Revised 2020 Civic Type R Debuts at TAS 2020
After a few years on the market, Honda's FK8 Civic Type R receives a host of updates for the 2020 model year.
Newly Updated
Since it debuted back in 2017, the FK8 Honda Civic Type R has no doubt been a smashing success. But as we roll into 2020, it's also about time for the car to receive a few updates. And Honda has done just that, adding a few mechanical upgrades, a new color, and some new technology to its front-wheel-drive wonder. They pulled the covers off this updated Type R at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show.
Photos: Honda
Looks Familiar
On the outside, you'll have a hard time telling the difference between the new and old Type R. In fact, the only real difference is the 2020 model has a larger front grille opening, which is designed to aid engine cooling. The only other change is the availability of a new, Type R-exclusive exterior color dubbed Boost Blue. But it's a rather attractive hue, at least.
Photos: Honda
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Mechanical Updates
The majority of the changes to the Type R lie under its exterior. For 2020, the car receives new two-piece brake rotors and new brake pads designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency. Suspension revisions include updated dampers for better ride comfort, stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and modifications to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel.
Photos: Honda
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Fresh Tech
On the inside, you'll find a few updates as well. They include a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new shifter with a restyled knob and shorter shift throws. The 2020 Civic Type R also adds the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, marking the first time that Honda Sensing will be available as standard equipment on all Civic models and trims.
Photos: Honda
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Same Performance
The Type R's powerplant configuration remains the same for 2020 - a 2.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC valvetrain putting out a peak 306-horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, which sends power to the front wheels through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Drivers can still choose between three driving modes – Comfort, Sport, and +R – that vary suspension firmness, steering and throttle response.
Photos: Autocar
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Sound Control
One thing that is new for 2020 is the addition of Active Sound Control, which modifies interior sound in concert with chosen drive mode. Details on this new feature are scant, but we'd imagine a deeper/louder exhaust note in Sport and +R modes, at the very least, as well as a more muted noise in Comfort mode to keep your non-car-loving friends happy.
Photos: Autocar
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More to Come
Expect the new Type R to go on sale sometime later this year, at which time Honda says we'll receive additional information on the new U.S.-spec performance machine. But at least for now, it appears that there's enough new stuff here to keep buyers lined up with cash in hand for the foreseeable future.
Photos: Autocar
>>Join the conversation about the revised 2020 Civic Type R right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
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