Honda has set a new 2min 01.84sec record for a front-wheel drive production car in the Civic Type R at the Estoril circuit in Portugal. The high-performance hatchback was driven by Honda WTCR driver, Tiago Monteiro. The iconic Estoril track is 4.2km long with two hairpins, a difficult chicane and a very long main straight, which means drivers experience an unusually broad range of speeds over one lap. It therefore rewards cars with a great breadth of ability, that combine fast acceleration with exceptional handling. The Civic Type R proved to be superbly matched to the circuit, with its 320 PS VTEC TURBO engine providing outstanding pace, and its sophisticated suspension and steering systems delivering fast, stable handling, as Monteiro powered his way to a new front-wheel drive lap record.