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R, the best performing Civic Type R ever.

As of January 2022, Honda has sold about 200,000 Type R models around the world. The following is a look at all of the Type R models over the last 30 years.

NSX Type R

Based on the first-generation NSX, three different versions of the NSX Type R were sold exclusively in Japan, as a Honda-branded model. The first-generation NSX was produced from 1990-2005.

1992-1995 (Japan): The first Honda to wear the red Type R badge was the Honda NSX Type R supercar, which was available in limited numbers from 1992 to 1995. Just 500 were sold. The supercar's suspension was retuned to be even more aggressive, and weight was reduced by more than 200 pounds through the elimination of sound deadening materials, power windows, air conditioning, and the audio system. NSX Type R was available only in Championship White, which recalls Honda's first Formula 1 race car in the 1960s.

2002 (Japan): The second NSX Type R was simply dubbed NSX-R and was released to the Japanese market in 2002. Just 140 were produced. It included the weight reduction methods used on the original NSX Type R along with a larger more powerful 3.2-liter V6, a 6-speed manual transmission and carbon fiber body work, most noticeably a pass-through hood and larger rear wing. The aerodynamic changes resulted in a degree of downforce rarely seen in a street-legal car. The suspension and brakes also were retuned for track performance, and the engine's crankshaft was precision balanced.

2005 (Japan): The NSX R GT is the rarest evolution of the first generation NSX Type R. Only five were built, each painted Championship White. Mechanically identical to the NSX Type R, the NSX R GT was a homologation special, created only so its unique bodywork would meet motorsports regulations and be used in competition. An NSX R GT is easily identified by its massive non-functional roof scoop, aggressively re-styled front and rear fascias which are made of carbon fiber to reduce weight, and larger side air ducts. Once homologated on the production car, the supercar's aero package was quickly fitted to the NSX race cars competing in the GT500 class of Super GT.

Integra Type R

Integra Type R brought Type R performance to a wider audience. The second vehicle to wear the Type R badge and spanning two vehicle generations, Integra Type R also was the first Type R model sold in the U.S.

1995-2001 (DC2) (Japan, U.S.): The Integra Type R debuted in Japan in 1995, powered by a 197-horsepower 1.8-liter VTEC® 4-cylinder engine. Extensive modifications in the Integra Type R included a hand-built engine with hand-polished intake and exhaust ports, high-compression pistons, revised intake system, a retuned exhaust and a helical limited-slip differential.

Chassis modifications included suspension, tire, wheel and brake upgrades, and the body received additional bracing and seam welds for added strength and rigidity. Weight reduction measures included the removal of sound insulation, a thinner windshield, lightweight wheels, and the removal of the air conditioning and audio systems.

Integra Type R (DC2) came to the U.S. market for the 1997 model year and remains the only Type R ever sold in the U.S. under the Acura brand. Initially available only in Championship White, the U.S Integra Type R packed 195 hp and shared the majority of the modifications of its Japanese counterpart.

After a single-year absence, the Integra Type R returned to the U.S. market for the 2000 model year with standard air conditioning and new available colors, Phoenix Yellow and Flamenco Black Pearl. A year later, Nighthawk Black Pearl replaced Flamenco Black Pearl for the 2001 model year. The enthusiast focus of Integra Type R quickly made it an icon in the rapidly escalating “sport compact” enthusiast and tuner market at the time. That appeal endures today as Integra Type R models gain value with collectors. Approximately 34,500 were sold globally, including about 2,700 in the U.S. over three years.

2002-2006 (DC5) (Japan): Sold exclusively in Japan, an all-new Integra Type R based on the fourth-generation Integra featured a new 2.0-liter i-VTEC® engine with 220 hp, a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, a lightweight flywheel for better engine response and a helical limited-slip differential. Chassis enhancements included Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers, stiffer springs and shocks, and 17-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires.

Inside were Recaro seats and a Momo steering wheel, along with aluminum pedals. While the Type R lacked many creature comforts, some could be added with an options package, broadening its appeal. A total of about 14,000 were sold.

Accord Type R

Sold exclusively in Europe and Japan, the Accord Type R sedan spanned two product generations. Combined, approximately 3,400 Accord Type Rs were sold in Europe and Japan.

1998-2001 (CH1) (Europe): Based on the European Honda Accord sedan, different from the U.S. Accord, the first Accord Type R debuted with a 209-hp 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine mechanically related to the engine used in the U.S.-market Prelude VTEC®. The sedan also featured a stiffer suspension and reinforced chassis, a helical limited-slip differential, dual exhaust, lightweight 17-inch wheels and Recaro front seats.

2000-2002 (CL1) (Japan): Known as the Euro R, the Japanese-market Accord Type R was sold from 2000-2002. Although visually distinct from the European Accord, the Euro R featured many of the same features, including the engine, drivetrain, suspension, chassis, and interior updates. One primary difference was the engine, as the new “red top” version of the H22A engine made 217 hp in the Japan-only Euro R.

2002-2008 (Japan): The second Accord Type R was sold exclusively in Japan as the Euro R. Powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder similar to the one powering the 4th-generation Integra Type R, and producing 217 hp. Just 200 were sold. Like its predecessors, it featured a helical limited-slip differential, upgraded suspension and brakes, and Recaro seats.

Civic Type R

The Civic Type R is a global performance icon with five different variants since it debuted as a 1997 model. The highly anticipated sixth iteration of the ultimate hot hatch, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, will be introduced in Japan, Europe and the United States in 2022.

1997-1999 (EK9) (Japan): The first Civic Type R was introduced in the Japanese market in 1997. Based on the sixth-generation Civic SiR, it was a 3-door hatchback powered by a hand-ported 1.6-liter VTEC® 4-cylinder producing 182 hp. A helical limited-slip differential and close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission were standard. The chassis was seam-welded to improve rigidity, and the interior featured a titanium shift knob and red Recaro seats, with matching red on the door panels and floor mats.

In 1998, a Motor Sports edition debuted. Intended for racing, it came with steel wheels, and the standard Civic interior with manual windows. Air conditioning and the audio system were removed to save weight.

In 1999, Honda introduced the Civic Type Rx, which added multiple luxury and comfort touches to the Civic Type R, including power retractable exterior mirrors, power windows, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a CD audio system. Over the two years about 15,900 were sold.

2001-2005 (EP3) (Europe, Japan): The second Civic Type R was available in two versions, for the European and Japanese markets. Both were assembled at Honda's Swindon auto plant in the United Kingdom and shared the same 3-door hatchback body style. Approximately 32,800 were sold.

The European version featured a 198-hp i-VTEC® 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, a seam-welded body, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and upgraded brakes and suspension. The Japanese version added a limited slip differential and Recaro seats, as well as a more powerful 212 hp version of the K20 engine built in Japan and shipped to the Swindon factory. The Japanese engine featured a fully balanced crankshaft assembly, unique intake and exhaust manifolds, more aggressive cams, higher compression pistons, and a lightweight flywheel.

In 2003, the entire Civic lineup received updates to steering, suspension, and the addition of the lightweight flywheel to the European version. Celebrating 30 years of Civic production, a 30th Anniversary edition of Civic Type R also was offered in the U.K. It added Recaro seats, air conditioning, a leather Momo steering wheel, and red carpet and door panels. Only 300 were made, with 100 each in Nighthawk Black, Satin Silver and Milano Red.

For the 2005 model year, Honda introduced the Civic Type R Premier edition, which was a last hurrah for the EP3. Similar to the 30th Anniversary edition, it also was offered only in the U.K. This model featured Recaro Trendline seats in black and red, a Momo steering wheel, red carpet and door panels, and a Type R logo on the front brake calipers. Air conditioning was an option, and the Premier Edition was available exclusively in Milano Red, Nighthawk Black, Cosmic Grey and Satin Silver.

2007-2011 (FD2) (Japan): The third Civic Type R was available in two distinct versions, and based on entirely different chassis. The Civic Type R for Japan was sold as a four-door sedan, similar to the Civic Sedan available in the U.S. market at the time. It was a 222 hp 2.0-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder, with a close-ratio 6-speed manual and helical limited-slip differential. Brembo brakes were fitted, along with a stiffer suspension. Rather than seam welding, the body made extensive use of structural adhesive to help stiffen the chassis. Inside were black and red sport seats and a black-on-black or red-on-black color scheme.

Sold only in 2007, the Civic Mugen RR was based on the Japanese Civic Type R. Only 300 were produced, each painted Milano Red. Weight was reduced with a carbon fiber front bumper and an aluminum hood, while the engine received a power bump to 237 hp thanks to Mugen performance camshafts, exhaust and engine computer. The Mugen RR also used Recaro racing seats, as well as special 18-inch Mugen wheels.

2007-2011 (FN2) (Europe): The European market Civic Type R was based on the European Civic 3-door hatchback. The 198 hp engine was similar to its predecessor and backed by a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. The suspension – front struts and a torsion-beam rear axle – also was updated for improved handling.

Multiple variations of the European Civic Type R were available, including a Type R GT, which added dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, power folding outside mirrors, and cruise control. For the 2010 model year, Type R GT models also received a helical limited-slip differential. A Type R Heritage edition built from the GT added HID headlights and an audio system with Bluetooth® and DVD satellite navigation.

The Type R Race edition went in the other direction, stripping out the HID headlights, climate control, fog lights, audio system and sound proofing to reduce weight by about 88 pounds.

From 2007 to 2011, about 13,400 Civic Type Rs (FD2 and FN2) were sold globally.

2015-2017 (FK2) (Europe, Japan): The first-ever turbocharged Civic Type R was a 5-door hatchback powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylilnder engine with VTEC® and direct injection. The 306 hp output made this the most powerful Type R of any model to date. The close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission routed power to the front wheels through a helical limited slip differential. Approximately 7,500 were sold.

Suspension changes unique to Type R included an Adaptive Damper System that included a track-oriented +R mode, and an advanced dual axis strut front suspension that used two kingpins to enhance high speed stability, cornering and steering feel, and helped mitigate torque steer. The H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension was re-tuned to enhance high speed stability and maximize roll resistance. Civic Type R also benefited from the extensive use of structural adhesives, which combined with structural reinforcements for an 18% increase in rigidity compared to the non-Type R Civics. At 13.8 in., the Brembo front brakes were the largest ever fitted to a Type R model.

The Civic Type R was immediately recognizable by its unique wide-body exterior design, along with its red-on-black interior that included special sport seats with additional bolstering.

For its final model year, a Black Edition was introduced to the U.K. market, with only 100 units available. Additionally, 750 units were exported from the U.K. to Japan for the final year.

2017-2021 (FK8) (U.S., Japan, Europe): First introduced in 2017, the current Civic Type R was the first to be sold in the United States. Also a 5-door hatchback, it featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 306-hp in the U.S. and 316 hp in Europe and Japan. The engine was mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual and helical limited slip differential. It also used a dual-axis front suspension similar to its predecessor. However, this Type R also featured a multi-link independent rear suspension, which combined with the Adaptive Damper System to provide an unmatched combination of ride quality and handling.

In 2017 Civic Type R claimed the front-wheel drive track record at the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7:43.80, shattering the previous record by 7 seconds. Civic Type R also set new front-wheel drive lap records at the Magny-Cours, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Estoril, Hungaroring and Mount Panorama circuits.

A refresh for the 2020 model year added the Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, along with a retuned and faster reacting Adaptive Damper System. Additional refinements included stiffer bushings in the rear for the lower B-arm, lower-friction ball joints result in sharper steering feel for better control, and two-piece brake rotors with more fade-resistant brake pads. As of December 31, 2021, 21,424 Civic Type Rs were sold in the United States since June 2017.

In 2021, the Civic Type R Limited Edition debuted. Just 600 were produced. Visually distinguished by its Phoenix Yellow paint, black roof and hood scoop, the Type R LE also featured lightweight forged-aluminum BBS wheels and grade-exclusive Michelin Cup 2 tires, resulting in an 18-pound reduction of unsprung weight.

For the Type R LE, engineers also removed select sound deadening materials, the cargo cover, rear heater ducts and rear wiper mechanism for a total weight reduction of 50 lbs. The Adaptive Damper System and electric power steering were both recalibrated to match the elevated dynamic performance and lighter weight of the BBS alloys, for a more rewarding driving experience, especially during on-track driving.

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