Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda Civic Type R prototype puts down a 7:50 at the 'Ring

In what may trigger a new wave of automakers claiming Nurburgring lap time "records", Honda has announced that their production-correct prototype (only modified by equipment deletion to offset the weight of the safety roll cage) set a FWD lap record at the Nurburgring last May, clocking a 7:50.63. The current record for a "production" car is 7:54.36, claimed by Renault with their M�gane RS 275 Trophy-R. Honda plans to duplicate the feat with a full production model Civic Type R in the coming months. In Honda's words, "This time is unmatched by any other front-wheel drive performance hatchback."

EDIT: Apparently the initial video that Honda released suffered a glitch during the rendering stage which caused it to drop a few frames, which made it look a little bit fishy (see comments below). They released an updated version of the video which appears to correct this issue. We have embedded this updated clip instead.

Press Release follows.

NEW HONDA CIVIC TYPE R THROWS DOWN N�RBURGRING GAUNTLET

Honda announces N�rburgring lap time for Civic Type R development car
7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time is unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch class
Lap time achieved in development car with technical specifications representative of the final production car

At the world premiere of its all-new Civic Type R at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (5 - 15 March; Stand 4250, Hall 4), Honda announced that a development car had achieved a 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time of the legendary 20.8 km/12.9 mile N�rburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

This time is unmatched by any other front-wheel drive performance hatchback.

The lap time was achieved during the final phase of pre-production testing in May 2014 by a Civic Type R development car. The development car was in a standard state of engine tune, with suspension, drivetrain, exhaust, brakes and the aerodynamic package identical to those of the production Civic Type R.

The removal of equipment such as air conditioning, the front passenger seat and audio equipment offset the additional weight of a full roll cage (installed specifically for safety reasons and not to add rigidity).

During the test cycle, the development car used production-specification high-rigidity 19-inch alloy wheels. These were fitted with 235/35R19 road tyres being developed in conjunction with a major European tyre manufacturer especially for the new Civic Type R. The test cycle during which the 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time was achieved was part of the tyre�s development and testing process.

Honda has now vowed to follow up this achievement by sending a production Civic Type R around the N�rburgring Nordschleife later this year with the aim of setting a new lap record for a front-wheel drive production car.

Highlights of the latest generation in Honda�s cult car dynasty is a world-first application of Honda�s new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, aggressive function-led styling, and advanced new chassis technologies, combining to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences available in any sector.

The new Civic Type R goes on sale across Europe in summer 2015.