Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda sets a new FWD track record at Suzuka with the 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition

We don't have much context on this besides the following press release that was sent to us a few hours ago, but the claimed 2:23.993 lap seems like a pretty decent laptime for a mass-production FWD car in fully stock trim. We already know that the Civic Type R is pretty incredible for what it is, but the Civic Type R Limited Edition really seems to take it to the next level.

2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition Sets Suzuka Track Record

Limited Edition model brings exclusive high-performance tuning and features to Type R
Test car was production spec with no modifications
Limited Edition model goes on sale in the U.S. later this year

TORRANCE, Calif., July 8, 2020 � The 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition stormed to a new front-wheel drive track record at Suzuka Circuit, Honda�s Formula 1 racetrack in Japan, with a time of 2 minutes 23.993 seconds. Originally built as a test facility for Honda, the 3.6-mile Suzuka track�s figure-8 configuration today is known worldwide as a highlight of the Formula 1 season as a driver and fan favorite.

Piloted by Super GT Series racer Takuya Izawa, the Type R Limited Edition achieved its record-breaking lap during final performance evaluations in February using a development car built to final European production specifications, with no modifications or performance enhancements. Video capturing the record breaking lap through in-car footage is available here, with a separate video of the development crew working on the Type R at the track here.

"The Type R Limited Edition reflects Honda's dedication to refining the essence and driving pleasure of Type R as a sports car and exceeding the expectations of our customers,� said Civic Type R Project Leader Hideki Kakinuma. �The engineering team and I embraced a racing spirit that has been passed down for generations, and it�s this strong passion that�s driving the evolution of the Civic Type R towards becoming the ideal sports car. Now the �advanced� Type R that I envisioned at the beginning of this development is a reality and I am overwhelmed by the result and how our efforts have been rewarded.�

The 2021 Type R Limited Edition for the U.S. market is the ultimate street-legal, track-focused variant of Honda�s legendary Civic Type R, with significant measures taken to reduce weight and improve handling performance. Just 600 will be available when it launches in the U.S. later this year, exclusively painted in new Phoenix Yellow Pearl with contrasting gloss black accents on the roof and mirrors, and a dark chrome Civic badge. Inside, each Type R Limited Edition will feature an individually numbered serial plate denoting the vehicle�s original country of sale. The U.S.-spec Type R Limited Edition differs from the European version by retaining air conditioning, Honda Sensing�, and the Display Audio system.

2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition mechanical upgrades from the standard Type R for the U.S. market include: Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels from acclaimed manufacturer BBS (18 lbs. unsprung weight reduction); Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for improved traction and handling grip; dampers optimized for the new wheel/tire package; recalibrated steering for finer control and feedback; and further weight reduction of 28.2 lbs. through measures such as strategic reduction of sound-deadening materials.

In addition to its unique touches, the Type R Limited Edition shares most of the updates that debuted on the 2020 Civic Type R, including freshened front and rear exterior styling, a larger grille and revised radiator design for improved engine cooling, an Alcantara�-wrapped steering wheel, and a new shifter with a restyled knob, plus the Honda Sensing� suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

Under the hood, the Type R Limited Edition draws power from the same race-bred 2.0-liter VTEC� Turbo engine, putting out a peak 306-horsep0wer (SAE net) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net), with power delivered to the front wheels through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.
The substantial power and torque is effectively managed by Type R�s dual axis strut front suspension system which virtually eliminates torque steer while allowing geometry optimized for maximum cornering performance.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic and Accord passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Pilot sport utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan. Honda�s electrified vehicle lineup includes the Insight hybrid-electric sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, and the Clarity series.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2019, more than 90 percent of all Honda brand vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

For More Information
Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of all 2020 Honda models is available at hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/honda.