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FD2

'Built for the Track, Born in Japan'

2007–2011

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:

2.0L DOHC i-VTEC (K20A, hand-assembled)

Power:

225 hp (165 kW) @ 8,000 rpm

Torque:

215 Nm @ 6,100 rpm

Redline:

8,600 rpm

Transmission:

6-speed manual (close-ratio)

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (helical LSD)

Dimensions & weight

Weight:

1,270 kg

Length:

4,540 mm

Width:

1,775 mm

Height:

1,435 mm

Wheelbase:

2,700 mm

Performance

0–100 km/h:

6.0 seconds

Top speed:

240 km/h

Chassis & brakes

Suspension:

Double wishbone (front), multi-link (rear)

Brakes:

Brembo 4-piston calipers (front)

Wheels:

18-inch alloy (225/40 R18 tires)

Performance highlights

The FD2 wasn’t just a sedan — it was a road-legal touring car. With its track-tuned suspension, reinforced chassis, and high-revving K20A engine, it delivered razor-sharp handling unlike any Civic before it. On Japan’s circuits, it became a benchmark for front-wheel-drive performance, capable of lap times that rivaled all-wheel-drive sports cars. It gained widespread respect after posting a record-setting lap time at Tsukuba Circuit, outpacing many more powerful rivals. The car’s precise balance and incredible grip made it a favorite among Japanese track-day drivers and tuners alike. The FD2 also served as the foundation for several race-spec variants in Super Taikyu and one-make series, where it collected multiple class wins. While never officially sold outside Japan, it became a global legend — the ultimate expression of the Civic Type R’s purist philosophy.