Just when you thought Honda was done with the Civic Type R after the announcement on the subtly updated 2020MY, the Japanese carmaker goes ahead and announces the Limited Edition special, due to arrive later this year.
Billed as the “ultimate track-focus Type R”, it will be offered in a limited run of just 600 units in the States with another 100 examples earmarked for Europe. You can have it any color you want, just as long as it’s the new to the series, Phoenix Yellow (called ‘Sunlight Yellow’ across the pond) .
TL;DR: The U.S. model is 46 pounds lighter and gets a tuned chassis
We’ll break the changes into two parts, one for the U.S.-spec model and the other for the Euro variant, as they slightly differ. Starting with the American model, Honda says it shaved 46 pounds (20.9 kg) over the regular model thanks to the new lightweight BBS wheels (18 lb. total unsprung weight reduction) and by reducing sound deadening materials and removing features such as the rear wiper, tonneau cover, and rear heater ducts (another 28 pounds).
No air-conditioning or infotainment system for the European model
European version undergoes further weight saving measures
The Euro model, on the other hand, is said to be a whopping 47 kg or 103.6 pounds lighter than a Type R in GT specification – all while retaining its rear seats, unlike other track-focused hatchbacks like Renault’s Megane RS Trophy R. In addition to the changes made to the American model, the European Type R Limited Edition is stripped away of comfort features such as the infotainment and air conditioning systems – who needs those anyway?
Also Read: 2020 Honda Civic Type R Arrives In America With Minor Styling, Chassis Tweaks And A Boost Blue Color
On both sides of the Atlantic, owners of the Civic Type R Limited Edition will get a revised chassis with specially tuned dampers and a recalibrated steering for improved control and feedback. According to Honda, all these changes will make the special Type R the “most dynamic front wheel drive hatchback available” on the market.
What else is new?
Besides the exclusive yellow color, the Limited Edition is adorned with dark chrome badges, a contrasting gloss black paint on the roof, wing mirrors and intake vent on the hood, and an individually numbered serial plate denoting the vehicle’s original country of sale.
Honda’s North American arm has not disclosed any information or photos of the interior, but it’s safe to assume that it will get the same red bucket seats and red Alcantara steering wheel complemented by the teardrop gear knob as its Euro sibling.
What’s not new is the 2.0-liter turbo four
We left the powertrain for last, because, well, there’s nothing new to add; it’s the same crazy 2.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC pumping out 306-horseopwer and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (320PS and 400Nm in Euro form), paired to a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential driving the front wheels, that we love on the regular Type R.
So, when can I have it?
You’ll have to wait a few months as sales in both the U.S.A. and Europe will start in the summer with prices to be announced closer to the launch date.
Note: Only the two first photos are of the US-specification model, the rest of the images depict the European-spec edition
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