Arta GT
A Honda with racing DNA
Autobacs Racing Team Aguri, a company with a solid track record in competition, is associated with Honda, and together with the auto parts supplier Autobacs Seven, they developed the ARTA GT, participating with two new Prelude-GT models in the Super GT series in Japan.
Autobacs Racing Team Aguri (ARTA) is a Japanese racing company and auto parts retailer, they developed the ARTA GT, a Honda Civic Type R modified for high-performance racing.
ARTA made mechanical upgrades to ensure the GT was more agile than the standard Civic Type R. They fitted an HKS ECU, a performance turbo kit, an oil cooler kit, an intercooler kit, and an exhaust system to increase power by several horsepower. Its 6-speed manual transmission still sends power to the front wheels, and a Cusco RS-type mechanical limited-slip differential helps transfer it to the asphalt. It features AP Racing PRO 5000R 6-piston front calipers and 365mm two-piece front discs. Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ tires replace the Michelins. The suspension uses KW two-way adjustable dampers and springs. To achieve similarity with Japan’s Super GT 500 competition, the bodywork includes a front bumper with a redesigned splitter.
Exterior
The change was radical. The bumper now features a splitter, integrated side channels, and a massive swanneck spoiler. The body is wider with prominent wheel arches, while the hood incorporates functional vents to improve heat extraction and maintain optimal engine performance. The hood includes air outlets behind the fenders. Wide side skirts channel air along the flanks, and the rear ones are more muscular. Its diffuser incorporates two wide exhaust outlets in the center.
Interior
Inside, the suede-wrapped, carbon-fiber, multifunction sports steering wheel, emblazoned with the ARTA GT logo and serial number in the center, highlights the inviting interior ambiance, complemented by Recaro RSS ASM Limited seats with excellent lateral support. The dashboard features an Alcantara cover with buttons inspired by racing cars.
Mechanics
Beyond the powertrain, the braking system is no longer Brembo, but rather a high-performance AP Racing unit. The suspension has been recalibrated, while the engine cooling system has been optimized with a larger-capacity intercooler. Although Autobacs didn't provide any details, they confirm that the Type R's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has received adjustments, but its new power figures are still unknown.
