Honda Civic Type R Prototype: The Wing You've Been Waiting For

by Steph Willems

Published: September 29th, 2016

honda civic type r prototype the wing you ve been waiting for

Honda has provided a glimpse of the U.S.-bound Civic Type R at the Paris Auto Show, albeit in concept form (though the automaker prefers the near-production term “prototype”).

This Type R — designed in Japan, built in the UK, and destined (at last) for America — uses the Civic Hatchback as a canvas, then adds every visual performance indicator the automaker could get its hands on. Reportedly, it will have the power to back up its looks.

The Type R is rumored to pack 340 horsepower, and will arrive next year alongside the lesser Civic Si. For now, Honda is keeping powertrain details under wraps.

Engine speculation aside, Honda gave us plenty to look at. (Some might argue too much.) The Type R adds visual aggression wherever it can: new outboard ducts added to the front fascia, smoked headlight lenses, front hood scoop and spoiler, carbon fiber side skirts, extended wheel arches, 20-inch “piano black” alloy wheels wearing 245 width rubber, and that all-important rear wing.

Like other Civics, the Type R sports center-mounted tailpipes, but adds a third, painted outlet. Honda isn’t dishing details on the third pipe or the hood scoop. It’s a safe bet that they aren’t there just for show.

While this Type R is a prototype, the production model likely won’t diverge too much from the vehicle seen here. The first next-generation Type Rs to roll off the Swindon, UK assembly line arrive at European dealers in the second half of 2017. Honda hasn’t said when long-deprived U.S. fans can expect theirs.

#Enthusiams #FutureModels #Honda #HondaCivic #HondaCivicTypeR #ParisAutoShow #Performance #ProductPlanning

Steph Willems

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3 of 102 comments

Ravenchris on Sep 29, 2016

The crab pincher tail-lights are not growing on me.

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- JMII on Sep 30, 2016
  
  The whole thing just looks scary with angled bits tacked on everywhere. Its a mess. I was once a huge Honda fan ('85 Civic S1500 hatch & '89 Prelude Si) but there is literally nothing Honda makes now that interests me. I remember when the Type R was just a badge, a small spoiler/lip and a hotter engine. This thing is turned up way past 11, it reminds me of those fake cars in the original Ridge Racer PlayStation 1 game. Anyone who likes the looks can't afford it and those who can afford it would get a Golf R, Focus RS or WRX instead. I know everyone likes to point out that Honda lost the plot awhile back, but its cars like this that prove the point.
  
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ToddAtlasF1 on Sep 29, 2016

It's got a manual transmission! I could do without the rest of it. :(

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