Honda’s latest Civic Type R was revealed in the form of a thinly disguised concept, providing insight into the styling direction for the exterior design of the production version that debuts in 2015.
Last year I drove the prototype in Japan, and it proved to be a hot-hatch monster. It featured a 2.0-litre, VTEC Turbo four with 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The power is fired through a six-speed close-ratio manual, the front wheels and a set of P235/35R19 tires. A button on the dash engages the R mode. This firms he steering and adjustable suspension, sharpens the throttle and puts the vehicle stability management system into its track mode.
At this point, the specs have yet to be firmed up. However, as it sat on the stage in Geneva, it was wearing the Brembo brakes that impressed me so much during the preview drive. It promises to be one heck of a ride. Hopefully, Canada will receive the Type R — anything less would be a travesty.
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