► New Honda Civic Type R prototype unveiled
► Due to be officially revealed in 2017
► Expected to feature 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
The hot hatch wars are set to become a little more interesting in 2017, following the launch of the next-gen Honda Civic Type R – previewed here in prototype form.
What’s it based on?
Honda’s new Type R will be based on the recently revealed tenth-generation Civic. It will, like the regular hatchback, be built in Swindon by Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM).
The car will be exported around the world from there – and, for the first time, the Civic Type R will be officially sold in North America.
Looks pretty mean…
Agreed. Check out that triple-exit exhaust system (Ferrari F40, anyone?), the aggressive carbonfibre diffuser and 20-in wheels, tucked under flared arches. This is admittedly a prototype, but we get the feeling it’s pretty close to what the production version will look like…
Will it be turbocharged?
Yes. The new Type R is mooted to feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, just like the outgoing version.
It’s suggested that the new performance hatch will get around 340bhp, however, representing a fair increase over the current Type R’s 306bhp.
It’s not yet known, however, if the new Type R will adopt all-wheel drive. Given its output, the boost in traction would better aid it in combatting the likes of the Ford Focus RS and Golf R.
When will we find out more?
Honda’s new prototype hot hatch, which was revealed at the 2016 Paris motor show, is due to be unveiled in full next year.
Click here for more news from the 2016 Paris motor show