FD2 Type R

The Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Civic Type R (FD2) was officially released on March 30, 2007. The car is bigger in every way over its predecessor, now sporting a 4 door saloon in place of the 3 door hatchback variant, meaning it has more in common with its older brother the Accord Type R than the car it replaces. This is not a bad thing as the longer wheelbase and wider track means that high speed cornering stability is greatly improved over previous models providing greater cornering confidence and ability.

The power plant for this version was sourced from the Accord Euro R CL7 (also never officially available in the UK). The K20 base benefits from having a longer intake manifold, ported cylinder head, drive by wire throttle and increased compression ratio over the previous K20 resulting in 222bhp@8,400rpm and 159lb-ft of torque @ 6,100rpm. That’s a respectable 24bhp and 17lb-ft hike respectively over the EP3 Type R.

A host of other features appear on this car as standard such as 4 pot Brembo calipers clamping onto larger 320mm discs, A Helical limited slip differential and some Sticky Bridgestone RE070 tyres made specifically for this model all add to the thrill, excitement and feel of this particular model.

The body is claimed to be 50% more rigid than the JDM Integra Type R DC5 and features independent rear suspension as opposed to the UKDM (FN2) versions torsion beam configuration.

Styling wise the car is differentiated from the standard civic by having a more aggressive front bumper and a rear diffuser, not to mention the trademark Type R Spoiler! Inside things are different too as Honda decided to keep things in house this time. Rather than outsourcing to the likes of Recaro for seats and Momo for the steering wheel they designed their own items and to great effect! Available in the trademark black and red colour scheme of previous Type R’s in both the silver and championship white exterior colours. While an all black interior was the only option for the vivid blue pearl colour scheme it was available as an option on all colours.

The car received a minor facelift in 2008 resulting in the rear light clusters changing to octagon shaped reflectors as opposed to the round ones of earlier models. The colour choice increased also to include Premium White Pearl, Premium Deep Violet Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl however, Vivid Blue Pearl was dropped from the options.

Production shall cease on this particular model in August 2010 meaning one of Hondas greatest driver’s cars to date shall remain an exclusive sight on British roads for some time to come!

Thanks to Simon Frood for the write up.

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