Honda Civic Type R Continues Setting Lap Records, This Time At Spa-Francorchamps

The Honda Civic Type R is continuing to set lap records nearly a year after it debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.

The latest feat took place at the world renowned Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium where the Civic Type R set a new front-wheel drive track record. The model was driven by former FIA WEC LMP2 World Champion Bertrand Baguette and it managed to set a time of 2 minutes and 53.72 seconds.

According to Baguette, “For me, as a race car driver, it’s clear that Type R is born for the track but it also feels just as right on the streets in everyday driving.” He added, “When I sit in the car, it is very comfortable and the visibility all round is very good.”

Baguette went on to praise the car’s chassis, balance and steering feedback. The racer also noted the Civic has “amazing” traction and an aero package that “really helps the car feel planted at high speed.”

This is the third lap record set by the Civic Type R and it comes one month after the model set the front-wheel drive record at the Magny-Cours GP circuit in France with WTCR driver Esteban Guerrieri behind the wheel. Of course, the model’s claim to fame occurred last year when the car set the front-wheel drive lap record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a time of 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds.

Honda has plans to set additional lap records over the summer as part of their Type R Challenge. Future attempts will occur at Estoril, Hungaroring and Silverstone. To ensure the car’s success, Honda has recruited an all-star team of drivers which includes Jenson Button, Tiago Monteiro and Matt Neal.

Besides the experienced drivers, the Civic Type R will rely on its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 320 PS (235 kW / 315 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 272 km/h (169 mph).