Honda Teases 2015 Civic Type R with New Video Ahead of Paris Reveal
Honda has released a teaser video for the 2015 Civic Type R, hinting at its turbocharged engine and Nürburgring ambitions ahead of its expected Paris Motor Show debut.
Honda has released a teaser video for the 2015 Civic Type R, offering the first official glimpse of the production model’s engine note and performance intent before its expected public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014.
The short video shows the Civic Type R coming to life from beneath the skin of a standard Civic hatchback, then revving its engine. Honda is positioning the new hot hatch as a serious rival to the fastest front-wheel-drive cars in Europe, with the clear target of setting a Nürburgring lap record. The outgoing record holders include the Renault Mégane RS 275 Trophy and the SEAT Leon Cupra, both of which have lapped the circuit in under eight minutes.
Turbocharged power and aggressive styling
Honda has confirmed that the 2015 Civic Type R will use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from its ‘Earth Dreams’ family. While final output figures have not been published, expectations are centred on a power figure close to 280hp. This would make it the most powerful Civic Type R to date and put it on a level footing with the segment’s leading hot hatches.
Styling details remain under wraps, but the production car is expected to closely follow the Civic Type R Concept shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. That car featured a full body kit, large rear spoiler, low side skirts and a prominent front splitter, all designed to improve high-speed stability and downforce. The teaser video suggests that the production version will retain much of this aggressive look, with additional aerodynamic enhancements possible.
Nürburgring ambitions
Honda has made no secret of its ambition to reclaim the Nürburgring front-wheel-drive lap record. The company’s engineers have been testing the Civic Type R extensively at the circuit, aiming to surpass the times set by Renault and SEAT. Achieving this would give Honda a powerful marketing tool and restore the Type R’s reputation among hot hatch enthusiasts.
- Turbocharged 2.0-litre engine expected to produce around 280hp.
- Aerodynamic body kit with large spoiler and front splitter.
- Targeting Nürburgring FWD lap record.
Expected reveal and market impact
The production Civic Type R is expected to be unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October, with sales likely to begin in early 2015. Honda’s decision to move to turbocharging reflects the tightening emissions regulations and the need to compete with increasingly powerful rivals. For buyers, the new Type R promises more performance and a sharper track focus than any previous Civic hot hatch.
For more on the Civic Type R’s development and previous sightings, see Honda Civic Type R Sedan Spied Testing in Europe.
