TOKYO, Nov 20 — Honda has announced that researchers are currently test driving the forthcoming Civic Type R at the brand’s research and development facilities in Tochigi, Japan. These are the latest tests of the much-anticipated car, which F1 pilot Gabriele Tarquini test drove last summer at the Nürburgring track in Germany at Honda’s invitation.
The Civic Type R will be the first car in Europe equipped with the new 2L direct injection VTEC Turbo engine, with a total output of 280hp. The version pictured in the photos from Honda’s latest test drives is a five-door sports car, but the design may evolve before the final model is presented in 2014.
At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Honda first announced its intention to bring back the Civic Type R before 2015. Initially, “Type R” (for racing) was the name of the development program that produced Honda’s most iconic sports cars, such as the NSX, the Integra and the Civic itself.
The new Honda Civic Type R will not be presented at the Tokyo Motor Show, where Honda will present two concept cars: the S660 roadster and the NSX concept, which will exhibit the features we can expect in the next generation of the brand’s famous race car.
The 43rd Tokyo Motor Show takes place from November 23 to December 1. — AFP-Relaxnews
