© 2024 New Atlas
Automotive

Honda's Civic Type R Concept – a race car for the road

By Ben Coxworth
March 04, 2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
View 31 Images
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept
Honda Civic Type R Concept
Honda Civic Type R Concept
The car features outlets to facilitate air flow
Track-inspired design features include a new shape and angle for the rear spoiler that provides additional downforce
Air outlets on the hood and larger front grilles allow for better cooling of the engine
Air outlets on the hood and larger front grilles allow for better cooling of the engine
Wider front and rear fenders accommodate 20-inch tires
Track-inspired design features include a new shape and angle for the rear spoiler that provides additional downforce
Air outlets on the hood and larger front grilles allow for better cooling of the engine
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
The Honda Civic Type R Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
View gallery - 31 images

If you're a fan of all things Honda, then you're probably already aware of the Civic Type R, the fastest version of popular Civic. Well, today at the Geneva Motor Show, the automaker revealed a sneak peek of its vision for the 2015 model of the car, in the form of the Honda Civic Type R Concept.

Honda describes the concept as a "racing car for the road," as opposed to a high-performance version of a road car. That's reflected in the fact that much of its design was influenced by track testing of a prototype at Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife motorsports complex.

Some of those track-inspired design features include a new shape and angle for the rear spoiler that provides additional downforce; air outlets on the hood and larger front grilles, for better cooling of the engine; wider front and rear fenders, to accommodate 20-inch tires; and, additional air outlets to facilitate better air flow. According to Honda, "When combined, these features deliver maximum cooling, greater grip and ultimately, optimum performance."

Honda Civic Type R Concept

Although the vehicle on display is technically a concept, it has been confirmed that the production model will feature a 2-liter, direct injection, 4-cylinder VTEC TURBO engine. That powerplant will put out 280 PS (276 HP), and will comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard.

The 2015 Honda Civic Type R is scheduled to debut in Europe next year. Pricing and other details, such as performance figures, have yet to be announced.

Source: Honda

View gallery - 31 images

Tags

AutomotiveHondaSports CarsGeneva Motor Show 2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
7 comments
Craig Jennings
Yes please, I'll have one, just like that.
Vince Pack
Sadly, it's almost a certainty that like all Honda performance spec JDM cars, we won't see it here in the US (like most JDM NISMO spec Nissan cars). It's a shame.
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is really nice. It is definitely a pocket rocket.
The Skud
Nice! But when will manufacturers realise that 150+ speeds are very limited in most of today's world????? I mean, Dubai or some autobahns but where else? That giant spoiler is most likely useless unless going over 120km/h so it could be made an 'option' for most buyers and leave the smaller lower spoiler in place for looks. As a bolt-on for track days or whatever it could be viable, but not otherwise, just a 'boy racer' pose gimick.
Mel Tisdale
I think that the product planner who thinks that a "racing car for the road" is a good idea should be forced to spend a month with a police traffic patrol team. They should be forced to be the one who breaks the news that someone's beloved son or daughter has been killed showing off to his or her mates that his "racing car for the road" was quicker than all the rest.
Fortunately, either oil prices are going to make such cars out-of-date or the EROEI figures are going to make it not worthwhile the oil majors exploring for new oil fields, thus causing an oil scarcity. Either way, it will not be how quick a car goes, it will be how far it goes that will be the deciding factor when considering what model to purchase.
rik.warren
I like it. It would be fun to drive and own. I imagine it will get reasonable mileage and while I agree there is few places to drive to the full potential this is true of almost every car sold in America. People have choices, this is another. You don't like it don't buy it. It the market does not like it it will fail. This is not a pressing issue of the day, it is a low volume fun car designed for those who will buy it based upon their ownership criteria.
Michael Wilson
I like the styling and glad Honda is returning to their engineering and performance roots. For awhile, I was a bit scared the japanese manufacturers lost their nerve, but I'm glad to see a return to form. I'm also glad to see honda turbocharging their vehicles. There have been some in the fast, but the first model I've ever seen that is turbocharged due to performance.
Probably the first honda i would ever consider buying in since the RSX
Most Viewed