click above image to view 62 desktop wallpaper-sized pics of the Honda Civic Type R sedan

Come Friday, March 30, the new Civic Type R will go on sale in Japan. Based on the current Civic 4-door, the Type R is powered by a screaming, normally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder that eclipses 100 hp/liter, producing around 225 ponies at 8,000 rpm and 159 lb-ft of torque at 6,100 rpm.. A six-speed manual transmission feeds power to the front wheels -- 18-inch units shod with a set of Bridgestone Potenzas. Four-piston Brembos are visible between the spokes and provide the car's stopping power. Body rigidity is said to be 50% better than that of the previous Integra Type R (Acura RSX).

[Source: Honda]


Externally, a redesigned front fascia incorporates a large lower air intake for improved breathing. The hood and front fenders are unique to the Type R, as is the rear bumper with its integrated diffuser. Red "H" emblems, sill extensions and the to-be-expected rear wing cap off the car's racy look. Type R badging adorns the rear of the car, and logo decals are available for owners who want to add them to the spot in front of the rear wheel cutout. Additionally, Modulo provides an aftermarket stripe kit and accessory driving lights, both of which you can see in the attached gallery. Viewed in profile, the Type R has an aggressive stance, with a decidedly pointed snout. It is the best-looking Civic sedan available in any market.

Inside, Type R-exclusive front seats await the driver and passenger, and the upholstery is available in either all-black or a black-and-red two-tone. An aluminum shift knob, metallic pedals, red steering wheel logo, and an Engine Start button make it clear that this is not your ordinary Civic, while options such as ambient lighting in the footwells and Honda's hard-disk navigation system allow for further personalization. Three paint colors -- Championship White, Super Platinum metallic, and Vivid Blue Pearl -- are offered, and Honda hopes to sell 400 of the cars each month at a price of 2,835,000 yen (which directly translates to around $24,000 USD for those of you who were wondering, not that it really applies to us). All we know is that we want one. Badly.