Honda Civic Type R – manual only due to weight issue

Honda Civic Type R – manual only due to weight issue

The FK8R Honda Civic Type R remains strictly a three-pedal manual car as the nameplate has always been, though automatic and dual-clutch options were also looked at as options.

The idea of going with these was abandoned because they would have upset the weight balance of the car, Yuji Matsumochi, assistant large project leader for the 10th-generation Civic powertrain at Honda Japan told CarAdvice.

“We produce just the six-speed manual transmission only for the Type R because our powertrain has achieved 400Nm and 320 or 310PS, so, big performance,” Matsumochi said, adding that while the other powertrain options would have broadened the car’s appeal, it would have impacted on the car’s dynamics.

Honda Civic Type R – manual only due to weight issue

“The Type R needs a lightweight powertrain because it is front-wheel-drive, and needs lightweight powertrain systems. So, the engine is a little bit heavy, so the transmission side needs to be more lightweight. If we applied an automatic transmission, or dual-clutch transmission, for a 400Nm engine, it would be very heavy weight, and very big. The front weight would be very heavy,” he said.

As it stands, the FK8R Civic Type R tips the balance at 62.5% to 37.5% front to rear, and an automatic, whether a conventional torque converter or dual-clutch, would have made the front weight bias even more apparent. Matsumochi also knows that while manual transmissions are enjoyable, they can be daunting to operate on a racetrack, something which the rev-matching system aims to ease.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to control shift timing for sporty performance, so then we applied the rev-match system. It’s so easy and so smooth – so everyone has a special experience to drive the car,” he said.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • What a wasted chance when they cud have used HB or coupe body instead of sedan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 15
  • sabahan on Jul 05, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    no objection to be a manual, keep it going!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 5
  • StiEnthusiast on Jul 05, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    This is supposed to be manual only.Who will get a auto type R?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
    • Hahaha on Jul 06, 2017 at 10:40 am

      Same reason why people get Evo cars in automatic hahahaha. Vroom vroom cheap then found it very boring ahahahaa. #Idiots

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • hahaha on Jul 05, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    Apa apa jelah.. A45 AMG with 380hp AWD Dualclutch Launch control Superb handling is still my choice…

    Honda Type R is not about turbo. The real concept about Type R is the 9000 rpm and the pure NA sound. that is what type r…

    if honda can still produce 2.0NA with 9000 rpm, i will still choose Honda over A45

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 5
    • Really 9rpm? Have you ever once think most modern cars can’t even reach that high due to emissions laws from different countries?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
  • arowana on Jul 05, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    sounds good to me, manual is the only transmission for Type R… period!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • Not Toyota Fan on Jul 05, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    But Mazda can make MX5 Miata 50/50 weight distribution.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
  • TRD Rules on Jul 05, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    To beat the Golf, Civic stays manual for the weight lighter gearbox? This is “shiok sendiri act” la

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 7
  • Bernard on Jul 05, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    Whatever it is very few msians will be able to afford it due to the exorbitant price in Bolehland!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Civic for ahbeng on Jul 05, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    Japanese car still cant match German made technology… No idea how to put auto transmission on 2.0 performance car.. they must remember dual cluth system shift between gear faster than manual. Not practical car if u stay in KL..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 16
    • Aiya, just say you can’t drive a stick. BTW shift times is not be all and end all in a performance car. Driver enjoyment and satisfaction is important too for those buying performance cars.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
    • Tipah on Jul 05, 2017 at 11:44 pm

      then Honda should produce Civic Type R KL Edition for you

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jul 06, 2017 at 12:22 am

    thank u honda

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • ketambola on Jul 06, 2017 at 10:56 am

    berapa duit ni? juai timbang kati dak?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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