Todd Lamb/Atlanta Speedwerks Civic Type R TCR

Major Thrills

There's no denying that if you told someone you were paying $172,000 for a Honda Civic Type R, they'd look at you like you were a tiny bit crazy. But what they don't know is that you're getting a machine that delivers "more thrills per mile than a Lamborghini," according to Autoblog.  

Photos: Autoblog

Full-Blown Racer

Of course, this isn't your average Civic Type R that you can mosey on down to the dealership and buy. Rather, it's a full-blown race car built by Todd Lamb and Atlanta Speedwerks specifically to dominate any course it lays rubber to.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Luck Would Have It

Autoblog was lucky enough to score a little seat time behind the wheel of this very special TCR at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan recently. Needless to say, they came away very much impressed.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Few Goodies

The FIA-approved racer is essentially just a stripped-down Civic Type R, of course. But it also comes with goodies like an XTRAC sequential transmission, MoTec ECU, Ohlins dampers, 18x10-inch O.Z. wheels, and a stainless exhaust.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Options Galore

Then there's the requisite roll cage, racing seats with harnesses, an air-jack system, and quick-release steering wheel. If you want to add other things like spare parts or tools for your pit crew, that'll cost you extra. And of course, the pit crew isn't included.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Moving Air

On the outside, this special Type R features composite bumpers along with massively wide fenders that widen the car by 2.9-inches. There's also an adjustable rear wing, and much of the interior is made out of lightweight materials.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Crank It To 11

So, what's it like to drive this monster on the track? Pretty much how you'd expect. "The Type R TCR drives like a single-minded Civic with all semblance of comfort stripped away, leaving you with a very loud and very fast hot hatch," said Autoblog. "It still feels like the same basic car, but everything has been dialed to 11." 

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Putting Down the Power

A modified intake, exhaust, and unique engine MAP help bump horsepower up to 340. "It’s not the most explosive thing I’ve ever driven in a straight line," admitted Autoblog. "But, outside of some wheel slip in the track’s tightest corner, the Type R TCR puts the power down with ease." 

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Sharp and Aggressive

"Shifts are sharp and aggressive, cracking off with a loud bark from the engine," added Autoblog. "The steering feel is excellent. The brakes require a bit more pressure than I expected, but when the calipers do clamp, they clamp hard. There’s no drama or protesting squeals from the tires, just a bit of a dip in the nose and a little pressure in your chest as the harness holds you down."  

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

Worth the Price

Needless to say, the mag came away highly impressed with this Civic racer. "The raw sensations are what make the Civic Type R TCR so enjoyable. It cuts through the fat and delivers the single most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had in a front-wheel-drive car, and one of the most enjoyable I’ve had in any car." Which, we suppose, makes it well worth the lofty price of admission.

Photos: Autoblog

>>Join the conversation about the Civic Type R TCR right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!

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