The sixth‑generation hot hatch leaves assembly lines for good, sparking a last‑minute rush among fans worldwide.
Honda has confirmed the curtain is falling on the Civic Type R, the track‑ready compact that has defined affordable performance for nearly three decades. The move, announced in Tokyo this week, finalizes what many enthusiasts feared: after the 2025 model year, no new Type R units will roll out of Suzuka. American buyers, already relying on gray‑market imports, now have mere months to secure one before allocations vanish.
Released in summer 2022, the current FL5 generation arrived as a 329‑horsepower swan song—a limited production run that never crossed the Pacific in official form. Honda says European output stops first, capped at just 40 commemorative cars, while Japan wraps up shortly after. Consequently, collectors and track‑day regulars face a narrow window to grab what may be the last gas‑only Civic Type R.
Limited‑run Civic Type R bows out with Championship White paint and carbon accents
The farewell edition keeps the visual drama enthusiasts expect: Championship White bodywork, red accents honoring Honda’s first Formula 1 victory, and carbon‑fiber spoilers that slice the air. Open the driver’s door and a puddle light projects the red Type R logo—maybe flashy, but who’s complaining? Inside, red suede bucket seats hug occupants, stainless‑steel pedals gleam, and a serialized plaque reminds owners they own history.
| Engine | Output | Torque | Transmission | 0‑60 mph* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0‑liter turbocharged VTEC inline‑4 | 329 hp | 420 Nm | 6‑speed manual | 5.0 s (est.) |
*Manufacturer estimate.
First buyers can choose from five colors—Sonic Gray Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Rally Red, Championship White, and Racing Blue Pearl—but Honda warns that dealer allocations will be “extremely tight.”
Collectors face ticking clock as final 40 European units spark global scramble
How fast will they sell? If past launches are any guide, inventory could disappear in hours. Honda will distribute the last European cars through an online lottery, and import brokers in Los Angeles and Miami report deposit lists stretching back six months. Consequently, U.S. enthusiasts may pay well north of $70,000 once shipping and duties are tallied. Feeling the pressure yet? Move quickly—production shuts down by late fall.
What the end of an era means for fans and the broader sports‑compact scene
The Civic Type R has long been the benchmark against which GTI, GR Corolla, and Elantra N are measured. Its departure narrows the field of manual, front‑drive performance cars just as the industry pivots to electrification. Yet Honda hints the Type R badge may resurface on an electric model down the road. Could an EV pick up the torch? Only time will tell.
The last Civic Type R represents both a celebration and a send‑off. If you have dreams of that red badge in your garage, act now—this chapter closes fast.