Created from the skilled hands of craftsmen from its birthplace of original at Suzuka, Japan, the Honda Civic Type R was a machine built for the sole purpose of inducing excitement and of course, excelling in the field of racing.

Reaching consumers' hands in early 2007, the Type R variant of the Civic FD2 chassis was the first of its kind. For many years, Honda's performance-bred Type Rs were two-door variants, since the introduction of its very first, true-blooded Type R, the Civic EK9 hatchback. When the four-door Type R variant of the Civic FD2 was launched, it was met with mixed reviews and much scepticism from a populace that had grown accustomed to 2-doored generations of Type R prior to this.

Still, that does not make the third generation Japanese-made, Honda Civic Type R a lesser being. Continuing the Type R lineage in true fashion, it still packs that orgasmic, heart-twisting VTEC that has been a hallmark of Honda's excellent variable drivetrain technology. Other less obvious yet substantial changes included a lightweight, rigid chassis, drive-by-wire technology and lessons learnt from previous generations of Type R. The end of the chapter ended with the erasure of all doubts that were initially harboured against the four-door Honda machine.

With so much that has been said and proven, this issue's Cover Car is a represent of the Fabulous-X, a workshop with much experience in dealing with performance and tuning modifications for many makes of vehicles. This particular Honda Civic FD2 Type R is no slouch; as Fabulous-X's icon, it carries the many expectations and ideals of the workshop. Terence, the owner of Fabulous-X and the Type R in question, says that the red emblem is the ultimate symbol of performance in Japanese naturally aspirated machines.

Putting only the best of their knowledge and tuning expertise into the race-bred Honda, Fabulous-X crafts out its outline for the Type R's upgrades, with a strong focus on handling and response. Dealing first with the intake, the restrictive stock air-box is swapped out for a customised, lightweight carbon-fibre fat tummy intake fitted with a Blitz SS open pod filter that greatly improves the rate of airflow at higher speeds, helping the K20 power-plant rev easily through its mid-high RPM range. Keeping intake and exhaust ports open for sustained durations is the handiwork of a set of Toda high-lifting camshafts, while the immense flow of exhaust gas is channelled out via an exquisite Mugen exhaust system, all properly tuned and controlled with the help of a Hondata Flash Pro ECU system that helps optimises the newly-assembled setup.

One of the strongest points of naturally aspirated performance vehicles is its ability to sustain and hold its ground for the longest time out on the track; and this point is further enhanced with the help of a Spoon Sports thermostat, that open the coolant flood doors at a lower operating temperature. Keeping the cool lid on temperatures while storming the tarmac is the responsibility of a thick-cored, Koyorad radiator fitted with a D1 Spec high pressure radiator cap with a uniquely built-in water temperature sensor.

Assisting the electrical component of things is left to the D1 Spec 5-point grounding system, as well as an EPS Power Charger that acts as an orderly to keep voltage currents stable. Making sure that every gear change counts is left to the cogs of Ogura Racing Clutch, with their Super Single Clutch that never fails to get the attention of passer-bys with its ring-a-ling-a-ding sounds that accompany every shift.

The handling department sees a host of upgrades, mostly with trusted equipment from D1 Spec. Although the Type R is fitted with a set of gut-wrenching original shock absorbers, these simply won't do for high speed cornering; common scenarios on the circuits of Pasir Gudang or even worse; Sepang International Circuit. To counter nagging body roll and providing extra leverage during cornering work, a set of D1 Spec Racing coilover was installed to give the Type R knife-like handling at high speeds, while its multi-stage damping function allows Terence to readjust for the daily drive, keeping the Honda ride pliant and comfortable enough for the daily road drive.

Although the stopping power of the stock Brembos might suffice, Terence opted for additional safety with a larger 6-piston brake kit, capable of hauling the screaming VTEC machine to a halt in mere meters, thanks to a combination of 330mm floating brake disc rotors and high temperature brake pads, that ensure prim and proper bite every single time the brake pedal is fully depressed. Finally, sealing the footwork deal is a set of lightweight 18" OZ rims, shod with sticky Toyo Proxes R888 semi-slicks that provide adequate grip on wet roads while measuring up to a set of train rails on dry conditions.

One glance and one can tell that this was built for the purpose of winning its wars. Terence's 'Fabulous' Type R wears a host of aerodynamic upgrades that derives sufficient downforce for high-speed grip. Up front, a Mugen carbon fibre bonnet replaces the heavier stock bonnet to relieve excess weight on the front, keeping the vehicle compliant during hard braking and initial turn-in. Along with a Feels bumper lip that keeps frontal aerodynamic forces in check, the rear is fashionably and reasonably lightened with a carbon fibre boot and held firmly down during runs with a J's Racing GT-wing. Additional J's Racing goodies include carbon fibre side air-ducts and Spoon Sports aerodynamic mirrors for drag-reduction assistance. Other vanities are a Feels' carbon fibre ECU cover box and an exclusive Mugen engine oil cap in the engine bay, while EGR headlight protectors defend against stray pebble throws and reduces the risk of headlight cracks.

The interior gets a reasonable amount of loving as well; with a lightweight Hyper Max full bucket seat that replaces the stock Type R's semi-bucket seat for the added benefits of snug and secure holding capabilities whilst on track. A Sparco semi-deep dished steering wheel gives the driver good leverage, which is essential during moments of harsh cornering and precision turn-ins. Shifting feel is enhanced with a scorched, D1 Spec titanium gear knob that plays a crucial part in improving confidence with every gear thrust. Not a big fan of multiple gauges that clutter the dashboard, Terence plugged in the single, multi-function GReddy Info Touch meter that allows many perimeters, such as engine temperature, pressure, etc all in check.

Plugged and setup with an array of goodness that Fabulous-X is capable of dishing, Terence's Honda Civic FD2 Type R is a prominent example of how much more potential can be derived, in the hands of the right personnel. Having seen casual action on Malaysian soil at the roving tracks of its circuits, Terence's ride is no garage queen, with only action to back up the words and actions that Fabulous-X has put into his set of wheels!

"There's no denying how much potential the stock Type R already has. With a meticulously thought-out list of tuning parts that now nestles in Terence's Type R, there's more reason to look forward to a wider list of tuning parts that co uld take his ride further and beyond all imagination!"

ENGINE

Custom Carbon Fibre Fat Tummy Air Intake, Blitz SS Air Filter, Toda Camshafts, Ogura Super Single Clutch, Spoon Sports Thermostat, Koyorad Aluminium Radiator, D1 Spec 1.1 BAR Radiator Cap w Temperature Meter, Mugen Exhaust, Hondata Flash Pro, D1 Spec 5 Point Grounding System, EPS Power Charger

UNDERCARRIAGE

D1 Spec Racing Coilover, D1 Spec Big 6-Piston Caliper Brake Kit, 330mm Floating Rotor Brake Discs, High Temperature Brake Pads, 18" OZ Rims, Toyo Proxes R888 Tyres

EXTERIOR

Mugen Carbon Fibre Bonnet, Feels Bumper Lip, Carbon Fibre Boot, J's Racing Carbon Fibre GT-Wing, J's Racing Carbon Fibre Side Air Ducts, Spoon Sports Aerodynamic Side Mirrors, EGR Headlamp Covers, Feels Carbon Fibre ECU Cover, Mugen Engine Oil Cap

INTERIOR

HyperMax Full Bucket Seat, Sparco Steering Wheel, D1 Spec Titanium Gear Knob, GReddy Info Touch Meter

Pictures by Bryan Law & Peter Lee / Metamorphosis Production