Honda Civic Type R Third Generation FD2 Japanese version

The Japanese market Civic Type R (FD2) went on sale on March 30, 2007. For the first time, the JDM Civic was sold as a four door sedan rather than a three door hatchback. Using the Japanese market four-door sedan as a base model meaning the new Type R is now bigger, wider and heavier. More importantly, the wheelbase has grown from 2,570 mm (101.2 in) to 2,700 mm (106.3 in), giving the FD2R a more stable stance in high speed cornering. The new Japanese model's engine output is higher than the European version's, with 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) being developed at 8,400 rpm and 215 N·m (159 lb·ft) of torque peaking at 6,100 rpm (versus 201 PS (148 kW; 198 hp) at 7,800 rpm and 193 N·m (142 lb·ft) at 5,600 rpm for the European model). The base engine itself is borrowed from the Accord Euro R CL7 with its longer intake manifold. Changes have been made to the block in terms of mounting points for ancillary parts making it different from previous K20A. New technology such as Drive By Wire throttle and porting of the intake valve ports using techniques from the NSX are implemented. Honda says mid-range torque is increased by 10 PS (7 kW; 10 hp). Drive is fed through a close ratio six speed gearbox, and a helical limited slip differential is fitted as standard. The front brake discs increased from the DC5R's 300 mm (11.8 in) to 320 mm (12.6 in) are fitted with four pot Brembo calipers. Tire size are now 225/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE070.


Honda claims the body is 50% more rigid than the previous Japan-only DC5 Integra Type R, and the new model features an independent rear suspension rather than the torsion beam configuration used on the latest European Civic Type-R. To save weight, aluminum is used extensively and bonded with adhesive instead of welded.

Exterior wise, the front bumper is different from the standard Civic designed aerodynamically. The rear bumper features a diffuser built into the bumper and completing the aero package with a huge rear wing. Inside, the trademark black and red bucket seats are no longer made by Recaro as with previous versions, but designed in house by Honda. Also gone is the Momo made steering wheel, instead replaced by a Honda made version. The familiar red-on-black colour scheme or black-on-black scheme is offered on the Championship White version and Super Platinum Metallic Silver versions while a black-on-black scheme with red stitching is for the Vivid Blue Pearl only.

In October 2008, the Civic received a minor face lift. The standard and hybrid versions now had the same front bumper as the Type R while a redesigned tail lamps changes the round insets into octagons. The Type R also received new available colours, with Premium White Pearl, Premium Deep Violet Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl being added and Vivid Blue Pearl being dropped.

In back to back tests the FD2 Type-R was on average 1 second quicker than the (DC5) Integra Type-R at the Tsukuba Circuit and four seconds faster at Suzuka.

In a back to back test on the United Kingdom TV program 5th Gear, the FD2 Type-R was three seconds quicker than the equivalent FN2 UK version around Castle Combe Circuit in the wet.

The FD2 Civic Type R was officially launched in the Malaysian market on August the 2nd 2007. It was the first time that any Type R JDM model was launched outside of Japan.

The FD2 Civic Type R will cease production around August 2010. In place of the Type R sedan the FN2 Civic Type R, the European Civic Type R hatchback, will be sold instead. Honda has said that they will stop selling the FN2 Type R in limited numbers in Japan and will start importing 2010 models mainstream. The FN2 Type R has 197 hp vs the 225 hp output in the FD2 Type R.

Civic Mugen RR (Honda ABA-FD2)

In addition to Civic Type R, 300 Honda Civic Mugen RR cars in red only had also been produced for Japanese market, which reduced weight to 1,255 kg (2,770 lb) using CFRP bumpers and aluminum for the bonnet. The engine is rated 240 PS (180 kW; 240 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 218 N·m (161 lb·ft) torque at 7,000 rpm achieved through Mugen parts such as camshafts, exhaust system and ECU. Other exclusive items that make this a collectors item are Recaro SP-X seats and other Mugen items inside while special Mugen wheels equipped as standard. This version cost 4,777,500 yen (4,550,000+tax) ($38,750 USD).

Mugen also debuted Civic Type-RR Experimental Spec concept car in Tokyo Auto Salon, which features 2157 cc K20A engine rated 260 PS (190 kW; 260 hp) and 237 N·m (175 lb·ft) of torque. Weight is further reduced using aluminum hood (4.6 kg (10 lb)), as well as the new titanium exhaust system (7.6 kg (17 lb)). Interior was replaced with more carbon fibre parts. The car also features Intelligent-Tire Condition Monitoring System (i-TCMS) and Recaro seats.

The concept was later called Honda Civic Mugen RR Advanced Concept during 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon, which has the weight of 1,095 kg (2,414 lb). Brake disc was increased to 340 mm (13.4 in) diameter (320 mm (12.6 in) in Type R/RR).

Civic Mugen RC (2008-)


A race version called Honda Civic Mugen RC has also been produced, designed for the 2008 Honda Exciting Cup Civic One-Make Race-Civic Series. The engine is the stock K20A engine from FD2 Honda Civic Type R. It comes with following models:

  • BASIC: 6,247,500 yen (5,950,000+tax).

  • STANDARD: 7,192,500 yen (6,850,000+tax). It adds racing wheel package (Mugen RC 18 inch wheel with Yokohama tire), brake package (front+rear brake pads), seat and steering (Recaro bucket seat, seat rail, steering wheel with box, TAKATA harness), carbon inner part option A (carbon fibre right floor cover panel, footrest, door lining) over BASIC.

  • COMPLETE: 7,822,500 yen (7,450,000+tax). It adds carbon inner part option B (carbon fibre console box, left floor cover panel, centre pillar cover), engine package (engine rebalancing and calibration)


Civic Mucen RC was built in Mugen's M-TEC factory.

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