The new Honda Civic Type R will feature a brand-new 1.6-litre turbocharged, direct-injection engine with more than 250bhp when it arrives in 2015, an inside source has revealed.
Honda also has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission under development, which could be offered in the new hot hatch.
At the Paris Motor Show last month, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito confirmed that the Civic Type R would go on sale in 2015, but refused to elaborate on the details.
He did however confirm that his aim was to make the new Type R the fastest front-wheel-drive model ever around the Nurburgring – a record currently held by the Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy in eight minutes and eight seconds.
To achieve that the car will need to weigh less than 1,200kg and have a power figure of more than 250bhp, we’ve been told. The engine should have no problem managing that level of power output - a tuned version will undergo testing next year in Honda’s World Touring Car Championship contender.
Just like the new 247bhp Ford Focus ST, there's no plans to build a three-door Type R, although our source refused to rule out a Type R version of the Civic estate – a new bodystyle that will debut in concept form sometime next year.
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Can't wait!!!!!
The engine will actually be tested in Honda's WTCC car - the Btcc cars run with 2.0 turbo engines as opposed to the Wtcc's 1.6 turbo's.
No 3D? Damn, too bad. Those older 3D Type Rs were amazing, also great engines and handling. But anyway Im looking forward to see new Type R. 250 hp looks promising. GO HONDA!
Yes, dual clutch gearbox. If only Honda could change the rear suspension to an indeendent setup.
Fantastic news, with the weight loss and power gain this will hopefully be a true successor to the EP3 that we have all been waiting so long for.
I hope it will still be a high rev monster to hell!!!!!