by From Street Hot Hatch to Race Car
The current Honda Civic Type R already stands out among hot hatches, but one Japanese company decided its “impressive” looks weren’t enough. Thanks to a new body kit inspired by professional motorsport competitions, the car’s design has crossed the line between a regular road car and a racing machine.
The Arta GT kit, produced by Autobacs Seven, one of Japan’s largest auto parts retailers, will be limited to just 20 units. It was designed by the team behind the ARTA Civic Type R Super GT 500 race car, and they have gone all out to transform the Honda into a machine capable of challenging supercars on complex and winding tracks.
Honda raised Civic Type R prices by $4,100 from 2023, changing nothing
Dramatic Exterior Changes
Visually, the transformation begins at the front, where a redesigned bumper and splitter combine with a blacked-out grille. A pair of aerodynamic canards are positioned at each corner of the bumper, and the widened wheel arches feature pronounced ventilation louvres. A new hood with three functional vents for better heat extraction is installed on top.
The widened track continues at the rear thanks to extended arches and new side skirts that wouldn’t look out of place on a GT3-class car. The kit also includes custom wheels, a redesigned rear diffuser, and a tall swan-neck wing mounted above the trunk lid. A new exhaust system completes the exterior makeover.
Technical Updates Match the Looks
The updates don’t end there. Along with the body parts, Autobacs installs a new intercooler and mentions additional, unspecified tweaks to the Type R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine.
The standard Brembo brakes are replaced with a high-performance system from AP Racing, featuring two-piece discs and large black calipers. Suspension upgrades promise to further improve the car’s handling.
The modifications are completed by a new sports steering wheel, made of carbon fiber and upholstered in Alcantara, with new buttons and switches.
The Question of Cost and Exclusivity
Of course, exclusivity and extreme style come at a price. The kit starts at 13.5 million yen, which is approximately $85,600 excluding taxes. This is more than double the standard price of a new Civic Type R in Japan. Such a significant premium may be justifiable for those seeking the true aesthetics of a race car without leaving public roads.
Projects like the ARTA GT clearly demonstrate the constant demand for high-quality, limited-run tuning from reputable teams. They serve as a bridge between the world of mass production and motorsport, offering enthusiasts a unique product with a history and racing pedigree. While the price is very high, it reflects not only the materials and workmanship but also the value of the ARTA brand in motorsport and the extreme rarity of the product itself. It is more of a dream embodiment for collectors than a rational upgrade for everyday use.
