2016 Civic Type R ‘or something like it’ destined for North America
News is an often fickle unsubstantiated blurb manifested by a handful of journalist looking for the next big read. I know, I’m one of them. We (most of us) do what we can to substantiate the”facts” behind a pending story. Case in point: Honda aficionados know that Type-R has always been Japan and Europe market specific. None the less, hard-core Honda street fighters call for the import of a Japanese or European specification Civic Type-R to North American shores. It may arrive(or something like it) in the near term.
Torque News has been watching this story unfold for the better part of two years. As the British and Spanish automotive press shamelessly speculates as to a near-future introduction of a Type-R, or, at the least, a turbocharged Earthdreams ™ engine option for the next generation iteration of the Civic, the U.S. automotive press has received little more than a wink and a nod from those in the know.
A sport-tuned next generation Civic Hatchback with Type-R performance tendencies
It all reads like fun to us. And according to our “close to Honda sources,” we should be paying close attention to the New York International Auto Show. Honda will make an important announcement there. While that could mean just about anything in the ever-changing development world of American Honda Motors, we, like other Honda, Acura fans, look for something a bit hotter than the current Civic Si coming out of the halls of Honda in the short-term.
What we do know
Honda, as announced in Detroit, has committed to the North America manufacturing of a line of EarthDreams ™ turbocharged engines. We, as other enthusiasts anticipate the near-term installation of turbocharged technology in Honda’s Civic and CR-Z, as well as a soon to be announced Honda HR-V-Acura-sport-variant. While the engine is but one component of a Type-R reality, it’s a start!
When we view the side profile of this vehicle, we find shades of Civic Type R in it’s stealth rear door handle and rear hatch cowling. Are U.S. and Canadian Honda enthusiast prepared to pop a check for $40,000 + for a North American specification Type-R? That remains to be seen.
In the mean time, take a moment to view the European-Spec Type-R break the German, Nurburgring track time record for a front wheel drive vehicle..