Prepare to be amazed by the ultimate transformation of a legendary road car! The Honda Civic Type R, a vehicle with an incredible motorsport heritage, has been taken to a whole new level by a Japanese tuning company, ARTA. With a price tag that will make your jaw drop, this modified Civic is a true powerhouse.
The Civic Type R has always been known for its exceptional driving dynamics, and Honda has consistently improved upon each generation. But ARTA decided to take things to the extreme, creating the ARTA GT, a beast that pushes the boundaries of performance.
ARTA, or Autobacs Racing Team Aguri, has a long-standing relationship with Honda, dating back to 1998. They've brought their expertise to the table, unveiling the ARTA GT at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2026. This modified FL5 Civic is a force to be reckoned with, boasting upgrades that enhance every aspect of its performance.
While specific power and torque figures remain undisclosed, ARTA has worked its magic on the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The list of modifications includes an HKS ECU, turbo internals, an oil cooler, an intercooler, and a new exhaust system, all designed to unleash the engine's true potential.
The six-speed manual transmission continues to power the front wheels, but a Cusco type-RS mechanical LSD ensures optimal traction. And when it comes to stopping power, the ARTA GT is equipped with AP Racing PRO 5000R brakes, providing exceptional control. KW 2-way dampers handle the ride, ensuring a smooth yet thrilling driving experience.
But it's not just about performance; ARTA has also focused on aesthetics. Their goal was to make the Civic Type R resemble the Civic Type R Super GT 500 as closely as possible. This resulted in a new front bumper, wider guards, a revised bonnet, a redesigned rear bumper and diffuser, and a massive rear wing. The interior transformations are equally impressive, with Recaro race seats and a carbon fiber racing wheel replacing the standard components.
ARTA plans to produce only 20 of these GT kits, which will be sold separately from the Civic Type R donor car. When you add the cost of the kit to the price of the Civic Type R, you're looking at a total well over $200,000 in Kiwi dollars. That's more expensive than a Porsche Cayman!
So, what do you think? Is this modified Civic Type R a masterpiece or a controversial choice? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss the art of automotive tuning!
