New Honda Civic Type R teased

After confirming that the Civic Type R will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show happening next month, Honda has now released a series of teaser images of the new performance hatchback.

The Civic Type R will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection VTEC engine. Outputs have yet to be confirmed, but insiders have previously quoted figures of 300bhp and a torque output of 41.5kgm at just 2,000 rpm. Honda has also confirmed that the Type R will get a six-speed manual gearbox which is designed to "maximise driver enjoyment".

It will include several aerodynamic features, sculpted through both, extensive wind tunnel testing and computer simulations. Honda promises “exceptional high speed stability and high levels of downforce” from these features, which include a flat underside, a front splitter, rear diffuser, large rear wing, and deep side skirts. The front bumper has also been designed to reduce turbulence at the front wheels, reducing drag.

The Euro VI emissions-compliant 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine will redline at 7,000rpm, maintaining the legendary high-end shove afforded by the VTEC variable valve timing technology, but with the addition of extra low-end grunt from the turbocharger.

None of the images reveal the car completely, but the cropped-in pictures reveal the 7,000rpm redline for the engine on the rev counter, and the +R button next to the steering wheel that improves engine responsiveness, tweaks the torque, mapping to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting, stiffens the adaptive dampers, and increases the responsiveness of the steering.

Another cropped image reveals the 19-inch alloys fitted to the Civic Type R, and low-profile Continental tyres. Behind the wheels, providing stopping power are 350mm high-performance Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers.

Honda will also equip the Civic Type R with a range of dynamic features to complement its new engine. Among them is a four-point Adaptive Damper System, developed specifically for the model. Honda says, the dampers, which have been tuned to offer a comfortable, compliant ride in normal driving conditions, can be stiffened to increase agility when the driver demands it, resulting in what the firm calls “high-performance handling”. Also new is a system designed to reduce torque steer. An additional ‘steer axis’ mechanical system is added to the front suspension, supported by two kingpins which work with the suspension to reduce torque steer under acceleration.