Honda's Latest Civic Type-R Concept Is Here: Get Ready For 300bhp Of Hot Hatch Madness

Here it is, Honda’s new Civic Type-R concept in all its glory. Look familiar? That’s because on the outside, it’s pretty much unchanged from the last Civic Type-R concept we saw, which was revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year. Play a game of spot the difference, and - colour aside - you’ll get frustrated very quickly

However, this concept closely previews the production model, so the fact that all the bits we like - the wide arches, huge vents and that rear spoiler/light cluster combo - are still present is very promising. Plus, some fresh information about what’s going on underneath has also been given.

As expected, it will indeed be powered by a 2.0-litre member of Honda’s new turbocharged VTEC family of engines, with a - still undisclosed - power figure which will exceed 278bhp (up to 300bhp and 300lb ft of torque is rumoured). All that grunt will go through the front tyres, so to make sure the Civic can lay the power down without torque-steering into the nearest ditch, it employs a ‘steer axis’ system. This uses an extra pair of ‘kingpin’ supports in the front suspension to give a tidier power delivery.

On the subject of suspension, the chassis will get a set of adaptive dampers. Punch the ‘+R’ button on the dash, and these dampers stiffen, while the engine becomes more responsive and the weight is added to the steering. Despite the added tech, though, you don’t need to worry about the Type-R sprouting a set of paddle shifters: it’ll stick with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox.

The car is expected to go on sale early next year, competing with the likes of the Renault Megane RS and the Seat Leon Cupra 280 both for sales and track time glory - Honda is eyeing up Renault’s current front-wheel drive Nurburgring record.