RICHBOY

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Japan has its fair share of one-make race series. For well under $20,000 you can buy a stripped out - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (Yaris) from Toyota, a - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (Micra) from Nissan, a - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (Ignis) from Suzuki or a - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (MX-5, Miata, whatever...) from Mazda specifically prepared to do battle with identical machinery six or so times a year around Tsukuba, Fuji and Suzuka. But the undisputed leading feeder race into Japanese formula racing is Honda's Type R series.
Wannabe Honda F1 drivers have been contesting Integras for the past seven years, but next year's championship sees a return of the Civic Type R to Japan's tracks. The race going version sports the standard R's 225PS KA20 motor and six speed 'box, but has no need for the road-going car's helical LSD, aircon, seats, interior trim, underseal and expensive HID lights, which knocks off not only several kilos its curb weight, but a whopping 40% off the road car's sticker price, bringing it under $15,000 at 1,690,500Yen.
Pity that the entry fee, roll cage, racing seat and harness plus a season's worth of tires and parts will come to at least as much again.

monster

No LSD? I thought it is a must for FWD race cars. The normal civic Type R with LSD can lap Honda's circuit within 1 sec of the time set by the NSX.

RICHBOY

DAMN, that's some serious performance!

monster

Honda makes the best handling front wheel drive cars on the market. Their old Integra Type R is an absolute weapon on the road and track, I think EVO did an article on the greatest FWD car and the Integra tops them all, including the 205 and the previous generation Clio Sport Trophy/Cup. It is no surprise that this new Civic Type R is also seriousely quick on the track because the sedan version use double wishbone rear suspension as oppose to the more simple torsional rear suspension in the hatch.

NarutoRamen

I've been saying this exact same thing for years. People just don't understand. Honestly when it comes to japanese manufacturers, Honda is the Porsche of the bunch. They can pretty much kick ass in any segment they enter. When the NSX first came out, it was one of the best. The S2000 is still hailed as one of the best, The Type-R cars have been kicking ass for a decade. Honda seriously know how to make quick grocery getters. I always say that when you're watching sports and run out of beer/grocery...honda is the best choice to go get them in. LOL