It’s no secret by now what a capable performance car the FK8 Honda Civic Type R is as GC Mah found out. When first introduced, it was the fastest Front-wheel driven car to lap the Nurburging, before the record was eclipsed by the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R by four seconds; although we don’t think that’ll stick for much longer.
That’s because recently the Civic Type R reminded us that it’s not to be forgotten; clocking the fastest time for a front-wheel driven car around the Suzuka Circuit. The car it eclipsed was none other than the Megane RS Trophy-R – how ironic.
But that’s not what this is about. Instead, it’s about how the Civic Type R achieved what it did – by being light. The new record was set by the updated, limited edition Honda Civic Type R, which although did not receive additional power, has been significantly lightened.
By almost 50 kg to be exact! Around 12 kg of which was from the removal of sound dampening material while the new wheels on the limited edition Civic Type R have also added a further 10 kg in weight reduction.
To achieve that, Honda has opted for forged aluminium wheels which aren’t just lighter but stronger. To better understand the entire forging process, from a piece of aluminium billet to the completed wheels, you’d have to watch the video.
