My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Super GT fighters

The Super GT 2024 season will see a matchup like no other in the Reiwa era. It's a clash between the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, and the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Here in GT7, I'm driving their road car equivalents predicting which car will win the 2024 season.

But first, let's get to know about these Reiwa-era JDM sports cars.

With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 G29 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant was boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 features an eclectic mix of design cues inspired by past models as well as a cutting-edge interior featuring a GT-R-derived steering wheel, the signature triple pod cluster, and race-inspired gauges. Under the hood, the previous model's 3.7L VVEL engine was replaced by the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Skyline 400R. It produces nearly 400HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. It features optional launch control for the first time in a Z car and a mechanical LSD.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the RZ34 Fairlady Z features new monotube shocks, new front geometry, rear suspension tuning, and another first for the Z car, electric power steering. It even features increased rigidity and available sports brakes.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Taking the idea from both Best Motoring and Hot Version, I decided to compare these three Reiwa-era JDM sportscars around Tsukuba Circuit and engage the one-lap time attack rite of passage, predicting which of these three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season.

In their road car guises, the RZ34 is the most powerful of the three but the FL5 is the dark horse because although it's the least powerful, boasting 325hp power output, it's the lightest of the three, making this comparison truly one-sided. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabbers. It's time to find out which of the three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season. Roll the tape.

And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m05.227s

Z RZ34 - 1m05.767s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m05.706s

The FL5 Civic Type R truly is the dark horse of the three. It barely defeated the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 by a crust but it's razor-thin slower than the GR Supra. The result is too close to call.

Based on my experiment, my prediction for the 2024 Super GT season will be a close call with the GR Supra expected to win the 2024 season. I'm not sure which GR Supra Super GT car will be but it's everyone's game. The Civic Type R FL5 is proven to be the dark horse of the three and I expect its Super GT equivalent to deliver razor-thin results compared to the other two. Both the GR Supra and the Fairlady Z RZ34 nailed titles but with the arrival of the Super GT Civic, will it be the first to win a Super GT title for the Honda Civic?

Expect the 2024 Super GT season to be as close as the elections, if you catch my drift. With the GR Supra expected to dominate the 2024 season as well as the Honda Civic's wild-card performance, it's going to be the tightest season ever. Get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a long fight.

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R FK8 is no doubt the last Civic Type R of the Heisei era since its 2017 debut. During its five-year tenure, the last British-made Type R smashed every front-wheel-drive lap record from Suzuka to the Nurburgring thanks to its 2.0L VTEC TURBO engine, no torque steer, and impressive dynamics, making it the force to be reckoned with.

As Japan approached the Reiwa era, the main question was what would the Civic Type R look like in this current era we're facing? Here's your answer...

This is the Honda Civic Type R of the Reiwa era, the FL5. Making its video game debut on Gran Turismo 7, the Type R of the Reiwa era is ready to make the grade for the eager speedo boys who wish to get their word on the newest generation of the king of front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Having tried out the FL5 Type R in Gran Turismo 7, I'm slightly impressed with the reworked styling and the dynamics compared to the previous model. Sure, it's less obvious than the FK8 but it still packs some noise and some added punch when I let this one loose on the track and I'm slowly starting to get...addicted to it.

At this point, I was going to give the FL5 Civic Type R a bravery test in either Suzuka or the Nurburgring Nordschleife to battle against the FF world record set in the real world but...there was an ongoing competition going on for Japanese GT7 players trying to beat the real world records. I'm off-limits to either of these tracks.

Instead, I went to Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, the venue of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. Joining alongside the previous FK8 model, it's time to find out how much evolution the Reiwa era Civic Type R has gained compared to the last UK-built Heisei era Civic Type R. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Civic Type R FK8 - 1m53.385s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m52.847s

Nearly a second! That's how much improvement the FL5 has gained compared to the FK8, meaning this all-new model is a slight improvement from its predecessor. Touche.

Because we live in the new normal, it's sad to say that the Honda Civic Type R FL5 will be known as the last Type R to be run on a pure internal combustion engine, as experts believe, but whatever the reason, the Reiwa era Civic Type R is the swansong to the world's craziest engines ever made, the VTEC engine that became a favorite for speedo boys many.

Domo arigato, Civic Type R. You made us proud.

Honda Civic Type R FL5

The first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era has arrived as the Honda Civic's 50th-anniversary celebration's gone full circle with the ultimate Civic unleashed to the world, a must-have for speedo boys worldwide.

2023 Honda Civic Type R

2023 Honda Civic Type R interior

The all-new Honda Civic Type R, priced at 4,997,300 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is by no means the first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era but by amazement, this is the last ICE-powered Civic Type R in history as the company behind this is shifting towards the age of electrification. Looks like Honda's on the roll to call the FL5 Civic Type R the ultimate Type R ever built and it's ready to deliver the endgame speedo boys deserved on the road and track. Best of all, the Civic Type R is now built in Japan for the first time since the FD2, a delight for speedo boys who love JDM sportscars and daydream about them every single time while getting high.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the all-new Type R features new bodywork, a new carbon fiber rear wing, and the same triple exhaust from the previous FK8. From every angle, it's no longer as obvious as the previous FK8 model. It's as subtle as doing a subtle attempt at the big score. On the inside, the aluminum center panel, sports seats, Type R steering wheel, aluminum shift knob, specially-made speedo, and a serial number plaque made the new Type R a racer's delight while accompanying up to five people inside.

On track days, the FL5 Civic Type R features a built-in LogR vehicle app that monitors and records performance data on a closed road and track.

Under the hood, the FL5 Civic Type R runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT. Aside from that, Honda has spent its manpower to give the FL5 Civic Type R a much-needed improvement in the dynamics department. From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it's no wonder the FL5 Civic Type R smashed the Suzuka Circuit FF lap record, faster than the previous model. Let's hope it reaches the Nurburgring and smashes the Renaultsport Megane Trophy-R's lap record to become the new king of FF hot hatches in the Nurburgring. You can count on it.

Because this is the Reiwa era Type R, the FL5 features an updated Honda SENSING system featuring a Forward Collision Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System, improved Adaptive Cruise Control, and Adaptive Driving Beam, among many others.

With its sensible design and improved performance, the first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era is no doubt the ultimate Civic Type R ever built. As Honda shifts its focus to the era of electrification, there's no doubt that the FL5 Civic Type R will be the biggest sendoff in the twilight of the internal combustion era and for speedo boys, they're ready to risk their lives to drive the FL5 like there's no tomorrow because, in the age of the new normal, there will never be something as cool as the Civic Type R. Enjoy it while you can.

Available colors: Championship White, Flame Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sonic Grey Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Civic e:HEV (FL4)

The year 2022 marks the Honda Civic's 50th anniversary and with the whole world enjoying driving the eleventh-generation Honda Civic since last year's launch, the return of the hybrid variant could spark unanswered questions about one of the most iconic vehicles in the world bringing back the least lovable variant.

2023 Honda Civic e:HEV

The Civic e:HEV, priced at 3,940,200 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, marks the return of the hybrid variant to the Civic lineage. The last time the Civic has gone the hybrid route was in the eighth-generation model just so you know. Anyway, with the hybrid variant back in the eleventh-generation Civic, you can expect a lot of mixed comments about the Civic e:HEV.

At first glance, it looks similar to the normal Civic that was launched last year. Well-balanced, geometrical, clean, lower, and longer compared to the tenth-generation Civic Hatchback, not to mention the roomy interior and the back-to-basics dashboard that could set the template for future Honda models soon. However, the only differences you'll find in this hybrid variant are the e:HEV badges and the NSX-esque gear buttons instead of the gear lever from the normal petrol-powered model.

The e:HEV system is the cream of the crop for hybrid-powered Honda models since the fourth-generation Fit and it's been recalibrated for the Civic. Why? Check the driving modes and you will notice the Sport Mode feature in the Civic e:HEV, which is somewhat a joke for speedo boys behind the wheel until they engage it and it made the Civic e:HEV more responsive on the road thanks to sharpened throttle response and improved performance. Imagine taking one for a leisurely drive at either Suzuka or Motegi with this feature on.

With the newly-developed LFC-H4 2.0L petrol hybrid powerplant mated to a twin-motor electric CVT with Manual Mode involved via paddle shifters, the Civic e:HEV has a combined power output of 184PS, 315Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of just 7.8 seconds, and a fuel economy of 24.2km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Of course, because being a high-tech hybrid for the new normal, the Civic e:HEV features an updated Honda SENSING system featuring Forward Collision Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System, the improved Adaptive Cruise Control, and Adaptive Driving Beam, among many others.

Like it or not, the Civic e:HEV is proof that the eleventh-generation Civic is now in tune with the times with its hybrid powertrain capable of giving drivers the extra mile, although unhappy for speedo boys behind the wheel. The least desirable Civic has returned, recharged, and reloaded with new and exciting features that will make it capable of handling the new normal.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Civic FL1

The Civic, the car that became the icon of Honda and highly coveted by speedo boys worldwide, is now in its 11th generation and it promises to be the best Civic ever made despite the fact that it's offered in just one body style, unlike its predecessors.

2022 Honda Civic

Priced at 3,190,000 Japanese, which is more expensive than its predecessor, the 11th-generation Honda Civic is now offered exclusively as a hatchback because most of the customers of the previous generation went for the imported hatchback rather than the Japanese-made sedan. It's the main reason why they will not bring the sedan to this latest generation. Anyway, unlike the previous Civic Hatchback that is imported from Great Britain until the end of its operations due to restructuring, the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback is now made in Japan, the way the Honda Civic should be made.

2022 Honda Civic

Beginning with the design, the new model is surprisingly well-balanced compared to the previous model. Although it's no longer a sharp-looking hatchback, its geometrical styling made it look clean to look at it, regardless of location. In terms of dimensions, the new model is lower and longer compared to the previous model while keeping the width friendly for Japanese and European roads because of its narrow spaces. It's common sense.

2022 Honda Civic interior

The interior is now more spacious than the previous model due to its longer wheelbase, making it the ideal car for all walks of life, be it a family car or a road trip buddy for up to five people on board. On the driver's side, it's all back to basics as the sat-nav and the air-con has been repositioned with the former on top and the latter below. It's weird that the new sat-nav screen is somewhat tiny compared to the previous model. 

The instrumental panel is now back to basics and it now bears a tachometer on the left and a speedo on the right that reads up to 180kph of top speed. That's very Japanese, of course.

On the passenger side, meanwhile, because of its longer wheelbase, it's easy for the rear passengers to get accommodated and because it's a hatchback, the rear seats can be folded down for your additional spacing needs.

Whether for work or fun, the new Civic does it all.

2022 Honda Civic

The 11th-generation Honda Civic retains the same 1.5L VTEC TURBO engine as the previous model. It produces 182PS of power and 240Nm of torque and can be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox (the speedo boy favorite) or an improved CVT with a more robust electric hydraulic pump, ball-bearing secondary shaft, and revised Step-Shift programming, not to mention the idling stop system and the new catalytic converter design. Whichever transmission you go for, the new Civic has a fuel economy of 16.3km/L based on WLTC standards.

As for dynamics, Honda promises that the new Civic is more fun to drive than the competition and they almost stick to their word because it's a Honda. With the front McPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear disc brakes, it's no wonder the new model has the behavior of a European hatchback that fits well everywhere and you can really spend a lot of time toying around with it as much as you want.

The new Civic comes standard with the new Honda Sensing suite of driver aids featuring a new single-camera system that provides a longer, wider field of view than the previous model. It even comes with Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and many others.

Made in Japan, fit for worldwide use, the 11th-generation Civic is the hatchback that delivers the same Civic pledge that has been coveted by its massive fanbase, including speedo boys. It was a surprisingly close call for Honda to keep building the Civic in Japan now that it's offered exclusively as a hatchback but in the end, it's all common sense.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, and Premium Crystal Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Project CARS 3: What's your first page be like?

Congratulations to those who got their hands on Project CARS 3, the newest installment of the Project CARS series, which is made by the folks of Slightly Mad Studios (a Codemasters company) and Bandai Namco. As everybody knows, every good story begins with a choosing and for those who are starting Project CARS 3 for the first time get to choose one of three starter cars to begin with; a Toyota 86, a Lancer Evo VI, and a Civic Type R. Question is, which starter car is the best to start with?

To find out, let's examine the three Project CARS 3 starters.

First off, the Honda Civic Type R FK2. Made in Britain, the FK2 is based on the Euro-spec ninth-generation Civic and it's powered by a K20C 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine, which produces 310PS of power output and 400Nm of torque, while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Incorporating its motorsports knowhow, the Civic Type R comes with race-inspired suspension system, Active Damper System, Dual Pinion Assist EPS, and the most advanced aerodynamics developed for this car. When it was launched in 2015, it lapped the Nurburgring in 7:51.42, which is the fastest lap time for front-wheel drive cars. It marked the return of the Civic name in Japan after a five year absence with only 750 units imported to Japan.

Next up is the Toyota 86. While this is the least powerful of the three starter cars, its rear-wheel drive layout makes its the most enjoyable to drive with and because it's the cheapest of the three, you can spend its change tweaking its car. It's powered by a 2.0L flat-4 engine producing over 200PS of power and thanks to its low center of gravity and the fact that it uses skinny tires rather than bigger, grippy, ones, it makes the 86 more lively to drive in the corners.

Lastly, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition, made in honor of the four-time WRC champion, the TME is a special Lancer Evolution VI model that is limited to 2500 units worldwide. Although the special livery wasn't made for show-offs, this model featured mechanical improvements identical to the base car. It comes with three variants ranging from the stripped-off RS model to the heavily-equipped GSR model.

These three starter cars will have their say with a quick lap round the streets of Shanghai to see which starter car is the best. I know this sounds rubbish but in the interest of car science, I stuck with it. So without further ado, let the experiment begin.

The Toyota 86 is much lively to drive in the bends because of its FR layout while the Civic Type R is all about serious grip and the Lancer Evo VI really shows its all-round capability as an all-wheel drive car. With their fun at Shanghai done, here are the results:

GT86 - 1:56.250

Lancer Evo VI - 1:50.185

Civic Type R - 1:50.915

As it turns out, the Lancer Evolution VI is the fastest of the three and I have no idea why I made the right decision choosing this as my starter car, although most disagree that the 86 is the best because like I said, because it's the cheapest of the three, you can spend its change tweaking its car. The Civic Type R is fairly nice but drivers may have hard time tinkering it.

Needless to say, whichever car you choose, your day at Project CARS 3 is officially begin and in its career mode, your goal is to win races while achieving several objectives to unlock new races. If you find it troubling, tune up or buy a new car. Simple.

Anyway, welcome to the world of Project CARS 3, drivers.

Forza Horizon 4: The Meg vs. The Civic

Few moments ago, I tried out the latest Renaultsport Megane in Forza Horizon 4, a hatchback that I won at the Winter Festival Playlist, and I am amazed that for a basic cooking version of Renault's ultimate hot hatch, it managed to take down even the ultimate Megane in the past, which is the R26.R.



Rejoined by the Megane IV R.S., it's time to take Renault's king of hot hatches a step further because I'll be summoning its biggest enemy this French hot hatch ever faced; the FK8 Honda Civic Type R.



Yes, the FK8 Honda Civic Type R, the ultimate hot hatch ever assembled a sea away because even though it's Japanese, it's made by the Brits and sadly, it's the last Type R ever made in Britain judging by the news that Honda's Swindon plant is closing soon. Anyway, brushing off from current events, the FK8 Honda Civic Type R is the ultimate enemy of the Renaultsport Megane IV of course and having learned that its ultimate version defeated the Civic at the Nurburgring, I reckon that it might do the same here except for one major problem...



As you can see here, the Renaultsport Megane IV featured in the game is just the basic cooking model with the 1.8L turbo engine that produces 280PS of power and 390Nm of torque. That's less than what the 2.0L VTEC TURO the Type R possess and slightly heavier as well. Despite the handicap, it's challenge accepted for the Renaultsport Megane IV as it takes on a time attack against the king of hot hatches, the Civic Type R. Good luck, French fry.

After a quick lap round castle grounds, here are the results;

FK8 - 1:06.867
Megane IV - 1:09.203



Guess the basic Renaultsport Megane IV wasn't quick enough to outrun the Civic Type R unlike its ultimate version that won the time attack battle at the Ring against this Honda. Oh well, despite the result, I'm very happy that I got my hands of the latest Renaultsport Megane while it lasted.

Wait...



What now? A new challenger? Could this day get any worse?!

Forza Horizon 4: Spotlight's on the FK8 CTR

Have you managed to get the FK8 Honda Civic Type R at the Forzathon shop? If you haven't, you'd better save up some points and get one while you still can because, with the record-breaking performance this front-wheel drive icon delivers, that's something worth regretting if you missed out on this super hot hatch.



Honda's Civic Type R FK8 is a super hot hatch legendary for its record-breaking performance no front-wheel drive has gone before. It has conquered the Nurburgring, the Magny-Cours, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and even the Hungaroring with no questions asked. With its 2.0L VTEC TURBO engine, no torque steer, impressive dynamics, and being a Honda, the Civic Type R FK8 is a show of force that even a front-wheel drive can be a track weapon in its own right. However, since this is Horizon 4, the streets of Britain are proven to be a new challenge for the FK8, and with that, it's time to get its party dress on.



Now this is why they called Poppin'Party because me and my Honda are going to have a popping party time on the roads of the United Kingdom but enough of the sarcasm because the FK8 Civic Type R prepares for a new kind of challenge only I can think off but because this is Horizon 4, every race is a challenge.



With the battleground set, the FK8 is prepared to show the Horizon crowd that it's still up for a challenge. As a matter of fact, despite all the intimidating opponents facing, the FK8 feels free-spirited for its own ways and means, meaning that this hot hatchback's very happy to have me on board to throw some party to the crowd. Whatever that means, let the party begin.



That was quite a mess but since this Horizon, anything goes GOES ON, even when things get dirty and wet.



What a party the FK8 is and despite all that has happened, it sure knows how to take a challenge in a free-spirited manner, and guess what? The stars will keep on shining for Honda's iconic front-wheel drive track toy, even for me. As my journey continues for more, you still have some time to pick up the FK8 Civic Type R while you still can. Get going, she needs your expertise to woo her.

Forza Motorsport 7: Civic Type R vs. Road Atlanta

A few moments ago, I tried out the brand new Honda Civic Type R on Forza Motorsport 7 via a free DLC following this month's update and I was so impressed that not only it's faster than the old model it replaces, but I managed to beat the real world lap time set by The Stig round the Top Gear Track. No tricks, no tuneups. Just honest-to-stock specs and I did it quicker than The Stig. Anyway, as you are wondering what the FK8 and I are on about, this is what we're on about, here, at Road Atlanta.



Why Road Atlanta? It's plain simple. To promote the new FK8 Civic Type R, Honda and Forza Motorsport 7 team up for a little real life vs. digital challenge called R vs. R.  As Soichiro Honda once said, "If Honda does not race, there is no Honda." In that mixed reality race between real and virtual, Honda enlisted IndyCar driver Graham Rahal and pro gamer Peter Jeakins (a.k.a. TheSlapTrain) to see which one is the best. Rahal's at Road Atlanta driving the Type R in real life while TheSlapTrain's at Turn 10 studios, driving the similar one in the virtual side. I can't tell which because that car hasn't been in Forza 7 yet so what Civic was he driving virtually? Theoretically, the old FK2, I suppose, but never mind about that. At the end, the pro driver has beaten the pro gamer at a rate of .871 seconds, 1:46.664 vs. 1:47.535.



Now that the FK8 Civic Type R is finally at Forza Motorsport 7 to all the players like you and me, it's time for me to do something in return by beating the real world lap time set by Rahal himself. So, how does an idiot like me playing with the controller have what it takes to match the time set in the real world by a pro driver? Before you say everything else, I just want to tell you that everything's stock just like how I did before setting every car for a lap. No tuneup tricks whatsoever, in case you're wondering.

Anyway, with all set, it's time to see if I have the R to take down both Rs. Roll the tape.



After a lap round Road Atlanta, I did it in...1:44.293. Unofficially but over two seconds faster than the real-world lap time set by Graham Rahal! How's that for a Herculean objective?



Having managed to beat The Stig's lap time and Graham Rahal's, I can happily conclude that the FK8 Civic Type R really is the best Civic Type R ever made. It may not be the king of hot hatches but it's certainly the best front-wheel drive sportscar I have ever driven and with this one, everybody wins. Now that I got it all sorted out, I prepped up a little surprise for everyone to see...





You know what this calls for? A Poppin' Party time! Get it?

Forza Motorsport 7: The Best Reason to Enjoy the new Civic Type R

At long last, after a recent May content update, Forza fans finally got the one they've desired for since the beginning; the all-new Honda Civic Type R FK8 and it's available as a free download so players are looking forward to sample Honda's ultimate hot hatch that had the whole neighborhood rattled by the sound of its VTEC Turbo engine kicking it, yo. Get it? VTEC just kicked in, yo.



Before I get too excited about taking my dibs on the all-new model, let's talk about the new Civic Type R from the top.



Following the success of the previous FK2 Civic Type R, Honda turned up the wick by regenerating the Civic Type R to an all new FK8 model, which is based on the current-generation Civic Hatchback sourced from the United Kingdom.

As the hot hatch that reigned the Nurburgring record for front wheel drive cars, with its 7:43.8 lap time, the FK8-spec Civic Type R comes with the newly improved chassis dynamics that were fine tuned to become the ultimate front-wheel drive track weapon as well as the upgraded 2.0L VTEC TURBO engine that produces 10PS more than the previous FK2, delivering 320PS of power and 400Nm of torque, while mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Apart from that, the new model comes with a brand new +R mode that gives the new car greater usability across a wider range of road surfaces as well as advanced dual-axis and multi-link suspension, Adaptive Damper System, Dual pinion variable-ratio EPS, Agile Handling Assist, drive-by-wire throttle, and many others.

The FK8 Civic Type R is priced at 4,500,360 Japanese Yen when it went on sale on the Japanese market since late September and for the first time, it's available worldwide, including North America.

In a Series 25 episode of Top Gear, Chris Harris tries out the Civic Type R round the Ebisu Circuit and then defeated the Lexus LC500, driven by Ninja Stig. When given to The Stig, it set a 1:25.6 lap time round the Top Gear track.



Having spent the first five minutes driving the new Civic Type R, I had to say that it's been an honor to get to know the ultimate hot hatch Honda has ever made. Of course, there has been some downsides to this new model such as the horrid styling at the back and the arm-breaking understeering that most front wheel drive cars do but for letting it loose, the new Civic Type R never fails to impress both returning and newcomers from across the globe. Yes, this car got one of the pages from today's Ford Mustang as this Made-In-United-Kingdom FK8 Civic Type R is now available worldwide, especially North America for the first time since forever, meaning everybody can sample the hot hatch that reclaimed the iron throne of the fastest front wheel drive car to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Covering its flaws, this thing goes like a bloodied samurai that smoked little mister Pierre Le Burglar into a million chunks and I think I'm onto something here.




As you can see, I've been rejoined by the previous FK2 model and what am I going to do is to see how much the new model has improved over the old one even though the new model weighs slightly more than the previous Civic Type R but because the FK8 has the reputation of being the king of front-wheel drive cars, let's find out. Cue the tape!



At the end of their laps, here are the results;

FK8 - 1:25.088
FK2 - 1:27.732

...and there you have it. Not only the FK8 is around seconds faster than the old FK2, but I managed to beat the real-world lap time set by The Stig as well. How's that for starters? Still, that will trigger a warning shot against The Stig that I beat his lap time in this car. He he he...



This is by no means the best Civic Type R Honda has ever made and apart from the fact that it's now available to the rest of the globe, the Civic Type R's impressive performance is something to be reckoned with. It really is the king of the front wheel drive cars or perhaps is it? Besides, I'm not done with the FK8 yet because coming soon, me and the FK8 are up to something ambitious. So, what's it going to be? Watch for it.