The Honda Civic Type R lineage has always been a fan favorite among tuners, from the cult classics like the EG and EK of the 90s to the FD of the 2000s and, more recently, the FK8, all of which enjoyed a plethora of aftermarket goodies. Now, the Civic Type R FL5 is joining the ranks, thanks to ARTA releasing a limited-production custom kit for the latest generation of Honda’s hatchback called the ARTA GT, which was recently unveiled at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.
If you’re just like me, you probably know Autobacs Racing Team Aguri (or ARTA for short) from games like Gran Turismo, plastered on the front of the NSX the team entered in the 2000 JGTC season, or from Autobacs, which also had the ARTA name adorned on its own car in the form of the ASL Garaiya.
But ARTA’s story isn’t just digital. They’ve been tearing up Japanese circuits with Hondas since 1998, long before most of us ever picked up a controller. In 2005, they got the official nod from the Shizuoka-based marque, meaning if there’s anyone out there who knows the ins and outs of a Honda, ARTA is chief among them. So what does this mean for the 20 only FL5s that ARTA is laying its hands on?
Improvements ARTA made to the FL5 include interior upgrades such as a new steering wheel, possible engine upgrades according to ARTA, and last but not least, the main attraction, the body kit.
Starting with the front, the wide open grille on the new front bumper helps with engine cooling, and the new splitter and canards provide more front-end downforce.
Meanwhile, the hood enjoys a new set of air outlets and vents for venting hot air out of the engine. Moving onto the sides, the fenders have been drastically widened for more track width, akin to the cars that ARTA itself races in Super GT, with more aero as well in the form of sideblades behind both the front and rear wheels, similar to what you’ll see on a GT3 RS.
At the back, you get a high-strung swan-neck wing that delivers serious downforce. The rear bumper is fitted with a wide, aggressive diffuser, and underneath, the standard triple muffler is swapped out for a dual setup.
According to ARTA, the top priority of this build is function over form, and that shows, and just like I mentioned earlier, only 20 FL5s are set to get the ARTA treatment, which comes to a hefty Y13,500,000 (or P5,040,000). Although it’s unclear if any will hit Philippine shores, one can only dream, and who knows? If a fellow countryman is determined enough to import, or ARTA makes another run for international buyers, maybe we might just see one of these roaming the Manila streets, or better yet, Clark International Speedway.
