Honda has announced that the 2017 Civic Type R has set a record at the famed Nürburgring in Germany. The new Honda Civic Type R lapped the 12.9-mile Nordschleife in a record 7 minutes 43.80 seconds – giving it the title of the world’s fastest production front-wheel-drive car.

honda, honda civic, honda civic type r, 2018 honda civic type r, 2017 honda civic type r, 2018 civic type r, 2017 civic type r, 2018 Honda, 2018 Honda Civic, nurburgring

The new Civic Type R’s record time represents an improvement of nearly 7 seconds compared to the previous-generation Civic Type R, and over 3 seconds faster than the previous FWD record.

“The cornering speed achieved in the new Type R is higher because the car features a wider track and tires, a longer wheelbase, a new multi-link suspension in the rear and optimized aerodynamics that improve stability,” stated Ryuichi Kijima, the lead chassis engineer for the Honda Civic Type R. “For example, drivers typically enter the corner after Metzgesfeld at around 150 km/h (93 mph). Even at this medium-speed corner, the speed is around 10 km/h (6 mph) higher due to the new Type R’s excellent stability. So, with improved cornering performance, we can increase the speed throughout the lap, helping the new Type R to achieve a much quicker lap time.”

The 2017 Civic Type R is the first ever Civic Type R to be sold in the U.S. It is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0L engine makes the new Civic Type R the most powerful Honda ever sold in America. Compared to the last generation Civic Type R, its new six-speed manual transmission has lower gear ratios to improves the car’s acceleration and a new comprehensive aerodynamic package delivers improves high-speed stability. The new Civic Type R is over 35 lbs. lighter than the previous-generation model and boasts a 38-percent gain in torsional stiffness.

Related: 2018 Honda Civic Type R may get a cheaper version

Production of the 2017 Civic Type R has already started in Swindon, England. Honda has not announced the pricing for the 2017 Civic Type R, but it’s expected to be priced in the mid-$30k range.

Source: Honda