EK Civic Type-R Resets Lap Record at Tsukuba

Here’s What We Know.

This heavily modified EK Civic Type-R has just reset the front-wheel drive lap record at Tsukuba circuit in Japan. Weighing just 750 kg (1650lbs), this rocket-powered roller skate uses a 275 ps (270hp) tuned B-series engine. Said engine is paired to a close-ratio transmission, prepared by ATS, with their limited slip differential. The aero, including the aggressive splitter, with block off plates and dive planes; the rear wing and the diffuser have been prepared by Garage Work, a Japanese tuning shop. That wing is a Techno Pro GT wing, everything else is one-off and custom-made.

It may seem outlandish, but there is no denying the effectiveness. This EK4 smashes the mythical 60 second barrier for Tsukuba, turning an eye-popping 57.580 second lap. Meaning that this EK is the fastest front-wheel drive around Tsukuba, not bad for 270 horsepower.

[Want to talk Hondas and racing? Check out the Honda-tech.com motorsport section.]

SpeedHunters covered a previous Garage Work EK Civic that appears to be forebear of this car. Telling are the aerodynamic changes to the car since then. This latest iteration has a smoother aerodynamic profile, with more blocked off frontal area. Equally telling is the difference in the lap times. It seems that Garage Work prepares their hot Hondas for privateers, so perhaps the loose nut behind the wheel is the larger factor here. Either way you you look at it, this is one seriously fast EK.

Jacob Stumph

Jake Stumph is a lifelong car enthusiast and racer, who has operated as the content editor for Internet Brands Automotive since 2015. He runs Corvette Forum, 6SpeedOnline, Honda-tech, and LS1tech, among other Internet Brands Automotive websites. His work has been featured by several other prominent automotive outlets, including Jalopnik and Autobytel.

He obtained a bachelor's degree in Political Science at the Ohio State University in 2013, then pivoted from covering politics and policy to writing about his automotive adventures, something that, he says, is a lot more fun. Since that time, he has established connections with most of the world's major automakers, as well as other key brands in the automotive industry.

He enjoys track days, drifting, and autocross, at least, when his cars are running right, which is uncommon. You can check out what he's up to on his YouTube channel, as well as his Jake Stumph Racing Instagram account. He can be reached via email at stumph.jake@gmail.com