Following in the footsteps of the recent Honda Civic Type R Prototype, the Japanese company has just unveiled another performance-focused variant of the Civic, this time the Si. Once again, it has been dubbed a ‘Prototype’, though for the most part, it’s production ready.
Honda says the new Civic Si Coupe and Sedan will launch sometime next year and that the Civic Si Prototype, due to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, gives us an accurate preview of the finished product.
Beneath the skin, the 2017 Civic Si Prototype is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing an undisclosed amount of horsepower and torque. What has been confirmed is that it is mated to a short-shifting six-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the car includes a limited-slip differential, high-performance tires, an active steering system and a new set of dampers aiming to offer excellent handling abilities.
From the outside, the Prototype adopts a bold new design compared to regular Civic models. Most notably, the front fascia has been heavily revised and includes enlarged air intakes, a black lip, black grille and new fog lights. Other styling changes include a set of eye-catching wheels, a fixed rear spoiler, central-exiting exhaust and a bright paint finish dubbed Rallye Red Pearl.
Inside, Honda says the interior of the Prototype closely previews the finished product and includes a set of sports seats exclusive to the Civic Si. Additionally, there’s red contrast stitching, aluminium sport pedals and ‘Dry Metal Carbon’ trim on the instrument panel.
Discussing the car, senior vice president and general manager of Honda, Jeff Conrad said “With the new Honda Civic Si, we’re injecting even more sporty goodness into our 10th-generation Civic lineup. This will be, hands down, the fastest, best-handling Si we’ve ever offered to our customers.”
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