Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition Marks European Sales Exit
Honda's hottest hatch is leaving the market due to emission rules, but it's bidding farewell with the limited-volume Ultimate Edition.
Honda will sell 40 copies of the CTR Ultimate, which gets red exterior decals and various carbon-fiber trim pieces.
If you live in Europe and are considering buying a new Honda Civic Type R, you may want to act fast. Honda has announced that it will stop selling the hot hatch in the market next year. To say goodbye to Europeans, the CTR is getting a special send-off in the form of the Ultimate Edition.
Farewell, Civic Type R
Why is the Civic Type R exiting Europe? Honda says the decision was due to "European legislation," meaning the racy hatchback's 324-hp turbo four is too rich for the region's emission rules. That means Honda will sell 40 Ultimate Editions along with the rest of the CTR inventory, which should run out in 2026.
Honda
The Ultimate treatment includes a red stripe that runs down the middle of the hood. It's paired with red decals on the car's body sides that fade into hashes. The black-painted roof contrasts with the CTR's classic Championship White paint, which is the only color you can get on the Ultimate Edition. As the Euro version of the ultimate Civic drives into the sunset, an exclusive carbon-fiber wing will adorn its rear spoiler.
Special CTR Trinkets
Inside, the Type R's red carpet and fantastic front seats remain, but Honda has added more ambient lighting as well as carbon-fiber trim. The latter material graces the hatch's center-console panel and door-sill plaques. And when you open the front doors, the Type R logo is illuminated onto the ground. Each of the 40 Ultimate cars will also come with a gift box with an individually numbered emblem.
Honda
Honda
Honda hasn't said how much the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition will cost, but considering it's only building 40 of them, the collector cars will likely come with a sizable premium. The upcharge will also include a special car cover, floor mats, and a carbon key ring. Meanwhile, those of us in the States might miss out on some desirable European-only models, but at least we can still buy a new Civic Type R for the foreseeable future.
Eric Stafford
Managing Editor, News
Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si. Read full bio
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump tariffs don't spare his fans in EU
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban promised that the return of his "dear friend" Donald Trump as US president would usher in a new "golden age". But trade unionist Zoltan Laszlo says Hungary's auto industry has seen the opposite as the United States announced new tariffs, with order cancellations and workflow disruptions marking employees' day-to-day experience. With tariff rates rising from 2.5 percent before Trump's return to around 25 percent and finally to 15 percent, the "American tariff slalom" has caused nothing but chaos in the car industry, said Laszlo, who represents workers at Mexican automotive parts manufacturer Nemak's Hungarian plant. In recent years, Hungary and neighbouring Slovakia have become European manufacturing hubs for global car brands seeking lower labour costs, including British Jaguar Land Rover, German Mercedes and Japanese Suzuki. But due to the export-oriented nature of their automotive sectors, catering in part to the US market, they are among those EU nations hardest-hit by the latest tariffs slated to kick in on August 7. Despite hailing Trump's comeback and visiting him twice at his Mar-a-Lago luxury estate last year, Orban -- his closest EU ally -- was not spared the pain. - Distress calls - Neither were more favourable conditions extended to Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose country is the world's largest automobile manufacturer per capita. According to analyst Matej Hornak, the incoming tariffs won't bode well. He warns of a drop in exports amounting to "several hundred million euros" and the loss of "10,000-12,000" jobs in the sector. After the announcement of the EU-US trade deal, Orban was quick to apportion blame to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, saying Trump "ate" her "for breakfast". But in April, the mayor of the Hungarian city of Gyor, whose strong economic growth is closely linked to its car manufacturing plants, had already warned of possible cutbacks and layoffs. For the city, which is home to various global brands and more than a dozen different parts and component suppliers including Nemak, the fresh tariffs are a disaster. As one of the biggest employers in Hungary, German carmaker Volkswagen alone provides jobs for more than 12,000 people. Its main engine factory in Gyor produces some Audi-branded vehicles directly for the US market. The Hungarian government has said that it is still assessing the impact of the tariff rates, vowing that upcoming business deals with Washington could mitigate the negative effects of Trump's "America first" policy. - Difficult compromise - But more headwinds are ahead for Hungary and Slovakia, said Brussels-based geopolitical analyst Botond Feledy. "When it comes to European dealmaking, Trump now prioritises more geopolitically influential figures -- the main option for smaller nations such as Slovakia and Hungary is to join forces with others," he told AFP. But the "aggressive posturing" in the same vein of Trump's protectionist policies both countries adopted in recent months have isolated them among fellow EU countries, making compromises difficult, the expert added. Moreover, the stakes are high for Orban, whose 15-year rule has recently been challenged by former government insider-turned-rival Peter Magyar ahead of elections scheduled for next spring. "Dissatisfaction with the standard of living has made voters more critical, which is also reflected in the popularity ratings of the governing parties," said economist Zoltan Pogatsa, adding that "Hungary has been in a state of near stagnation for many years now". This year's economic "flying start" touted by Orban did not materialise, with the government further lowering the country's growth goal from the initial 3.4 to one percent. "So far, Trump's second presidency has only impacted the Hungarian economy through his tariff policy, which has been negative," Pogatsa added. At the Nemak plant, a recent warning strike has led to management promising to sort out the unpredictable work schedules caused by the tariff changes, which were "unhealthy and physically unbearable" and made "family and private life become incompatible with work", said Laszlo. pv-ros/kym/rl/tc
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Wheeled Launcher With Double The Weapons Of HIMARS Completes First Successful Test Firing
Two major defense contractors announced the first successful live fire test of a new wheeled launcher vehicle capable of lobbing twice as many munitions as the U.S.-made Army High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS). The Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS), made by Lockheed Martin and Germany's Rheinmetall, will be produced in Europe. It fires the same weapons as U.S.-made wheeled HIMARS and the heavier tracked M270 MLRS. Ukraine has used both of these systems to devastating effect on Russian troop and equipment concentrations, hardened defensive locations, bridges, radars and other targets. This milestone comes amid a skyrocketing demand for mobile systems that can launch guided artillery rockets and short-range ballistic missiles, plus the ability to add new types of weapons in the future. The first GMARS live fire took place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the companies announced on Monday. Like the tracked M270, the GMARS launcher can haul two pods that carry different types of weapons. As a result, GMARS can be armed with two Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or four Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) or 12 standard or Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) rockets. By comparison, the HIMARS launcher has one pod. In addition, GMARS will have the potential to fire ground-launched cruise missiles and 122mm rockets in the future, according to Rheinmetall. The White Sands test involved GMLRS. Lockheed Martin told us they fired two GMLRS rockets with unitary warheads in the test at a 'mid-range' distance without offering further specifics. As we noted earlier, HIMARS like GMARS is a wheeled vehicle, though in an 8×8 configuration instead of the 6×6 configuration found on HIMARS. It is based on Rheinmetall's HX vehicle series with a top speed of up to about 62mph. One thing GMARS can't do that HIMARS can is be rapidly deployed to forward locales via C-130. Wheeled vehicles are easier to maintain than tracked ones, and are better for operating over roads and can go faster. Those operating GMARS could have immediate access to existing stocks of munitions fired by HIMARS and M270, providing a logistically important interoperability of those weapons. GMARS is one of several designs being floated for future mobile fire systems that can fire ATACMS, PrSMS and GMLRS. As we wrote last year, Lockheed Martin unveiled a launcher designed to quadruple the number of munitions fired by HIMARS. Lockheed Martin displayed the launcher on a U.S. Marine Corps 10×10 MKR18 Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) truck at the Human-Machine Integration Summit IV in November 2024. France has also entered this market, as has South Korea, among others. South Korea provided Poland with the CTM-290, an ATACMS-like missile launched from the Homar-K multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). You can see that system in the following video. Breaking News!Awesome news my Polish brothers!CTM-290 ballistic missile footage for the Poland is just revealed for the first time. The missile was launched from Homar-K in front of Polish government officials. CTM-290 missile's range and warhead performance is same as… — Mason ヨンハク (@mason_8718) April 24, 2024 The success of HIMARS and M270 in Ukraine has not been lost on other militaries. Many other nations field them, and Russia recently complained about the first HIMARS live firing in Estonia last month. The ability to move about the battlefield and put targets at risk anywhere with pinpoint accuracy within a 50-mile ring (for GMLRS, much longer for ballistic missiles), fire, and then scoot away before the enemy can fire back, is a massive force multiplier. These systems will be capable of firing the Extended Range GMLRS too, which will increase the range to 93-miles. Other weapons, from drones to cruise missiles, could also be integrated into the launcher pods. HIMARS remains very popular and is deep in production. However, the fact that GMARS is co-produced by a European company and aimed at the NATO market could give it extra appeal for alliance member nations. It could also speed deliveries over HIMARS, with its thick order book. It is unclear if or when GMARS will be fielded or by which nations. However, given the growing threat from Russia in Europe, as well as other threats abroad, there will likely be significant demand for a still relatively agile wheeled vehicle that doubles the firepower of HIMARS. Contact the author: howard@ Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Toyota Might Bring a New Truck to the U.S. That Would Defy All the Odds
Currently, just two trucks exist in the compact pickup market — Toyota is prepared to get in on the action. Led by historically low fuel prices, regulatory loopholes and changing consumer preferences, a variety of factors have contributed to the ever-growing size of vehicles in the United States. Ultimately, though, there's no getting around the fact that it's spawned something of an arms race wherein drivers are determined to be behind the wheel of the biggest thing on the road — often more out of a feeling of self-preservation than any real need for the size. However, some automakers (Ford and Hyundai) have heeded the call to downsize their offerings and demonstrated a clear demand for compact pickups. With the Maverick and the Santa Cruz being the only two trucks of their kind on the US market, it seems that Toyota now has its eye on a piece of the pie. Compact competition Since introducing the Maverick in late 2021, Ford has improved on the model's sales performance with each passing year. So, even though some 74,370 buyers lined up for a Maverick in the first full year that it was on the market, that number climbed to 94,058 units in 2023 and then again to 131,142 units in 2024. And here's the thing — despite a tumultuous first half of 2025 plagued by tariffs and other political uncertainties, Ford has managed to keep the momentum going. With 98,078 Mavericks moved to date, the Blue Oval has posted an 8.9 percent improvement compared to 2024. Now, it's worth noting that Hyundai hasn't enjoyed the same kind of success in the compact truck segment with the Santa Cruz. Though the brand managed to grow its pickup sales to 36,675 units in 2023, that number fell to 32,033 in 2024. Hyundai is also down 20 percent on the year at just 16,532 trucks sold. In any case, Ford is showing that an established brand reputation in the compact truck segment can make for big gains, while Hyundai is having better luck with its efforts to attract new EV buyers. Given that Toyota's data projects that it could sell 100,000 to 150,000 compact trucks per year in the U.S. alone, there's still plenty of untapped potential for an automaker known for bestsellers like the mid-size Tacoma and the full-size Tundra. Toyota intentions Toyota recognizes as much. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Mark Templin, COO of Toyota America, stated the brand was 'looking at it' when discussing the possibility of entering the small truck market. By contrast, Cooper Ericksen, head of planning and strategy for Toyota North America, proved far more forthcoming in his talks with MotorTrend. Along with confirming that 'decisions have been made' and that 'we're committed to it,' he also revealed that the pickup will be a unibody truck based on the existing TNGA platform. Moreover, in speaking to the outlet, Ericksen acknowledged that 'full-size trucks and midsize trucks have really gotten expensive.' While the added cost is warranted for those who demand the capability, not everyone wants something that can take them into parts unknown. Consider the Slate EV, for instance. In just two weeks, the electric truck managed to rack up more than 100,000 reservations, marketed for affordability and customization potential rather than typical pickup considerations like payload or towing capacity. Regardless of the powertrain, it's clear that 'small' is in style. A matter of time In speaking to MotorTrend, Ericksen also confirmed that 'it's not a matter of 'if,' at this point' but rather 'how to make it work.' At the time, Toyota was primarily focused on bolstering its all-electric lineup, and the development of such vehicles was proving to be far too taxing to justify work on a compact truck simultaneously. After all, the brand had previously announced a plan to introduce 24 new or updated models through a revised mixed-energy initiative. However, circumstances have since changed. From the phasing out of federal tax incentives to the increasingly bipartisan anti-EV sentiments, electric cars aren't likely to be at the top of Toyota's agenda. If the brand wants to capitalize on the success of Ford's Maverick, it's only a matter of time before its own small truck hits the market.
