Limited-edition Honda Civic Type R again became the WTCR’s official safety car

KUALA LUMPUR: The much more practical Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition was the official safety car for the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) last year. And again for 2021, the hot hatchback managed to grab the honor with its extraordinary track duties. This means the Japanese automaker will be at the forefront of both competition and safety at the fourth season of the World Touring Car Cup, which is scheduled to commence on 5 June at the Nürburgring.

First unveiled at Honda’s long-term motorsport partner, JAS Motorsport, the Civic Type R Limited Edition is an extreme version of the standard hatchback, which is “developed with track performance as its core focus.” For WTCR, it is painted in an eye-popping livery, just like the previous year’s season. The livery is designed by a Belgian artist Vanuf, who has also designed several official liveries for Honda’s touring car programs.

In comparison to the Type R GT, the limited edition model is around 47 kg lighter thanks to a stripped-down interior and lightweight 20-inch BBS forged alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. 

Under the bonnet, it is equipped with a 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine producing a maximum power of 320 PS and a peak torque of 400 Nm. The power is channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, which enables the hatchback to hit the century sprint in 5.7 seconds. That is more than enough for the WTCR safety car to bring things under control in case of an incident.

For smooth braking, it houses an upgraded system with two-piece floating brake discs at the front and new brake pads for improved thermal efficiency. With all industry-leading active safety and driver-assistive technologies, the Civic range including the standard Type R on which the TCR racer is based earned top ratings in Euro NCAP tests. 

Xavier Gavory, WTCR Director, Eurosport Events said, "We are extremely pleased that Honda has extended its commitment as Official Safety Car Partner to the WTCR − FIA World Touring Car Cup with the Civic Type R Limited Edition for 2021. The Civic Type R is a fantastic fit as the Official Safety Car not only because of its iconic status but also because its qualities − which include its excellent safety rating, affordability, and dynamic appearance − fit perfectly with the principles upon which the WTCR was established."

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