Honda has just dropped the first video of its brand new Civic Type R Prototype ahead of the vehicle’s public debut at the Paris Auto Show later today.
As recent spy shots of the model suggested, it combines many of the overt styling elements of the current Civic Type R into the new body of the latest-generation Civic. As such, the front end includes a custom splitter and new air intakes/grilles. There’s also flared wheel arches, a large hood scoop, bespoke 20-inch wheels and an entirely revised rear fascia with a towering wing, distinctive diffuser and three central exhaust pipes.
Although the first video barely features more than a few seconds of driving footage, it goes without saying that as with all Type R-badged models before it, the new hardcore Civic will put the driver first.
As such, power from the current 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine is expected to rise over the current 306 hp and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It’s possible that a horsepower figure near the Ford Focus RS’s 350 hp is on the cards. Unlike the Ford, the new U.S.-bound Civic Type R remains front-wheel drive and will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission.
“We promised the most ambitious, sportiest Civic lineup ever and we’re delivering on that promise with each new Civic,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of Honda America. “For the first time ever in America, Honda fans and enthusiasts will have access to the ultimate in Civic performance in the form of the new Type R.”
After Paris, the prototype will make its North American debut at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas running from October 31 to November 3, before being revealed in its final production form and going on sale in the US, Europe and elsewhere around the world, in 2017.