The 2017 Honda Civic Type R set a new record as the world’s fastest production front-wheel-drive car just before its U.S. launch, completing a lap of Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 43.80 seconds on April 3, 2017. This time was nearly 7 seconds faster than the previous-generation Type R and more than 3 seconds quicker than the previous FWD record benchmark. The performance is driven by a 306-horsepower 2.0-liter VTEC turbo engine—the most powerful Honda sold in America at the time—paired with a six-speed manual transmission and enhanced aerodynamics that improve stability and acceleration.
Key engineering improvements include a lighter yet more rigid body with significantly increased torsional stiffness, a multi-link rear suspension for better braking stability and reduced body roll, and design upgrades that boost cornering speeds. These changes allow the car to maintain higher speeds through corners, contributing to a faster overall lap. The record-setting vehicle was a pre-production model closely matching production specifications, equipped with safety modifications such as a roll cage without adding structural rigidity.
Images and data: Honda News
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