Civic Type R (Japan, 1997)

The Honda Civic Type R is the highest performance version of the Honda Civic range. It has a lightened and stiffened body, a tuned engine and upgraded brakes and chassis. The colour red is used in the interior to give it a distinct sporty look apart from the other Civic versions. In Japan, the Honda Civic Type R is raced in a one-make series by privateers. This series championship is a stepping stone for many aspiring racing drivers. The first Civic to receive the 'Type R' name was based on the 6th generation 'EK' Civic. The contributing base model was the JDM Civic 3 door hatchback called SiR, code named EK4. Like its big brother the Integra Type R DC2, the Civic SiR's transformation into a Type R was achieved by working on the base model and improving it to Honda's idea of a car capable of high performance on the circuit. The EK9 Civic Type R was preceded by two previous generations of unofficial Type R's - the EF9 SiR and EG6 SiR.

In 1997 the first Civic Type R badge was launched with the EK9. The hatchback stands in the tradition of the previous SiRs, the EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight-reduction measures, a hand-ported B16B engine, front helical limited-slip differential and close ratio gearbox etc. The B16B engine delivered one of the highest power outputs per litre of all time for an NA engine with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) from a 1.6L. For the first time, a strategically seam welded monocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red Recaro seats, a titanium shift knob and a Momo steering wheel.