The team at Honda said that this new Type R is all about Performance and Swagger, and we agree. Spending time with the innovatively designed Type R was an experience high on the driving fun scale. Is the new Type R the daily drive of the Acura NSX owner? The driver who wants an experience even when driving his two kids to soccer practice?
Style with substance is the DNA makeup of this new Type-R advanced aerodynamics that gives the new Type R a sleeker, more sophisticated, yet muscular look. Designed with input from aerodynamic development members of the HRD Sakura Super GT team, its exterior is also more aerodynamically efficient, generating more downforce and improving high-speed stability.
Designed in Japan, Type R’s new, more muscular body is longer, lower, and wider with broad fenders flared out over wider tracks, and lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The new wheels use a special “reverse rim” design that improves the stability of the tire contact patch under load.
All body panels forward of the A-pillars are new and unique to the Type R, including a new more aggressive front bumper design. The lower stance is accentuated by wider rear doors exclusive to Type R and a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its updated signature three-round exhaust outlets. A redesigned rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser intensify downforce and reduce drag.
Inside The driver sits lower than before in a new, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seat, yet with greater visibility, courtesy of thinner pillars, relocated side mirror, and a lower hood. New lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer both exceptional support and comfort on the track and during long drives.
To better support performance driving, Type R’s exclusive new digital instrument cluster features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The design features a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display, also the Type R’s +R mode, and allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine rpm, and gear position placed at the top. A racing-inspired illuminated rev indicator located above the gauge cluster gives the driver a quick indication of engine rpm during performance driving.
This new Type R delivers the best driving experience in the fabulous hot hatch segment. Under its new, vented aluminum hood sits a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower making the Type-R the most powerful Honda production vehicle ever sold in the U.S.