Honda’s next Civic Type R illustrated for CAR by Andrei Avarvarii
► New Civic Type R incoming!► Expected to launch at end of 2022
► Still petrol powered, with more restrained looks
Honda has confirmed that the new Civic Type R will become part of Europe’s new line-up by the end of 2023, and CAR insiders suggest the new hot hatch will be revealed towards the end of 2022.
The news comes as the brand continues to electrify its whole range including the conventional Civic hatch, but it’s understood that the new Type R will dodge that particular bullet. Not enough power, too much weight. Expect an evolution of the current car’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four and north of 320bhp complete with a manual gearbox.
Chassis-wise the new Civic Type R has huge shoes to fill. It’s off to a good start with a body structure 19 per cent stiffer than the existing car’s. The wheelbase is some 35mm longer, too, for increased stability as well as more space. Rear track is 12mm wider. Think 911 GT3 in hot-hatch form.
Honda teased us in 2021 with official pictures of a camouflaged prototype – thankfully, headache-inducing paintwork aside, it’s still possible to see those familiar Type R traits underneath.
As with the previous gen car, the new Civic Type R uses the new hatch as a starting point, and then adds on the performance icing. This Civic sits lower with beefier Brembo stoppers and a wider, more aggressive body.
At the rear, the next Type R sports a wing that’s every bit as overt as you’d have hoped, and it’s complimented by a triple exhaust – now a hallmark of Honda’s Type R badge.
We’ll update this as new details emerge.
Keyword: New Honda Civic Type R is due by end of 2022