Top speed is the one performance metric where the Civic’s story is less about raw improvement and more about the tension between what the car can physically do and what Honda’s ECU will allow. Unlike 0-60 or quarter-mile times, which have improved steadily across generations, top speed has been artificially capped by electronic governors since the early 2000s. The result is a strange inversion: a 1992 Civic Si with 125 hp could reach its true aerodynamic limit at 119 mph, while a 2022 Civic Si with 200 hp is electronically stopped at 137 mph — roughly 30 mph short of what its gearing and power could theoretically achieve.
This article covers every distinct powertrain across the 5th through 11th generations, with top speed data from Car and Driver instrumented tests, Honda official specifications, and verified forum sources. The distinction between governor-limited and drag-limited top speed is critical: a governor-limited car reaches its limiter before it runs out of power, while a drag-limited car runs out of power before it reaches its limiter.
Governor vs. Drag — The Two Limiting Factors
Understanding whether a Civic is governor-limited or drag-limited is essential for interpreting its top speed. A governor-limited car reaches an electronic fuel cutoff before it runs out of power. A drag-limited car runs out of power before it reaches any electronic limit.
The pattern across generations is clear:
- 5th gen (1992–1995): All models drag-limited. No electronic governors. Top speed determined by power-to-weight and gearing.
- 6th gen (1996–2000): Non-Si models get ECU speed limiters (~120 mph). Si remains drag-limited (~134 mph).
- 7th gen (2001–2005): Si gets a governor for the first time (~135 mph). Non-Si models remain drag-limited but lack power to exceed ~125 mph.
- 8th gen (2006–2011): Early Si (2006) is drag-limited (~135 mph). 2007+ Si gets a 133-mph governor. Non-Si models get ~125-mph limiters.
- 9th gen (2012–2015): All Si models governor-limited AT 136–137 mph. Non-Si at ~125 mph.
- 10th gen (2016–2021): Three-tier system: non-turbo 125 mph, Si 137 mph, Type R 169 mph (aero-limited).
- 11th gen (2022–present): Four-tier system: Hybrid 114 mph, base/1.5T 126 mph, Si 137 mph, Type R 169 mph (aero-limited).
The Type R is the only Civic trim that has never had an electronic speed limiter. Its top speed is determined by aerodynamic drag, which is why Honda’s official 169-mph figure is a manufacturer claim rather than a governor-limited number. The non-R trims have been governor-limited since the 6th generation, with the limit increasing from 120 mph (1996) to 137 mph (2017) — a gain of only 17 mph over 21 years, despite the Si’s horsepower nearly doubling from 160 to 205.
5th Generation (EG/EH, 1992–1995) — No Governor, All Drag
The 5th generation Civic had no electronic speed limiter. Top speed was determined entirely by power-to-weight ratio, gearing, and aerodynamic drag. The 1992 Si (D16Z6, 125 hp, 2,362 lb) was Car and Driver-tested at 119 mph, achieved in 4th gear at approximately 6,800 rpm (C/D, October 1992). Shifting to 5th actually slowed the car because the tall overdrive gear could not overcome aerodynamic drag at that speed. The Si’s top speed of 119 mph was a 9-mph improvement over the previous-generation Si (110 mph), driven by the D16Z6’s VTEC intake cam and a more aerodynamic body.
The DX and LX trims (D15B7, 102 hp) were drag-limited to approximately 115–118 mph, with the 5th gear overdrive preventing any further acceleration. The EX sedan (D16Z6, 125 hp, heavier body) was slightly slower than the Si hatchback at approximately 117 mph due to its 160–200 lb weight penalty.
The JDM EG6 VTi (B16A2, 160 hp) was substantially faster. With 160 hp and a close-ratio 5-speed transmission, the VTi could reach approximately 130–135 mph before drag stopped it. The B16A2’s 8,200-rpm redline and 4.40 final drive meant 5th gear topped out at approximately 137 mph theoretically, but the 160-hp engine lacked the power to reach that speed in the real world.
| Model | Engine | HP | Transmission | Top Speed | Limiter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Si hatch (US) | D16Z6 | 125 | 5MT | 119 mph | None (drag) | C/D 1992 |
| EX sedan (US) | D16Z6 | 125 | 5MT | ~117 mph | None (drag) | Estimated |
| DX hatch (US) | D15B7 | 102 | 5MT | ~115 mph | None (drag) | Honda-Tech |
| VTi EG6 (EUR) | B16A2 | 160 | 5MT | ~132 mph | None (drag) | FastestLaps |
Sources: Car and Driver (1992 Si test); Honda-Tech (EG top speed discussion); FastestLaps (EG6 VTi).
6th Generation (EK/EM, 1996–2000) — The First ECU Speed Limiters Appear
The 6th generation introduced electronic speed limiters on non-Si models, while the Si remained ungoverned. The EX coupe and sedan (D16Y8, 127 hp) had a fuel cutoff at approximately 120 mph, confirmed by multiple forum sources and the P2P ECU calibration (Honda-Tech, 2002). The cutoff was abrupt — the ECU killed fuel delivery entirely, causing a sudden deceleration rather than a gradual power fade. The DX and LX trims (D16Y7, 106 hp) had a similar limiter at approximately 118–121 mph, though many owners reported that the car lacked the power to reach the limiter on level ground.
The 1999–2000 Civic Si (EM1, B16A2, 160 HP, ~2,600 lb) had no electronic speed limiter. The Si used a P30 ECU that did not include a speed governor. Real-world top speed was approximately 134 mph, limited by aerodynamic drag. Forum reports from Honda-Tech and SuperHonda indicate that stock EM1 Sis could reach 134–143 mph depending on road conditions, with the theoretical gearing limit at approximately 152 mph (8,200 rpm in 5th with 4.40 final drive). The 160-hp B16A2 simply did not have enough power to overcome drag beyond approximately 134 mph on level ground.
| Model | Engine | HP | Transmission | Top Speed | Limiter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DX/LX sedan | D16Y7 | 106 | 5MT | ~118 mph | ~120 mph ECU | Honda-Tech |
| EX coupe | D16Y8 | 127 | 5MT | ~120 mph | 120 mph ECU | Honda-Tech |
| EX sedan (auto) | D16Y8 | 127 | 4AT | ~115 mph | ~120 mph ECU | D-series.org |
| Si EM1 coupe | B16A2 | 160 | 5MT | ~134 mph | None (drag) | Honda-Tech; ClassicVS |
Sources: Honda-Tech (P2P ECU fuel cutoff, EM1 top speed); SuperHonda (EX speed limiter); ClassicVS (EM1 specs).
7th Generation (EM/EP/ES, 2001–2005) — The EP3 Si Gets a Governor
The 7th generation was the first where the Si model received an electronic speed limiter. The EP3 Si (K20A3, 160 hp, 2,744 lb) was Car and Driver-estimated at 135 mph (governor limited) in a December 2001 first drive review. Forum reports from Honda-Tech and CivicForums.com indicate the actual fuel cutoff occurred at approximately 134–137 mph depending on the ECU calibration. The EP3’s top speed was a regression from the EM1 Si’s 134 mph despite identical horsepower, because the EP3 weighed approximately 140 lb more and had a less favorable drag coefficient from its hatchback body.
The EX sedan (D17A1, 127 hp) had no electronic governor according to multiple forum sources, but was drag-limited to approximately 125–132 mph. The D17A1’s 6,100-rpm redline and 4.31 final drive meant 5th gear theoretically topped out at approximately 140 mph, but the 127-hp engine could not reach that speed on level ground. The LX (D17A6, 115 hp) was drag-limited to approximately 115–120 mph.
The European EP3 Type R (K20A2, 200 hp) was not governor-limited and could reach approximately 146 mph, with some owners reporting 146+ mph on the autobahn (Honda-Tech, 2003).
| Model | Engine | HP | Transmission | Top Speed | Limiter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX sedan (auto) | D17A1 | 127 | 4AT | ~125 mph | None (drag) | CivicForums |
| LX sedan (auto) | D17A6 | 115 | 4AT | ~118 mph | None (drag) | Estimated |
| Si EP3 hatch | K20A3 | 160 | 5MT | 135 mph | ~137 mph ECU | C/D 2001 |
| Type R EP3 (EUR) | K20A2 | 200 | 6MT | ~146 mph | None (drag) | Honda-Tech |
Sources: Car and Driver (2002 Si first drive); Honda-Tech (EP3 top speed); CivicForums (7th gen top speed).
8th Generation (FA/FD/FG, 2006–2011) — The Si’s Governor Controversy
The 8th generation produced the most debated top speed figures in Civic history. The 2006 Si (K20Z3, 197 hp, 2,860 lb) had no electronic speed limiter according to early production models. Temple of VTEC (TOV) dyno-tested a 2006 Si and recorded 157 mph in 6th gear at 8,300 rpm — the theoretical gearing limit with no aerodynamic load. However, real-world testing by owners on the 8thcivic.com forum showed that the 2006 Si reached approximately 133–135 mph in 5th gear, and shifting to 6th caused the car to slow down because the 0.66:1 6th gear overdrive could not overcome aerodynamic drag at that speed.
Starting with the 2007 model year, Honda added an electronic speed limiter at approximately 133 mph. The 8thcivic.com forum documented this extensively: 2006 Si owners reported 157 mph on the dyno and 135+ mph on the road, while 2007 Si owners reported a hard fuel cutoff at 133 mph. The limiter was set at approximately 5,900 rpm in 6th gear, which corresponded to the factory tire speed rating.
The base R18 engine (1.8L, 140 hp) was governor-limited to approximately 123–125 mph. The EX sedan with automatic transmission was drag-limited to approximately 128 mph indicated (124 mph GPS) according to a European owner’s autobahn test (CivInfo, 2018).
| Model | Engine | HP | Transmission | Top Speed | Limiter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX sedan (auto) | R18A1 | 140 | 5AT | ~124 mph | ~125 mph ECU | CivInfo |
| EX coupe (5MT) | R18A1 | 140 | 5MT | ~123 mph | ~125 mph ECU | 8thcivic.com |
| Si coupe (2006) | K20Z3 | 197 | 6MT | ~135 mph | None (drag) | 8thcivic.com |
| Si coupe (2007+) | K20Z3 | 197 | 6MT | 133 mph | 133 mph ECU | 8thcivic.com |
| Type R FN2 (EUR) | K20Z1 | 201 | 6MT | ~146 mph | None (drag) | Estimated |
Sources: Temple of VTEC (2006 Si dyno); 8thcivic.com (Si governor discussion); CivInfo (R18 autobahn test).
9th Generation (FB/FG, 2012–2015) — Consistent Governor, Higher Trap
The 9th generation Si (K24Z7, 201 hp initially, later 205 hp) was governor-limited to 136–137 mph across all model years. Car and Driver’s 2012 Si sedan test recorded 136 mph (governor limited), while the 2012 Si coupe recorded 137 mph (governor limited). The 9thcivic.com forum confirmed that the limiter engaged at approximately 136–138 mph depending on the specific ECU calibration. The 2013 and 2014 Si coupes had the same 137-mph limiter despite the 4-hp increase for 2014.
The 9th gen Si was the first Civic where the governor-limited top speed was lower than the car’s theoretical capability by a meaningful margin. The K24Z7’s 2.4L displacement and 170 lb-ft of torque gave it enough power to potentially reach 145–150 mph without a governor, but Honda capped it at 137 mph — likely due to the H-rated all-season tires on non-summer-tire packages.
The base R18Z1 (140 hp) was governor-limited to approximately 125 mph, consistent with the 8th generation.
| Model | Engine | HP | Transmission | Top Speed | Limiter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX sedan (auto) | R18Z1 | 140 | 5AT | ~125 mph | ~125 mph ECU | 0-60 spec database |
| Si sedan (2012) | K24Z7 | 201 | 6MT | 136 mph | 136 mph ECU | C/D Nov 2011 |
| Si coupe (2012) | K24Z7 | 201 | 6MT | 137 mph | 137 mph ECU | C/D May 2011 |
| Si coupe (2013) | K24Z7 | 201 | 6MT | 137 mph | 137 mph ECU | 9thcivic.com |
| Si coupe (2014) | K24Z7 | 205 | 6MT | 137 mph | 137 mph ECU | 9thcivic.com |
Sources: Car and Driver (2012 Si sedan, 2012 Si coupe); 9thcivic.com (Si speed limiter discussion).
10th Generation (FC/FK, 2016–2021) — Three-Tier Governor System
The 10th generation introduced a three-tier electronic governor system that applied different limits based on trim level. This was the first generation where Honda explicitly programmed different top speeds for different powertrains within the same model line.
The non-Si, non-Type-R models (1.5T and 2.0L) were governor-limited to 125–126 mph. Car and Driver’s 2016 1.5T Touring test recorded 126 mph (governor limited), while the 2016 2.0L EX was estimated at 125 mph. The CivicX forum confirmed that the 1.5T CVT models had a soft limiter at approximately 125 mph — the car would reach the limiter with power still available, then hold steady rather than cutting abruptly. The 2.0L CVT models had the same 125-mph limiter but took significantly longer to reach it: 37.7 seconds to 120 mph versus 28.6 seconds for the 1.5T (C/D, 2016).
The Si (L15B7, 205 hp) was governor-limited to 137 mph. Car and Driver’s 2017 Si coupe test recorded 137 mph (governor limited). The CivicX forum noted that the 137-mph limit coincided with the top of 5th gear at approximately 6,500 rpm. With the governor removed via Hondata or KTuner, the Si could theoretically reach approximately 167 mph in 6th gear, though 250+ whp was needed to overcome drag at that speed.
The FK8 Type R (K20C1, 306 hp) had no electronic governor. Honda’s official top speed claim was 169 mph, and the car was aerodynamically limited — the drag from the rear wing and bodywork prevented further acceleration. An autobahn test by L’argus recorded 176 mph (283 km/h) on the speedometer, though speedometer error at those speeds means the actual GPS speed was likely closer to 169–172 mph. The FK8 Type R Limited Edition (3,010 lb) was theoretically capable of a slightly higher top speed due to its 80-lb weight reduction, but Honda did not publish a separate figure.
| Model | Engine | HP | Transmission | Top Speed | Limiter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX sedan (CVT) | K20C2 (2.0L NA) | 158 | CVT | 125 mph | 125 mph ECU | C/D March 2016 |
| Touring sedan (CVT) | L15B7 (1.5T) | 174 | CVT | 126 mph | 126 mph ECU | C/D Oct 2015 |
| Si coupe (2017) | L15B7 (1.5T Si) | 205 | 6MT | 137 mph | 137 mph ECU | C/D June 2017 |
| Si sedan (2020) | L15B7 (1.5T Si) | 205 | 6MT | 137 mph | 137 mph ECU | C/D June 2020 |
| Type R FK8 (2017) | K20C1 (2.0T) | 306 | 6MT | 169 mph | None (aero) | Honda mfr |
| Type R FK8 LE (2021) | K20C1 (2.0T) | 306 | 6MT | 169 mph | None (aero) | Honda mfr |
Sources: Car and Driver (2016 1.5T, 2016 2.0L, 2017 Si, 2020 Si, 2017 Type R); Honda official specs; CivicX (governor discussion); CarBuzz (FK8 autobahn test).
11th Generation (FE/FL, 2022–Present) — Widest Top Speed Spread in Civic History
The 11th generation produced the widest top speed spread in Civic history — from 114 mph (Hybrid) to 169 mph (FL5 Type R). The gap of 55 mph is the largest ever between the slowest and fastest Civic trims in the same generation.
The base 2.0L Atkinson engine (150 hp, 133 lb-ft) was governor-limited to approximately 126 mph, consistent with the 10th generation non-turbo models. The 1.5T (L15B7, 180 hp, 177 lb-ft) was also limited to approximately 126 mph, despite having 30 more horsepower than the base engine. The 11th gen 1.5T was approximately 130 lb heavier than the 10th gen equivalent, which meant it took longer to reach the limiter but the limiter itself was unchanged.
The 11th gen Si (200 hp, 192 lb-ft) was governor-limited to approximately 136–137 mph. The 11thcivic.com forum reported that the 2022 Si reached approximately 139 mph (225 km/h) before the limiter engaged, then settled at approximately 136 mph (222 km/h). This is consistent with the 10th gen Si’s 137-mph limiter.
The 2025 Civic Hybrid (200 hp, 232 lb-ft) was the surprise. Car and Driver’s 2025 Hybrid sedan test recorded a top speed of only 114 mph (governor limited). The 2025 Hybrid hatchback was estimated at 115 mph. This is the lowest top speed of any Civic since the 5th generation DX, and it is 11 mph slower than the base 2.0L Atkinson model. The Hybrid’s low top speed is a function of its direct-drive transmission: the electric motor’s power delivery is optimized for acceleration and efficiency up to approximately 110 mph, after which the system runs out of steam. The governor is set at 114 mph to protect the electric drive unit.
The FL5 Type R (K20C1, 315 hp, 310 lb-ft, 3,183 lb) matched the FK8’s official top speed of 169 mph (Honda mfr claim). The FL5’s top speed is aerodynamically limited, with the rear wing and flat underbody generating sufficient downforce to stabilize the car at high speed but also creating drag that prevents further acceleration. The FL5’s 83-lb weight increase over the FK8 did not affect top speed because the 9-hp power increase offset the weight penalty at high speed, where aerodynamic drag is the dominant force.
| Model | Engine | HP/Torque | Transmission | Top Speed | Limiter | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport sedan (2025) | 2.0L Atkinson | 150 / 133 | CVT | ~126 mph | ~126 mph ECU | SimpleCarGuides |
| Touring sedan (2022) | 1.5T L15B7 | 180 / 177 | CVT | ~126 mph | ~126 mph ECU | SimpleCarGuides |
| Si sedan (2022) | 1.5T Si | 200 / 192 | 6MT | ~137 mph | ~137 mph ECU | C/D Nov 2021 |
| Si sedan (2026) | 1.5T Si | 200 / 192 | 6MT | ~137 mph | ~137 mph ECU | C/D est |
| Hybrid sedan (2025) | 2.0L + 2 motors | 200 / 232 | Direct-drive | 114 mph | 114 mph ECU | C/D June 2024 |
| Hybrid hatch (2027) | 2.0L + 2 motors | 200 / 232 | Direct-drive | 115 mph | 115 mph ECU | C/D Feb 2026 |
| Type R FL5 (2023) | K20C1 (2.0T) | 315 / 310 | 6MT | 169 mph | None (aero) | Honda mfr |
Sources: Car and Driver (2022 Touring, 2022 Si, 2025 Hybrid, 2025 Sport, 2023 Type R); SimpleCarGuides (2022 Civic top speed); 11thcivic.com (Si top speed).
Why 170 mph Requires Much More Power Than 130 mph
At high speed, aerodynamic drag is the dominant force. The power required to overcome drag grows roughly as the cube of speed. Increasing top speed from 130 mph to 160 mph requires significantly more power than the simple 23% speed increase suggests. This is why the Type R’s 306–315 hp is needed to reach 169 mph, while the Si’s 205 hp is electronically limited at 137 mph — and also why removing the Si’s governor does not automatically make it a 160-mph car.
Speedometer vs GPS
Speedometer readings at high speed are notoriously optimistic. A speedometer indicated 176 mph (FK8 Type R autobahn test) does not necessarily mean GPS 176 mph. For actual top speed comparisons, GPS or instrumented testing is the only reliable method.
Quick Reference — Top Speed by Generation
☐ 5th gen (1992–1995): Si 119 mph (C/D) — drag-limited, no governor. VTi EG6 ~132 mph. DX ~115 mph
☐ 6th gen (1996–2000): Si EM1 ~134 mph — no governor, drag-limited. EX 120 mph (ECU cutoff). DX ~118 mph
☐ 7th gen (2001–2005): Si EP3 135 mph (C/D est) — first Si with governor. EX ~125 mph drag-limited. Type R EP3 ~146 mph
☐ 8th gen (2006–2011): Si 2006 ~135 mph (no governor). Si 2007+ 133 mph (governor). R18 ~124 mph. TOV dyno: 157 mph theoretical
☐ 9th gen (2012–2015): Si sedan 136 mph, Si coupe 137 mph (both governor-limited). R18 ~125 mph
☐ 10th gen (2016–2021): Type R FK8 169 mph (aero-limited, no governor). Si 137 mph (governor). 1.5T 126 mph. 2.0L 125 mph
☐ 11th gen (2022–present): Type R FL5 169 mph (aero-limited). Si ~137 mph. 1.5T ~126 mph. Base 2.0L ~126 mph. Hybrid 114 mph — lowest Civic top speed since the 5th gen DX
☐ Type R top speed progression: EK9 ~146 mph → EP3 ~146 mph → FN2 ~146 mph → FK2 ~167 mph → FK8 169 mph → FL5 169 mph. The turbocharged K20C1 added approximately 23 mph over the N/A Type Rs
☐ Governor creep: non-Si limiters rose from 120 mph (1996) to 126 mph (2022) — a 6-mph gain over 26 years. Si limiters rose from 135 mph (2002) to 137 mph (2017) — a 2-mph gain over 15 years
☐ The 2025 Civic Hybrid’s 114-mph top speed is the most restrictive governor on any Civic. It is 5 mph slower than the 1992 Civic Si’s drag-limited top speed, despite having 75 more horsepower and 126 more lb-ft of torque
FAQ — Civic Top Speed
What is the fastest Honda Civic?
The fastest factory-production Honda Civic is the FK8 Type R Limited Edition and FL5 Type R, both with an official top speed of 169 mph. The 2021 FK8 Type R Limited Edition is the quickest through the quarter-mile (13.2 seconds at 110 mph), but top speed is identical to the standard FK8.
What is the top speed of a Civic Si?
8th gen Si (2006, no governor): ~135 mph. 8th gen Si (2007+ governor): 133 mph. 9th gen Si: 136–137 mph. 10th gen Si: 137 mph. 11th gen Si: 136–137 mph. All Si models since 2007 are governor-limited.
What is the top speed of a Civic Type R?
FK8 Type R: 169 mph (aero-limited, no governor). FL5 Type R: 169 mph (aero-limited). The Type R has never had an electronic speed limiter — its top speed is determined by aerodynamic drag.
Is the Civic electronically limited?
Yes — all non-Type-R Civics since the 6th generation have electronic speed limiters. The limit varies by generation and trim: base models 120–126 mph, Si models 133–137 mph. The Type R has no electronic governor.
Can a Civic go faster than its factory speed limiter?
Yes — through ECU tuning (Hondata FlashPro, KTuner). However, removing the governor does not guarantee the car can reach its theoretical gearing limit. Aerodynamic drag, cooling, and tire speed ratings become limiting factors above 140 mph.
What is the fastest naturally aspirated Civic?
The fastest naturally aspirated Civic is the EP3 Type R (European market) at approximately 146 mph. The 9th gen Si (K24Z7) is governor-limited at 137 mph but could theoretically reach 145–150 mph without the governor. The 8th gen Si (2006) reached approximately 135 mph without a governor.
What is the fastest turbo Civic?
The fastest turbo Civic is the FK8 Type R (2017–2021) and FL5 Type R (2023+) at 169 mph. The 10th gen Si is governor-limited at 137 mph, and the 11th gen Si is governor-limited at 136–137 mph.
Why is the Civic Hybrid’s top speed only 114 mph?
The 2025 Civic Hybrid is governor-limited at 114 mph to protect the electric drive unit. The direct-drive transmission is optimized for acceleration and efficiency up to approximately 110 mph, after which the system runs out of steam. It has the lowest top speed of any Civic since the 5th generation DX.
Does horsepower determine top speed?
Not entirely. Top speed is determined by horsepower, gearing, aerodynamic drag, weight, and the speed limiter. A governor-limited car stops accelerating before it runs out of power. The Type R’s 169-mph top speed is aero-limited, while the Si’s 137-mph top speed is governor-limited.
Is Civic top speed measured by GPS or speedometer?
Instrumented tests (Car and Driver, MotorTrend) use GPS or optical timing equipment. Speedometer readings are not reliable for top speed comparisons. A speedometer-indicated 176 mph in a FK8 Type R (L’argus autobahn test) does not mean GPS 176 mph — speedometer error at high speeds can be 3–5 mph or more.
What is the theoretical top speed of a 10th Gen Civic Si?
The 10th gen Si’s theoretical gearing limit in 6th gear at redline is approximately 167 mph. However, the car is governor-limited at 137 mph from the factory. To reach the theoretical limit, the governor must be removed and significant power upgrades (250+ whp) are needed to overcome aerodynamic drag.
Does transmission affect Civic top speed?
Yes — manual transmissions have fixed gear ratios that determine the theoretical top speed at redline. CVTs are software-limited and have no fixed redline relationship. The Si’s 6-speed manual has a theoretical top speed of approximately 167 mph, while the CVT-equipped 1.5T is governor-limited at 126 mph regardless of its gear ratio.