05/02/2025
Here are 90 unknown or lesser-known facts about the Honda Mean Mower V2 and Civic Type R, covering their history, engineering, performance, and unique features.
Honda Mean Mower V2:
1. Engine & Performance
1. The Mean Mower V2 uses a 999cc engine from a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
2. It produces 200 hp, making it more powerful than many small cars.
3. It has a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), making it the fastest lawnmower in the world.
4. 0-60 mph takes just 2.6 seconds, faster than most supercars.
5. It revs up to 13,000 RPM, like a high-performance superbike.
2. Engineering & Design
6. It still has a functional grass-cutting system, making it a true lawnmower.
7. The blades are made from carbon fiber, keeping them lightweight but strong.
8. The chassis was custom-built using T45 steel, typically found in race cars.
9. The fuel tank is tucked under the seat, similar to motorcycles.
10. The Mean Mower V2 weighs only 69.1 kg (152 lbs), making it ultra-light.
3. Braking & Handling
11. It has high-performance brakes from a Honda CBR1000RR superbike.
12. The wheels are custom-made, lightweight alloys.
13. The suspension is fully adjustable, just like on a racing motorcycle.
14. The aerodynamics were tested using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations.
15. It features a racing-spec six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.
4. Speed Records & Achievements
16. The Mean Mower V2 holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest lawnmower (150.99 mph).
17. It was developed by Honda UK in collaboration with Team Dynamics, a motorsport team.
18. The driver who set the record was Jess Hawkins, a British stunt driver.
19. It took four months of testing before setting the record.
20. During testing, it beat some sports cars on a drag strip.
5. Fun & Unique Facts
21. Despite its power, it can still cut grass at speeds up to 15 mph.
22. The exhaust sound is louder than a Formula 1 car at full throttle.
23. The Mean Mower has no traction control or electronic aids—just raw power.
24. It has a fully functional dashboard, showing speed, RPM, and gear position.
25. The seat was taken from a racing kart to save weight.
26. Its fuel economy is terrible—less than 10 mpg due to the high-performance engine.
27. The frame is inspired by lightweight racing go-karts.
28. The project cost several hundred thousand dollars to develop.
29. Honda engineers had to reprogram the ECU to make it work with the mower’s drivetrain.
30. It was tested on racetracks, not just lawns.
Honda Civic Type R:
1. Engine & Performance
31. The Civic Type R uses a 2.0L turbocharged VTEC engine.
32. It produces 315 hp in the latest FL5 generation.
33. It has a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching.
34. The FK8 generation (2017-2021) was the fastest front-wheel-drive car at the Nürburgring.
35. The FL5 Type R (2023) set another Nürburgring record at 7:44.881.
2. Aerodynamics & Design
36. The rear wing generates real downforce, unlike most sports sedans.
37. The hood has a functional vent to cool the engine.
38. The front splitter and rear diffuser were developed using wind tunnel testing.
39. The Type R has one of the widest track widths in the hot hatch segment.
40. It has a triple-exhaust system designed to reduce backpressure.
3. Handling & Braking
41. It uses a dual-axis front suspension to eliminate torque steer.
42. The steering rack is one of the quickest in its class, improving responsiveness.
43. The brakes are Brembo four-piston calipers with large drilled rotors.
44. The adaptive dampers adjust in real-time based on road conditions.
45. The Limited-Slip Differential helps maintain traction during aggressive cornering.
4. Special Editions & Variants
46. The Civic Type R Limited Edition (FK8) was 46 kg lighter than the standard model.
47. The Type R Mugen RR is an ultra-rare version with extreme aero and weight reduction.
48. The Mugen RR’s engine was hand-built and made over 240 hp without a turbo.
49. The first-ever Civic Type R (EK9) was only sold in Japan.
50. The EP3 Type R (early 2000s) was built in the UK, not Japan.
5. Technology & Features
51. It has Honda’s LogR data-logging system to analyze track performance.
52. The Type R’s infotainment system includes G-force and lap timing displays.
53. The seats have extra bolstering to prevent body movement during high-speed turns.
54. The interior has red accents to pay homage to Honda’s racing heritage.
55. The gear shifter is made of aluminum to provide a better feel when shifting.
6. Track & Racing Success
56. The Civic Type R is used in TCR Touring Car championships worldwide.
57. It won multiple Nürburgring 24 Hours class victories.
58. The FK2 Type R (2015) was Honda’s first turbocharged Civic Type R.
59. The FL5 Type R was tested at Suzuka Circuit, where Honda F1 cars were developed.
60. It is one of the few front-wheel-drive cars to consistently challenge AWD hot hatches.
7. Fun & Unique Facts
61. The red Honda badge is exclusive to Type R models.
62. The "R" in Type R stands for "Racing", a tradition started with the NSX Type R.
63. In Japan, the Type R models were originally sold as race-ready track cars with no soundproofing.
64. The Civic Type R’s paint options include the famous "Championship White".
65. The engine is hand-assembled in Honda’s performance facility in Ohio, USA.
66. The FL5 generation has the stiffest chassis of any Civic ever built.
67. The Type R’s center-mounted exhaust has an active valve to change sound levels.
68. The Type R’s digital gauge cluster changes based on drive mode.
69. The FL5 has an aluminum hood to save weight.
70. The Civic Type R’s production is limited each year, making it highly sought after.
