Honda Celebrates 25 Years Of Type R And Fireblade Performance

Few symbols in the automotive realm are as recognizable as the big red R that has adorned certain Honda and Acura models over the years. It's hard to believe that the iconic Type R brand at Honda is now 25 years old, having first appeared on the NSX back in 1992. That same year, Honda also rocked the two-wheeled scene with the first CBR900RR Fireblade, so you might say the manufacturer has plenty of reason to celebrate performance for 2017.

"The last 25 years has seen significant change socially, technologically and environmentally," said David Hodgetts, managing director for Honda in the United Kingdom. "In 1992, there was no social media. The internet was in its infancy. Global warming was starting to raise its head. And the Shamen were top of the charts with Ebeneezer Goode."

For four-wheeled fans, the last 25 years have seen Honda's Type R segment gradually expand, though few of those models would ultimately reach the United States. The Integra Type R (branded as an Acura in the U.S.) would follow the NSX, but such machines as the Accord and Civic – the latter of which grew to become one of the best hot hatchbacks in the world – would remain forbidden fruit to American shoppers until this year, with the Civic Type R finally making its North American debut.

Motorcycle enthusiasts in the U.S. weren't as starved for excitement. Following the success of the 900RR, Honda evolved the Fireblade to the 929RR and then 954RR before entering the world of 1,000cc sportbikes as the CBR1000RR in 2004.

Honda celebrated this 25-year performance milestone with a gathering of Fireblade and Type R models at the U.K.'s Rockingham Motor Speedway, where old and new models were on display.

"The last 25 years has seen over a dozen different Type R products launch and a similar number of incarnations of the Fireblade. The next 25 years look set to be just as exciting – with Honda's electrification strategy, the future is wide open. But extremely bright. And very quick."