Honda Civic Type R Prototype: The Wing You've Been Waiting For

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Honda has provided a glimpse of the U.S.-bound Civic Type R at the Paris Auto Show, albeit in concept form (though the automaker prefers the near-production term “prototype”).

This Type R — designed in Japan, built in the UK, and destined (at last) for America — uses the Civic Hatchback as a canvas, then adds every visual performance indicator the automaker could get its hands on. Reportedly, it will have the power to back up its looks.

The Type R is rumored to pack 340 horsepower, and will arrive next year alongside the lesser Civic Si. For now, Honda is keeping powertrain details under wraps.

Engine speculation aside, Honda gave us plenty to look at. (Some might argue too much.) The Type R adds visual aggression wherever it can: new outboard ducts added to the front fascia, smoked headlight lenses, front hood scoop and spoiler, carbon fiber side skirts, extended wheel arches, 20-inch “piano black” alloy wheels wearing 245 width rubber, and that all-important rear wing.

Like other Civics, the Type R sports center-mounted tailpipes, but adds a third, painted outlet. Honda isn’t dishing details on the third pipe or the hood scoop. It’s a safe bet that they aren’t there just for show.

While this Type R is a prototype, the production model likely won’t diverge too much from the vehicle seen here. The first next-generation Type Rs to roll off the Swindon, UK assembly line arrive at European dealers in the second half of 2017. Honda hasn’t said when long-deprived U.S. fans can expect theirs.

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Ravenchris Ravenchris on Sep 29, 2016

    The crab pincher tail-lights are not growing on me.

    • JMII JMII on Sep 30, 2016

      The whole thing just looks scary with angled bits tacked on everywhere. Its a mess. I was once a huge Honda fan ('85 Civic S1500 hatch & '89 Prelude Si) but there is literally nothing Honda makes now that interests me. I remember when the Type R was just a badge, a small spoiler/lip and a hotter engine. This thing is turned up way past 11, it reminds me of those fake cars in the original Ridge Racer PlayStation 1 game. Anyone who likes the looks can't afford it and those who can afford it would get a Golf R, Focus RS or WRX instead. I know everyone likes to point out that Honda lost the plot awhile back, but its cars like this that prove the point.

  • ToddAtlasF1 ToddAtlasF1 on Sep 29, 2016

    It's got a manual transmission! I could do without the rest of it. :(

  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
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