Getting Down and Dirty
Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson made an unusual detour recently when he jumped behind the wheel of a Honda Civic Type R Rally XP. As the name implies, this Civic Type R isn’t built for circuits but for rally stages, a world far from Lawson’s usual playground. Even so, he seemed to adapt instantly.
Developed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and based on the FL5-generation Type R, the Rally XP is designed specifically for the American Rally Association (ARA) 2WD class. And yes, even though AWD is the gold standard in modern rallying (just look at WRC), Honda stuck with the Civic Type R’s trademark front-wheel-drive layout.
A Civic Type R for the Dirt
The core powertrain also remains familiar, featuring a 315-hp turbocharged inline-four VTEC engine paired with a six-speed manual. What transforms it into a rally machine are the supporting components meant to survive rough terrain, including camber/caster plates for adjustable alignment, custom exhaust, uprated brakes, rally-tuned suspension, and 15-inch gravel wheels. HRC also fitted a beefier intercooler, crucial in rally where cars run at high RPM to keep the turbo spooled and stage times as low as possible.
That demand for speed is something Lawson understands well from F1 qualifying, though he usually works with downforce-heavy, open-wheel cars on smooth tarmac. Still, he handled the Rally XP impressively, carving through corners and taking jumps without drama, at least from what we saw.
Honda Connection
Lawson’s rally cameo comes through his place in the Honda family via Racing Bulls, which currently uses Honda power units. That partnership ends next year when the team switches to Ford under the new engine regulations, but Lawson will remain with the squad, this time paired with incoming rookie Arvid Lindblad.
As for the Civic Type R Rally XP itself, HRC says the car will be street-legal, but it’s still being evaluated for future programs. Pricing and production plans haven’t been announced, though its extensive upgrades mean it will certainly cost more than the stock Civic Type R, which starts at around $45,000 in the U.S.
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