In 2017, Honda claimed the title for the fastest lap from a front-wheel-drive at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack with the Civic Type R, setting a record time of seven minutes and 43.8 seconds. Unfortunately for the Japanese automaker, the record was subsequently broken by French company Renault with its Megan RS Trophy-R, completing the lap a full four seconds faster. Now, in the hopes of reclaiming this title, Honda has reworked the Civic, bringing out a limited edition version — which will also be available for the North American consumer market — to challenge the legendary track once again.

Autoblog.com had this to say about the new Type R variant:

“While these changes are relatively mild, Honda says that the Civic Type R Limited Edition is notably quicker than the regular Type R. We asked one of Honda’s technical consultants and the Civic Type R’s project leader, and neither of them would give specific numbers yet. They did say that Honda will bring the Limited Edition car to the Nurburgring for testing. They also mentioned that the testing would mostly be to see how much faster it is than the regular car, not necessarily to set a new record. Still, if a record is set, they’ll be happy to talk about that.”

The lighter, faster and even more ferocious 2021 Type R Limited Edition will feature all of the 2020 model year Type R updates, plus additional enhancements designed to make it the ultimate street-legal Type R track machine.

Only 100 units of the 2021 Type R Limited Edition, each with an individually numbered serial plate, will be sold in Canada. 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition modifications from stock include:

• Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels from acclaimed manufacturer BBS (18 lb. total unsprung weight reduction)
• Further weight reduction accomplished via reduced sound-deadening materials

Paying homage to past Type R Limited Edition models, the 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition will come in one model-exclusive colour: Phoenix Yellow. Additional model-exclusive treatment includes contrasting gloss black paint on the roof, outside mirror caps, and intake vent on the hood, along with a dark chrome Civic badge on the rear hatch.

The new Type R Limited Edition shares the 2020 Civic Type R mechanical and design updates. In addition, all Limited Edition models will feature an individually numbered serial plate denoting the vehicle’s original country of sale.

Like the standard Type R, the Limited Edition also receives the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Under the hood, the 2021 Civic Type R draws power from the same race-bred 2.0-litre direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC™ valvetrain, putting out a peak 306-horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (both SAE net), with power to the front wheels delivered through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

As with all Civic Type Rs, drivers can choose between three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and +R – that vary damping force, steering assist and throttle mapping. The new-for-2020 Active Sound Control modifies interior sound in concert with chosen drive mode.

Click the TEST DRIVE button below and be among the very few who will have an opportunity to own a 2020 Civic Type R Limited Edition.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.