2022 marked the 30th anniversary of the launch of the NSX-R, the starting point of Honda Type R, a series of pure sports models that pursue both speed and the overwhelming driving pleasure of racing cars. Two engineers from different generations look back at the twelve Type R models, while discussing Honda's sports spirit passed down from generation to generation, and the Type R of the future.

R: Racing, Red (“Red Faction”)

Any car enthusiast would immediately recognize Type R, when they see a vehicle that wears the ivory white body color called Championship White and a red “H” emblem.　Here are the stories behind the creation of the Type R brand, which symbolizes Honda’s Challenging Spirit.

The first Type R model was introduced on November 27, 1992. It was the NSX-R, a special version of the first-generation NSX that took the world by storm with its “human-centered supercar concept.”

NSX-R (NA1) was developed as a pure sports model applying the tuning theory for racing cars.

The body coloring of Type R models is derived from the RA272, the purely Japanese-made F1 machine with which Honda captured its first F1 victory in 1965. The color indicates that Type R models are the continuation of Honda’s F1 lineage.

RA272, the purely Japanese F1 machine

When the first-generation NSX was introduced to the market, there was an unprecedented F1 boom, triggered by the 1987 F1 Japanese Grand Prix held at the Suzuka Circuit. Although many people had been enjoying sports driving on circuits before then, this F1 boom made many people yearn for speed, and the Japanese racing environment became increasingly full-fledged.

Naturally, Honda engineers were passionate about creating a sports car so fast that everyone would be amazed. This desire of Honda engineers was encouraged by the owners of the original NSX, which was created before the NSX-R, who wanted a car that could be more aggressive on the racetrack, then started moving toward the realization. Ryoji Tsukamoto, Expert Engineer who was involved in NSX-R development tells the stories.

Expert Engineer Tsukamoto was involved in the Type R projects since its early phase, and knows Type R inside out.

Tsukamoto During development of the first-generation NSX, there was a debate between the "Silver Faction," which believed that a new sports car equipped with advanced human-centered technology should be built, and the "Red Faction," which believed that greater sports performance (speed) should be pursued. The first-generation NSX was a new generation sports car that fully embraced the ideas and passions from both sides. It was a comfortable car that was fun to drive no matter where you drove, but there was still more driving potential on tap. So, Honda decided to start the development of the NSX-R to realize the passion of the “Red Faction” that existed as a proposal made during the development of NSX. Based on the first-generation NSX, the development team trimmed comfort features to the limit, pursued speed to the maximum extent, and created a vehicle which will achieve ultimate performance on the racetrack. That is NSX-R.

It may sound simple, but it was not an easy feat. At the time, there was a voluntary regulation in Japan’s auto industry that limited the output of registration vehicles (standard cars) to 280 or less horsepower, which the first-generation NSX had already reached. Due to this regulation we could not take the simplest approach, which was to increase engine power to make the car faster.

Tsukamoto So, we took the approach of increasing the power-to-weight ratio (output-to-weight ratio) by reducing vehicle weight. A lighter vehicle can run faster with the same amount of power, and the quality of its dynamic performance can also be improved. However, since the base model was already highly precise, a setting that enhances dynamic performance was needed. We had to refine the dynamic rpm balance of the engine to improve responsiveness, and we also needed to apply know-how of more advanced settings in areas such as the body and suspension. The entire team worked together to accomplish this, and we were able to reduce the weight of the lightest NSX-R model by 120kg compared to the original NSX model, achieving the embodiment of Honda's Racing Spirit.

In the 30 years since then, technology and philosophy amassed through the development of NSX-R have been passed down from generation to generation, and the current Type R models have matured to the point where they perform strong on the racetrack without sacrificing occupant comfort. A total of twelve Type R models have been introduced to date. Let’s take a look at the history of the Type R.

Type R lineage: Symbolizing Honda's Sports Spirit

1992: NSX-R (NA1)

A pure sports model which achieved the ultimate speed as a result of thorough weight reduction and special tuning of the suspension and powertrain.

1995: Integra Type R (DC2/DB8)

Following the example of the NSX-R, weight reduction and body rigidity improvement were pursued. Equipped with a specially tuned engine, Integra Type R boasted outstanding driving performance (above: DC2, below: DB8)

Although the NSX-R was an epoch-making car, its price of over 9 million yen made it difficult for most people to afford at the time. Under such circumstances, the Integra Type R was introduced at a price of 2.22 million yen.

Tsukamoto The development team of the Integra Type R had to overcome different kinds of difficulties than those of the NSX-R development. They wanted to create a car which offered driving performance that would satisfy Honda fans who love to drive, at a price that even young people could afford. Back then, base models were not designed with the Type R variation in mind, so I heard that the development team placed importance on taking on challenges to perfect the vehicle while dealing with restrictions on the layout of the engine compartment and underbody components.

Although it was based on an engine for the production model, the engine of Integra Type R was uncompromisingly fine-tuned, which included handwork polishing of engine parts by skilled craftsmen. Thanks to this fine tuning, the engine generated maximum output of 200hp at 8,000rpm, the world's highest output per liter for a naturally aspirated engine for production cars at the time, peaking at 111hp per liter.

1997: Civic Type R (EK9)

Civic Type R gained popularity as a model that fully leveraged the qualities of the base Civic model by combining dynamic and agile driving performance of the compact body and a high degree of controllability.

1998: Accord Type R

Accord Type R was sold exclusively in European markets. It was approximately 60kg lighter than the base model and was powered by a specially tuned 2200cc engine, inheriting the Type R DNA.

The first-generation Civic Type R was the vehicle that solidified the popularity of Type R models. Released on the heels of the Integra’s popularity, it was a lightweight vehicle weighing 1,090kg equipped with a high-powered engine that produced 185 horsepower despite its 1600cc displacement. With its sharp and emotionally-appealing response and handling performance that defied the conventional wisdom of front-wheel drive (FF) cars, it made a name for itself as Honda's definitive lightweight sports car.

The following year, the Accord Type R was launched in Europe. Although not well known in Japan because it was not sold in Japan, Accord Type R was a model that followed the “Type R formula,” with the base model modified with a special high-output engine and fine-tuning that included weight reduction and increased body rigidity.

2001: Integra Type R (DC5)

Featuring a DOHC i-VTEC engine and Brembo brake calipers, the Integra Type R became the model that heralded the new era for the Type R series. The simultaneous development of the Type R variation together with the base model was also groundbreaking.

2001: Civic Type R (EP3)

Developed with the Dangan (bullet) Hot Hatch concept. The Japanese version of this Civic Type R wore the Union Jack emblem on the tailgate to indicate it was manufactured in the U.K.

2002: NSX-R (NA2)

To further advance the first-generation NSX-R, stability and controllability during high-speed driving were improved by applying aerodynamic know-how, which heightened the upper performance limits of the NSX-R.

In the 2000s, the Type R took on an even more aggressive direction. Both the Integra and Civic gained even more power with the K20A 2-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. The NSX-R, which could not increase engine power due to the 280-horsepower voluntary regulation, enhanced its sports performance by tweaking the aerodynamics.

Tsukamoto We took an approach called “aerodynamically-induced stability” that enhances handling and stability of the vehicle by controlling the aerodynamics. Specifically, the underfloor of the vehicle was flattened, air was let out from the front hood, and the front and rear lift balance was also adjusted through rear spoiler settings. Downforce is generated to increase the ground contact of the tires while driving at high speeds, expanding vehicle performance limits and improving controllability.

Unlike racing cars, Type R models are subject to the minimum ground clearance set by safety standards, so it was considered difficult to achieve the desired aerodynamic performance. However, we were able to achieve our targets by applying various measures such as conducting wind tunnel tests using moving belts and aerodynamic simulations.

2007: Civic Type R (FD2)

Developed to achieve the fastest lap time among FF Type R models and to achieve a high level of driving pleasure that enables the driver to “become one with speed,” the K20A engine was further refined to generate output of 225 horsepower.

2009: Civic Type R Euro (FN2)

The third-generation Civic Type R developed exclusively for Europe was launched in 2007. In response to high expectations for the introduction of this 3-door model with original and stylish exterior design in Japan, the model went on sale in Japan in 2009 with limited sales totaling 3,510 units.

2015 Civic Type R (FK2)

Equipped with the K20C turbo engine which offered maximum output of 310hp, the development car of this Civic Type R model set the fastest lap time (7 minutes 50.63 seconds) for an FF production car on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (“North Loop”) in Germany. This model was introduced to the Japanese market with limited sales of 750 units (coincided with its Nürburgring lap time.)

2017: Civic Type R (FK8)

Not only the fastest Type R ever at that point in time, this Civic Type R also embodied the “new-generation” Type R which featured unprecedented grand tourer performance and everyday fun. The Limited Edition featuring the ultimate lightweight and speed was also released.

This Civic Type R (FK2), introduced in Japan in 2015, was the first Type R model equipped with a turbo engine. It set the fastest lap time for an FF model at the Nürburgring North Loop in Germany, which is said to be the toughest circuit in the world and sacred to automobile development, greatly enhancing the Type R brand.

With the Civic Type R (FK8) launched two years later, the fundamental performance as a vehicle was improved, and driving performance as an ideal FF sports car was thoroughly pursued. As a result, the Civic Type R once again set the fastest lap time for an FF model at the Nürburgring North Loop. In the meantime, the addition of three selectable driving modes aligned to the driving situations and driver’s feelings made this model an unprecedented Type R that gave due consideration to everyday driving comfort.

2022: Civic Type R (FL5)

The latest Type R model was developed in pursuit of the ultimate pure sports performance, combining speed, which is the essential value of a sports model, and driving pleasure, which appeals to the driver’s emotions.

In 2022, the 30th anniversary year for the Type R series, the all-new Civic Type R (FL5) made its debut. The Type R, which once tended to choose drivers who preferred a harsher ride (stiffer suspension), evolved into a sports car that offers both sporty performance and comfort at a high level, as the times have progressed and technology has evolved. The Type R models are now equipped with Honda LogR, a data logger exclusive to the Type R, that provides the driver with real-time data on the vehicle's mechanical performance and other key data. The FL5 offers a new joy of driving.

Forging the Future by Going Beyond our Past Achievements

Honda has always gone beyond its past achievements and created value unique only to Type R. This spirit permeates the entire Type R development team. Dai Hara, who worked on the exterior design of the FK8 (2017) and FL5 (2022), joyfully says, "While developing a Type R model, everyone somehow switches off our limiter.”

Hara We are able to try things that we would not normally do, and take on challenges in new areas. That’s because we have a clear goal to create the "fastest” vehicle. In the area of design, the best design is what makes the vehicle the fastest , and if we can prove that, no one complains. While working on the exterior design of the FK8 and FL5, I learned what functional beauty in car design is and what the Type R is all about.

Being a car enthusiast since childhood, Hara was inspired by Type R and joined Honda.

Hara has been pursuing the ultimate design for speed. He remembers that designing vehicle parts which are directly linked to the driving performance including aerodynamic performance was particularly difficult for the FK8, the first Type R model he worked on.

Hara Due partly to the feedback from our racing experience, the way we think about aerodynamics is evolving constantly. It is common for what we thought was optimal at that time to be overturned by the latest theories. We are always striving for the ultimate design for speed, but we have to keep it in mind that Type R models are production cars. There are safety standards that Type R models must meet. It was tougher than I had imagined to make the fastest car possible within such constraints.

The two enjoyed endless conversation in front of the all-new Civic Type R.

Despite the difficulties he faced, Hara says that the team worked as one to perfect FK8 to the point where they could say for a fact that there was nothing else they could do. For the development of FL5, the team went a step, or even two steps further in advancing the level of perfection.

Hara Being a fast car was no excuse. We were very conscious of every detail, such as the ownership satisfaction this sports car would offer to its owners and how sleek this vehicles should look.

FL5 interior. A bright red interior heightens driver’s excitement.

In contrast to the bright red seats, the cockpit area was colored all black so that the driver can concentrate on driving.

While complying with all required specifications and regulations, the FL5 was developed as the ultimate sports car customers can enjoy as a “street legal racing car.” In addition to stylists, design engineers, engineers, test drivers and all development team members from different areas of expertise shared ideas and spend a lot of time discussing while sometimes stepping into each other's area of expertise to enhance the functionality and styling of the FL5.

Hara The environment surrounding automobiles including sports cars has been changing dramatically, but the FL5’s key elements of “essential value” and “emotional appeal” are universal to all automobiles. Honda’s Sports Spirit and the Type R are the pure expression of such universal value in a form that is in line with the times. This is my personal wish, but I hope that Type R will take its existing fans and keep moving forward into the future, and I believe that we must make sure that happens.