2018 Honda Civic Type-R sets FWD ‘Ring record

The new 2018 Honda Civic Type R has set a new lap record for a front-wheel-drive car around the famed Nurburgring racetrack in Germany.

The car hasn’t even gone into production yet, but Honda claims it was a final factory-spec model (with a roll-cage fitted as per track rules). It will go into production this summer at Honda UK’s Swindon plant.

Using road-legal but track-focused tyres on a dry track in cool conditions, the Type R lapped the world-famous circuit in 7 minutes 43.8 seconds, an improvement of almost seven seconds over its short-lived predecessor which also set a lap record a couple of years ago.

Compared to that car, the 2018 model has a 315 hp 2.0-litre VTEC turbo-four and lower ratios in its 6-speed gearbox for faster acceleration.

The bodyshell is significantly more rigid with torsional stiffness up almost 40%, but it is a bit lighter and the new multi-link rear suspension improves stability under braking. Cornering speeds are higher because the car features a wider track and tyres, a longer wheelbase, new multi-link suspension in the rear and optimised aerodynamics that improves stability.

There is still no word on whether the latest Honda Civic Type-R will be offered in the UAE and GCC. The last time the Type-R was officially offered in the UAE was 2010.