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EK9

‘The origin of the Type R’

1997-2000

Launched in 1997, the EK9 was Honda’s first Civic to wear the Type R badge. Built exclusively for Japan, it combined a lightweight chassis with a 1.6L VTEC engine that screamed to 8,000 rpm. It set the foundation for every Type R that followed.

Specs

Engine & performance

Engine:

1.6L DOHC VTEC (B16B)

Power:

185 hp (136 kW) @ 8,200 rpm

Torque:

160 Nm @ 7,500 rpm

Redline:

8,400 rpm

Transmission:

5-speed manual (close-ratio)

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (LSD equipped)

Dimensions & weight

Weight:

1,070 kg

Length:

4,175 mm

Width:

1,695 mm

Height:

1,360 mm

Wheelbase:

2,620 mm

Performance

0–100 km/h:

6.7 seconds

Top speed:

225 km/h

Chassis & brakes

Suspension:

Double wishbone (front & rear)

Brakes:

Ventilated discs (front), solid discs (rear)

Wheels:

15-inch alloy (195/55 R15 tires)

Performance highlights

The Civic Type R EK9 wasn’t just built for the streets, it was born for the track. From its debut in 1997, the EK9 became a dominant force in Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance championship, where it repeatedly won its class thanks to its agility, light weight, and bulletproof reliability. Privateer and factory-backed teams alike used it to showcase Honda’s racing DNA in the most demanding conditions. Beyond endurance racing, the EK9 also headlined the Civic Type R one-make series, a championship dedicated entirely to the model. These tightly contested races highlighted just how balanced and capable the car was straight from the factory with minimal tuning and maximum performance. While it never competed globally, the EK9’s domestic success cemented the Type R name as a symbol of front-wheel-drive excellence. Its precision handling and track results turned it into a motorsport icon, setting the foundation for every Type R that followed