The Refreshed 2020 Honda Civic Type R Debut

The official U.S. model of the 2020 Honda Civic Type R made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show last week. Some of the upgrades for the 2020 Type R include revised suspension, upgraded brakes, refreshed interior and exterior styling, and standard Honda Sensing safety features.

The Type R made its debut in its new Boost Blue color scheme with a number of changes to its winning formula including improved handling and braking, better engine cooling, and driver-assistive technologies.

Driving Dynamics

Numerous changes have been made to the Type R’s world-beating driving dynamics. New two-piece brake rotors and brake pads are designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency.

Suspension revisions include updated dampers, stiffer rear bushings, and revisions to the front suspension and steering. Also, the grille has been redesigned to allow for better engine cooling under high demand.

Interior Features

The 2020 Type R will feature interior improvements that include new Alcantara™-wrapped steering wheel and a restyled shifter knob. Every 2020 Civic Type R will come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.

Another new feature of 2020 is Active Sound Control. Active Sound Control modifies interior sound depending on which drive mode the car is in.

Under the Hood

The 2020 Honda Civic Type R is powered by a race-bred 2.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC™ valvetrain. The engine can put out a peak 306 horsepower and 295 lb.ft. of torque.

Just like before, drivers can choose between three driving modes, Comfort, Sport, and +R. Each mode varies suspension firmness, steering, and throttle response.

These drive modes and the Type R’s sophisticated design make it thrilling enough for a racetrack but also civilized enough for the daily driver.