Set to be fully revealed on March 3rd, the Type R is the most powerful production Civic ever. We know that’s not saying much, but the output from its 2.0-liter turbo VTEC engine (which Honda says is “more than 276 horsepower”) rivals that of the original Acura NSX.
In a new advertisement called ‘Keep Up,’ Honda introduces several members of its new lineup, including the new NSX, Honda HR-V, and of course the Type R. Even the ASIMO robot and HondaJet make an appearance.
At about the 30-second mark, the sporty Civic slides by, followed by the repetition of the word ‘improve.’
That relationship is further fleshed out in the specs, and the 276-plus-hp engine is just the beginning.
The car has gone through extensive work in the wind tunnel to become as slippery as possible, with a wide front splitter, shaped front bumper, and a flat underbody managing airflow and reducing drag. The Civic Type R has a reported top speed of 167 miles-per-hour.
The car also features an ‘+R’ button that remaps engine torque, increases steering response, and stiffens the Adaptive Damper System to sharpen up driving mechanics. The Civic wears 19-inch wheels and Brembo brakes as well, which were designed specifically for this car.
At this time, there are no definitive plans to bring the Type R to the U.S. There are rumors of a U.S.-spec version somewhere down the road though, so keep your fingers crossed.
No offense, Civic Si, but we’re ready for a step up.
