And all petrol-heads rejoice. But what we see today is Honda’s Civic Type-R Concept which is Europe bound in 2015, one distinction is that it is a hatchback which Europeans normally love. Over here in Asia, our Civics are normally sedans. Who knows, perhaps Honda might make an exception to streamline production but with the various Type R models available before, why mess with something good they have going on.
Described by the design team as a ‘racing car for the road’ rather than a high performance version of a road car, the new Type R looks set to signal a new era for the marque – with the most extreme Civic Type R yet. The sleek and aerodynamic profile reflects a car designed for performance whilst maintaining the look of a road car and the distinctive character of Type R.
The styling of the car is heavily linked to performance, with the Type R Concept clearly showing its credentials in the exterior design. Many of the styling features offer real performance benefits, in addition to aesthetics, as confirmed by feedback from prototype testing at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The shape and angle of the stand-out rear spoiler, for example, has been designed to provide additional downforce, as a direct response to information gained through track testing. Additionally, the upper and lower front grilles have been enlarged and air outlets on the bonnet provide cooling for the high-output engine. The front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate 20-inch tyres and air outlets are integrated to optimise airflow. When combined, these features deliver maximum cooling, greater grip and ultimately, optimum performance.
While further detail on performance is yet to be announced, Honda has confirmed that the forthcoming new Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature one of its brand new VTEC TURBO engines from the Earth Dreams Technology range. The two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder turbo is expected to deliver class-leading output of at least 280PS and will be EURO 6 compliant. While turbo engines have not been seen in Honda’s production cars in Europe for some time, Honda has continued to actively develop turbo technology on the race track and in other regions. Honda’s successful return to WTCC in 2013, has been instrumental in gathering knowledge that has helped shape the new Type R, providing the development team with analysis and feedback on performance and styling collected from the track.
At only 280ps of power, this figure may not shake the grounds such as how Mercedes did with their A-class AMG A45 or how Volkswagen released a 300ps version of their Golf R. But true to Honda’s pedigree with the Type-R, I think this car will be a scorcher on the track, that is if they continued to focus on handling and forget about all that comfort nonsensical stuff.
