Isn’t it ironic that the engine of the 2015 Honda Civic Type R, a model not offered in the United States, is built in America?

Well, it’s true, the new direct-injected 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine that powers the European Civic Type R is built at the Anna Engine Plant in Sidney, Ohio and then shipped across the Atlantic.

The most powerful Type R engine Honda has ever built produces 306hp (310PS) at 6,500 rpm and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm.

This mighty powerplant allowed a pre-production Civic Type-R to break the Nürburgring lap record for front-wheel drive vehicles recently with a stunning 7:50.6 time. Unfortunately, the current Civic Type R hatch will not be available in the United States, and the fact that its engine is built in America makes the pill even harder to swallow.

So why does Honda bother building an engine in a market where it will not be available? There’s a catch, obviously. While the current Civic Type R will not arrive on US shores, the next-generation of the Japanese hot hatch will be available in America too and will most likely be powered by a version of the engine that’s currently built in Ohio.

Hopefully a few extra ponies will be added – not that 306hp is not enough for a front-wheel drive car, but the Ford Focus RS with its 345hp certainly appeals more to some customers.

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