Honda CIVIC TYPE R (EP) '04

The Honda CIVIC TYPE R (EP) '04 is a Road car produced by Honda. It appears in Gran Turismo 4 and Gran Turismo 5.

In-game description
The seventh generation Civic appeared in September of 2000. The Type R appeared more than a year later, arriving in December of 2001.

The character of the Civic changed greatly with this model. With slumping sales of the 3-door hatchback in Japan, the 5-door hatchback and 4-door saloon took the leading role. However, the 3-door was still made at Honda UK Manufacturing in Swindon, and the fastest model Type R alone would be imported.

The styling was completely European. With a length of 162.7 inches, width of 66.7 inches and height of 56.2 inches it was the first time in the history of the Civic that the new model was shorter and taller than the older model. This was due to the overall strengths demanded of a world class car.

The Civic has a main engine lineup of 1.5 and 1.7 litre versions, but the Type R was mounted with a 2.0L straight-4 DOHC i-VTEC. The "i-VTEC" combined the traditional valve timing and lift mechanism with an upgraded cam timing adjustment mechanism to allow for an all-around increase in power.

The engine which boasts a maximum output of 212 BHP at 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 201.8 Nm at 7000 rpm, was assembled in Japan, shipped to England, then assembled with the body there, making this quite an extravagant car.

The gearbox was a 6-speed MT. With controls mounted on the dashboard it is bewildering at first, but once becoming accustomed to its feel it is quite easy to use. The front strut and rear double wishbone suspension might seem like a step down from older models, but the balance of handling and ride comfort was excellent. In January of 2004, it underwent minor changes, with the look of the front grille becoming more modern.