Honda Cars : Honda's new Type R model oozes race-winning DNA | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Here's a nice write up on a car we'll probably never see in North America....
Honda's new Type R model oozes race-winning DNAHonda's hottest hatchback, the highly desirable and thoroughly entertaining Civic Type R, has just gained a new sibling that turns red-hot to white-hot - literally!

Based on the existing Type R - which is still offered in the traditional Milano Red and Nighthawk Black paint finishes only – the new derivative is known as the Type R Championship Edition, thanks to its unique, Championship White exterior colour.

Celebrating Honda's extensive track record of international motorsport successes, the Type R Championship Edition is a winner in own right, thanks to its raft of special features.

Chief among these is the fitment of a standard limited-slip differential, which not only underscores the considerable performance potential of the Type R, but allows the driver to attack corners with even greater confidence.

BELLS AND WHISTLES

Other standard features unique to the Championship Edition version include both an iPod USB connector and a mini-jack auxiliary audio input for non-Apple devices.

Together, they ensure that owners of this special Type R can conveniently enjoy their own music collections.

Also offered by the Championship Edition Civic Type R are several exclusive convenience features. These include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a tyre deflation warning system, rear-mounted park distance control, and impact-sensing door locks.

"The Type R Championship Edition does not replace the existing Type R. Instead, it's aimed at extending the high-revving hatchback's fan club with an even more comprehensive package of meaningful features, including items such as park distance control and a limited-slip differential," says Graham Eagle, general manager of sales and marketing at Honda South Africa.

For dyed-in-the-wool motoring enthusiasts, the Championship Edition's limited-slip diff will be the most telling improvement over the standard version. Usually the preserve of racing and rallying machines, the so-called LS diff improves traction by limiting wheel spin when cornering hard, at high speed.

The result is a sharper, more resolute turn-in action, linked to an almost uncanny ability to carry speed through corners without losing grip and falling prey to potentially terminal understeer.

The remainder of the mechanical package remains identical to that of the standard Civic Type R. A free-revving 2,0-litre i-VTEC engine delivers 148 kW and 193 Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

Like the standard Type R, the Championship Edition sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in only 6,6 seconds, and has a top speed of 235 km/h. Combined-cycle fuel consumption comes to 9,3 litres/100 km, while the CO2 emissions rating is 219 g/km. top.DisplayAds('SquareAV',19,855);

Music fans will be particularly pleased about the inclusion of both an iPod USB interface, and an analogue stereo auxiliary audio connection in the Type R Championship Edition.

Usually an added-cost extra in similarly positioned rivals, the two connections allow the seamless interface of personal music collections on iPods and other MP3 players with the Type R’s integrated sound system.

Enhanced convenience and safety is provided by the new auto-dimming rear-view mirror, which prevents traffic approaching from behind from blinding the driver by automatically dimming the mirror. Also new are rear parking sensors to assist the driver when reversing.

CORE ISSUES

Safety is also at the core of two additional systems introduced exclusively on the Type R Championship Edition.

A Deflation Warning System has been included, which informs the driver if the tyre pressure on one or more tyres is too low. In addition, impact sensors have been fitted to all door locks, which will unlock the doors in the case of an accident, allowing the occupants of the vehicle to exit safely.

"The Honda Civic Type R is a performance icon with a particularly loyal following. The changes incorporated into the new Championship Edition enhance its performance legacy, while adding a substantial list of meaningful convenience and safety features," says Eagle.

"Perhaps most telling of all, we have been able to introduce the Championship Edition at a relatively small premium, compared to the standard version, which ensures that value remains a key component of the Type R package," he concluded.

The Honda Civic Type R Championship Edition has a recommended retail price of R299 900, and is available from all accredited Honda dealers countrywide. The standard Civic Type R’s current recommended retail price is R290 900.

Exclusive Championship Edition version of iconic Civic Type R added to existing model
-New derivative celebrates Honda’s strong motorsport heritage
-Introduction of limited-slip diff enhances dynamic appeal and cornering performance
-Significant convenience upgrades include iPod interface and MP3 player connectivity
-New safety enhancements include Tyre Deflation Warning system and impact-sensing locks
-Free-revving i-VTEC powerplant and six-speed manual gearbox remain unchanged

Source;
http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4877842&fSectionId=855&fSetId=381