Year/make/model: 2021 Honda Civic Type R
Engine: K20C1, 2000cc four-cylinder, HKS intercooler kit, GReddy TWR radiator, Cusco racing coolant, TPD N1 downpipe, TPD oil cooler kit, Cusco performance oil filter
Driveline: Factory
Interior: Factory
Exterior: Factory
Wheels/tyres: 18x9.5-inch (+38) Work ZR10, 265/35R18 Nankang CR-S
Suspension/brakes: Eibach Pro spring kit, Whiteline camber adjuster plates (3-degrees), Endless ME22 brake pads, Endless RF650 brake fluid
Power: 278kW (373hp) at the wheels
Fuel type: 98 octane
Tuner: Torque Performance Developments
Times: 40.2-seconds Hampton Downs Club Circuit
Name: René Vermeer
Age: 32
Occupation: Performance Parts Manager at NSTParts
You can shop FK8 Civic Type R parts by clicking any of the images below or this text!
You can shop FK8 Civic Type R parts by clicking any of the images below or this text!
Favourite thing about working at NSTParts/GR Garage:
One of the main things I enjoy about working at NSTParts is dealing with the brands and Japanese businesses I used to idolise as a kid playing games such as Gran Turismo. Additionally, every day, we help people build and plan their dream project cars — it’s hugely satisfying seeing their projects reach the finish line.
How did you get into performance cars?
I got into cars at a very young age. I still remember where I was when I first played Gran Turismo 1. After playing for several hours, I realised I had no memory card in, so had to start from scratch the next day, but it didn’t matter! From that day on, I have lived and breathed automotive car culture and have owned over 50 performance cars in my time. Now, alongside working at NSTParts, I am the Editor of NZ Performance Car Magazine and an automotive photographer.
I got into cars at a very young age. I still remember where I was when I first played Gran Turismo 1. After playing for several hours, I realised I had no memory card in, so had to start from scratch the next day, but it didn’t matter! From that day on, I have lived and breathed automotive car culture and have owned over 50 performance cars in my time. Now, alongside working at NSTParts, I am the Editor of NZ Performance Car Magazine and an automotive photographer.
Favourite race track and why?
I really enjoy Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park. It’s such a big, challenging, and varying circuit — great for all makes and models! Plus, every time you go down to Taupo it feels like a holiday.
What parts have you bought from NSTParts?
Everything you see on the Civic is sourced through work in some way. We really pride ourselves on being able to get anything and everything for performance Japanese cars. The only exception being the locally-made Torque Performance Developments downpipe.
Everything you see on the Civic is sourced through work in some way. We really pride ourselves on being able to get anything and everything for performance Japanese cars. The only exception being the locally-made Torque Performance Developments downpipe.
Why the Honda Civic?
Before I bought the Civic, I was actually looking for a GR Yaris. At the time though, I couldn’t justify the extra $10,000 price tag. I ended up looking at other options and being a big time Honda fan, I looked into the Civic Type R platforms. The FL5 was about to be released, but I got the opportunity to drive both the FK8 and the FL5 at Pukekohe Park Raceway before it closed. After driving both back to back on the track I ended up deciding on the FK8. The FL5 is incredibly firm on track and I knew how that would translate to the street. Now the FK8 is making some more power, it’s a very fun road car — especially with the wide Nankang CR-S tyres!
