From street to off-road
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has officially taken the Civic Type R’s high-performance heritage to a more extreme environment: the rally track. With the launch of the Honda Civic Type R HRC Rally XP, the Japanese brand has not only created a special edition but also sent a strong message about its intention to conquer the American national championship ARA.
Based on the sixth-generation Honda Civic Type R production hatchback (codename FL5), the HRC Rally XP is a completely reworked machine, ready for the toughest off-road challenges.
Dedicated aerodynamic signature
Overall, the Civic Type R HRC Rally XP retains the FL5's design DNA, but each change has a clear purpose. The front bumper has been tweaked with two new air vents, not only enhancing the aggressive look but also optimizing cooling airflow for the brakes and engine when operating at high intensity.
The hood has been fitted with air vents, an important detail that helps dissipate heat from the engine compartment effectively, ensuring stable performance throughout the race. Meanwhile, the Civic Type R's signature rear wing is still retained, showing that the original design provides enough downforce.
The highlight is the white multi-spoke rims from Speedline, a famous brand in the rally racing world, combined with specialized tires from Hoosier. This combination provides superior grip and durability on a variety of surfaces from gravel to mud. The entire body of the car is covered with HRC's racing decals and the logo of the American Rally Association (ARA).
Minimalist cockpit for competition purposes
Step inside, and the HRC Rally XP’s interior has been completely reworked for one purpose: racing. All unnecessary amenities have been removed to save weight. Instead, a safety-compliant roll cage protects the driver in the event of a collision.
The original steering wheel has been replaced with a specialized OMP one, providing a firmer grip and more precise feedback. Behind the steering wheel is a digital dashboard with integrated gearshift indicator lights, helping the driver optimize gear shifting timing. An indispensable equipment on rally cars is the large hydraulic handbrake lever, allowing the driver to easily perform complex techniques such as sliding corners through tight corners.
Hidden Powers and Core Upgrades
Honda hasn't released detailed specs for the HRC Rally XP's powertrain, but the US-spec version uses a 2.0L turbocharged VTEC engine codenamed "K20C1" that produces 320 horsepower. This engine is already a solid foundation, and HRC may have tweaked it to optimize torque and durability for the rigors of rallying.
The exhaust system has also been upgraded for improved flow and a more powerful sound. While details are scarce, the suspension has been swapped for a longer-travel, more capable unit, a must for rally cars.
Goal to conquer the ARA National Championship
The Honda Civic Type R HRC Rally XP will make its public debut at the F1 United States Grand Prix in Texas, with Liam Lawson at the wheel. However, its main focus will be on next year's ARA National Championship.
The car will be operated by the Honda of America Racing Team (HART) and compete in the L2WD (Limited 2-Wheel Drive) class. The appearance of the HRC Rally XP marks an important step forward, replacing older models such as the 2017 Civic and 2023 Acura Integra, demonstrating Honda's serious investment in rally racing in the US.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/honda-civic-type-r-hrc-rally-xp-san-sang-chinh-phuc-dia-hinh-10308474.html
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