The Next Honda Civic Type R Will Look Less Crazy, And That Makes Me Sad

According to reports, the 10th-generation Civic-based Type R will massively tone down the aero-festooned look of its predecessor
The Next Honda Civic Type R Will Look Less Crazy, And That Makes Me Sad

In the last few months of running a Honda Civic Type R, I’ve discovered a newfound love for car parks. Before you label me a weirdo, hear me out: it’s all to do with the car’s bonkers aero package. With its huge front splitter, festooning of lumps and bulges and that colossal rear wing, it always sticks out like a sore thumb, like someone’s dumped a BTCC racing car outside the local branch of Asda. I’ve said before that nothing this side of a Lamborghini can match its visual presence, and that’s a statement I’m sticking too.

Unfortunately though, it’s looking like the next Civic Type R will be toned down massively. While recent testing footage showed the 10th-generation Civic-based Type R wearing a massive great wing, Auto Express is reporting that it won’t make an appearance on the production car. In addition, the front bumper and rear diffuser won’t look quite so aggressive as on the current car.

Image via X-Tomi Design
Image via X-Tomi Design

This seems like a massive shame, not just because the Civic will lose its claim of being the only car in class producing negative lift. The 0 f—k’s given outward look of the Type R is one of my favourite things about it, and while it’s no oil painting, I’d argue that’s down to the fugly Civic hatch upon which it’s based, rather than the aero kit. And as we’ve seen from renders like the one above, wearing the downforce-inducing gubbins of the current Type R, the much prettier shape of the 10th-gen Civic hatch (seen in standard form below) would look downright smokin’.

My argument has always been that if you can’t live with the looks - or the jolly firm ride - buy something like a Seat Leon Cupra. But in the world of numbers, spreadsheets and suits behind the scenes, it seems Honda has concluded that the crazy wings are costing it sales, and a diluted exterior would help them steal potential customers for the Leon Cupra and cars of that ilk.

The Next Honda Civic Type R Will Look Less Crazy, And That Makes Me Sad

It’s not all doom and gloom though, with Auto Express claiming that the current Type R’s 2.0-litre turbo four-banger will be carried over and given a boost in power. Reportedly we’re looking at 340bhp up from 307, while the torque will jump up to 332lb ft. Without that rear wing creating a load of drag it may even end up with a top speed in excess of 170mph.

We won’t have to wait long to get our first look either, with a concept version expected to make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October.

What do you think: do you dig the idea of a softer-looking Civic Type R, or will you miss the aesthetic lunacy?

Comments

Anonymous

Don’t worry, in ten years they will all be slammed on cheap rims and have faded paint just like all the ones before.

08/05/2016 - 07:33 |
12 | 6
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I’m still angry about the damn paint quality on these. My ‘07 Si has major clearcoat issues on the roof. :(

08/05/2016 - 10:46 |
0 | 0
Tuna

I will personally miss the crazy looks, it gave the Type R a different personality then its rivals

08/05/2016 - 07:39 |
124 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Tuna

The looks are staying. The pre-production models coming off the line at the moment still have the big wing, splitter and diffuser and it also has a bonnet scoop and 20” wheels.

08/07/2016 - 22:42 |
2 | 0
Nassim 1

Bring back the rice

08/05/2016 - 07:39 |
24 | 2

lmao

08/05/2016 - 14:00 |
2 | 0
Nassim 1

Failing race be like: no not the
almighty wing

08/05/2016 - 07:41 |
28 | 4

It’s FailRace, not Failing Race.

08/06/2016 - 10:25 |
6 | 0
Anonymous

The Ep3 had relatively restrained styling, and that was (is) an excellent car. Image isn’t everything :-)

08/05/2016 - 07:45 |
48 | 2
Joseph M

Is fugly still a word ?
I personally liked the crazy aero but they Cant go wrong with a Little less as long as it drives gr8 and has an awesome manual gearbox !

08/05/2016 - 07:47 |
2 | 2
Anonymous

Just hope that VTEC to kick in faster. At least fast enough so it will be able to pull on the smart fortwo over there.

08/05/2016 - 07:52 |
12 | 6
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

#NoMoreTrouble

08/05/2016 - 07:56 |
4 | 4
Sergio Ruelas

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

VTEC II confirmed? Lol would make a great advertising campaign

08/08/2016 - 17:32 |
2 | 0
The S2K Guy

HondSad Civic

08/05/2016 - 08:11 |
14 | 2
Bill Cipher The Car Guy

It looks like a futuristic Supra.

08/05/2016 - 08:23 |
0 | 0
Max Schröder

I will miss the crazy looks, but then again, the first Rs looked rather tame too, and no-one complains about that.

08/05/2016 - 08:44 |
8 | 0

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