Aww, Civic Type R’s first VTEC revs. How cute.
Honda announced that earlier yesterday (July. 2, 2015) the first of many Honda Civic Type R’s made their way off the assembly lines in Swindon, UK and into history as some of the first Civic Type R’s to breath life on UK shores. Quite aptly, the first colors that rolled out of the factory where Red, White and Blue (the colors of the Union Jack mind you.) And although the United States also shares those same colors, none will be coming to American shores until at least a rumored 2018.
Honda UK manufacturing or HUM has a long history with Honda of Japan that stretches all the way back to 1989. Even further, Honda had a history with the original plant owners, Rover 10 years earlier. In 1989, engine production began and in ’92, assembly on the Accord was brought to life. 1994 was the first year that the Swindon plant began producing Civics, and with the addition of the Honda CR-V in 2000, the Swindon plant has been producing Civics ever since. This isn’t the first hot hatch that Swindon has assembled. Back in 2001, the Swindon plant was the place to be to check out Honda’s all-new Civic Type R.
According to Sochiro Takizawa, Managing Director at HUM,
"“The new Civic Type R is an imperative model for Honda, representing our racing spirit and demonstrating our commitment to innovation and passion. We are extremely proud to be the only manufacturer of the Civic Type R in the world. Our high standards have earned us this privilege and this is testament to the continued commitment of our Associates.”"
The Honda Civic Type-R is the high revving five-door hot hatch that stole the world’s attention by snatching the Nurburgring Lap time for fastest FWD production car in the world. With a blast around the Nurburgring in seven minutes and 50 seconds, the Civic Type R broke the old record by more than three seconds. Powering the Civic Type R is a turbocharged four-cylinder good for 306 HP and 295 lbs-ft of torque. Ironically, all the engines are made in Anna, Ohio where they’ve been building engines since 1985.