The only major change is the addition of a Special Edition model to the CTR lineup, which among some minor cosmetic changes also boasts a limited slip differential.
While the JDM FD2 CTR has benefited from a helical LSD since its introduction in 2007, the European and Australian-market Type R's have made do with a open diff, limiting the amount of traction under power. With the FN2 CTR-SE, however, the fancy differential gives the hot hatch a new lease of life, sharpening turning characteristics and delivering a Tsukuba lap time that's 1.44 seconds faster than the standard model.
Aesthetics have also been freshened up too, with Championship White being the only colour available on the CTR-SE and 18-inch white rims being exclusive to that model. Aside from some smoked chrome trim pieces on the exterior, the rest of the car is the same as the cooking model FN2, meaning you still get 147kW from that 2-litre K20Z4 and a rather outmoded torsion-beam rear suspension - but who cares, it's Championship White!
Press release below.
Special Edition Civic Type R and New for 2009, 3 and 5-door
Crowning the range, a new higher specification Civic Type R special edition will see the high-revving 3-door given a Limited Slip Differential to further sharpen the car's handling. During testing the special edition Type R was 1.44 seconds per lap quicker round the Japanese Tsukaba circuit than the standard car.
Special edition Type Rs will be distinguished by their Championship White paint finish, which evokes memories of Honda's first F1 car in 1963. This iconic colour has never been offered on a Civic in the EU before and the new body colour will be complimented by the white 18" wheels fitted to the top Type R. To provide contrast to the white body, the special edition cars will have a smoke chrome finish on the badges, door handles, fuel lid and front grille. The new range-topping Type R will be equipped with an unchanged 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine, which produces 200 PS at a spine tingling 8000 rpm.
The Type S 3-door model will more closely resemble the Type R, with a mesh grille and clear rear combination lamp to further distinguish it from the 5-door version. Body coloured bumpers and skirt are also derived from the Type R, giving the 3-door model a sportier and more aggressive stance. The Type S will also gain the same interior upgrades found in the 5-door model as well as retaining the stylish Alcantara seats.
On-sale dates for the 2009 Civic will be announced shortly.
[Source: Honda]
[Images: Honda]
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