The latest Civic Type R might just be the ultimate tease from Honda. That, coupled with the sales disappointment of what the current CR-Z is, could make for an interesting lifeline for Honda enthusiasts in North America when 2018 rolls around.
According to Car and Driver, Honda is looking to make the CR-Z into a true CR-X successor fans have been itching for. Reportedly due for a redesign in 2018, the Japanese automaker is considering taking a more performance-oriented approach with a platform borrowed from the next-generation Civic.
That means styling inspired by the current Civic Type R and NSX, as well as a shorter wheelbase to keep the car’s dimensions compact and – best of all – swapping out the hybrid powertrain in favour of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 306 horsepower in the Type R, but expect it to be detuned for the CR-Z.
While the 2018 is still a long way’s off, expect to see some more concrete information on the next Honda CR-Z surface around the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.
