Honda assures that the latest generation of the Honda Civic Type R has conceived the fastest and most capable model in the history of its sports compact. After opening orders at the end of November, we will see the first units in January 2023: each one starts at 54,850 euros. A figure that contrasts with what the most particular part of the Honda Civic Type R costs: 20-25 euros.
It has nothing to do with its mechanics: to find it we have to look under sculpted wheel arches. That’s where we meet 19-inch alloy wheels in black, light and highly rigid: They are exclusive to the Honda Civic Type R and are mounted on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 265/30 R19 tires with a specific compound.
Its design has been perfected to maximize the performance of the rubbers: they evolve from the design that mounted the version limited edition from the previous model and incorporate a progressive reverse edge to offer greater rigidity. They also improve the handling of the Honda Civic Type R by stabilizing the tire’s inner shoulder contact pressure in turns and visually make the wheel diameter appear larger.
tire sensors
The tires of the Honda Civic Type R have a peculiar characteristic that, at first glance, goes unnoticed. And that its silver finish makes it stand out from the dark tone that surrounds it. If we look carefully, we will see that the valves draw a perfect ninety degree angle with respect to the wheels.
The logical thing is to think that the reason for this shape has something to do with the sensors that the tires have to measure the pressure. In Europe, since November 2014, all cars must have the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or tire pressure monitoring system: As its name suggests, its mission is to notify the driver that one of the wheels does not have adequate pressure.
The simplest are reduced to a witness in the instrument panel, but the most advanced mount a pressure sensor on each wheel: normally, they are attached to the valve itself and have a battery. However, it has nothing to do with the pressure of the Michelin Pilot Sport.
The world of motorcycles
The explanation is much simpler and they have obtained it in autoblog. When they asked Honda, the brand replied that the reason why they have installed ninety-degree valves is the practicality. With that design it is much easier to inflate the tires without damaging the rims because there is more space: Working around such an expensive component has to be stressful, to say the least. It allows, at the same time, to place the valves on the edge of the wheel, maximizing the internal space.
The most curious thing is that Honda engineers found this solution in the world of motorcycles: it was their source of inspiration to conceive an idea as simple as it is functional… and cheap. Unlike the rims, the ninety degree valves cost between 20 and 25 euros.
