Don't Hold Your Breath for the Civic Type R
Honda has a recent history of ignoring fans who’ve been begging for performance models, but that’s about to change when the new Civic Type R arrives in the U.S. But exactly when is that?
The bad news is, it’s not soon.
After announcing at the New York Auto Show that the new Type R would in fact come to the U.S., American Honda Motor Co. Executive Vice President John Mendel confirmed during a round-table discussion that it won’t be a 2016 model.
Will it be a 2017? “It could be an ’18 by the time it gets here,” admitted Mendel, though he said he hopes not.
“You can’t say we never listen. We almost never listen,” joked Mendel.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Honda Civic First Look
Rumors have suggested that the US-spec Civic Type R could be different car from the European one. That seems unlikely, especially as Honda has confirmed the European-market Civic 5-door hatchback (the basis for the Type R) is already headed to our shores.
“As you go to global development processes, the differences from market to market in terms of crash and requirements start to converge,” said Mendel. “So you don’t have a vehicle developed for one market that doesn’t meet the standards of another market. As you are able to commonize all those things around the world, and a US-led development for this vehicle (the 2016 Honda Civic), we kind of spec’d through the higher standards.”
Pricing isn’t something Mendel was willing to discuss yet but he indicated that a major factor will have to do with the British Pound vs U.S. Dollar exchange rate at the time, with the new Type R being manufactured in the UK.
“I’d hope we could sell a couple thousand a month,” he said, promising not to put a cap on sales.
Another Turbocharged Honda
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But before the new Type R finally arrives Honda will offer a different turbocharged Civic to U.S. customers. On sale later this year the 10th generation Civic sedan will launch first and will come with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC engine. “It will be in the higher trims, at least initially,” said Mendel with base models receiving a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Lighter than the outgoing car, Mendel said it’s one of the fastest refreshes the automaker has ever made, a particularly impressive feat considering it’s also one of the most complex.
SEE ALSO: 10 Sports Cars the Civic Type R Beat Around the Nürburgring
He wouldn’t comment on how much of a diet the new car has undergone, but did tout its sportiness and a return to what Honda fans remember, while also commenting that when it comes to the interior, “you’re going to be blown away.”
In response to demand, Mendel says Honda is, “taking the Civic back in a direction more towards where it started.”
“It’s what you guys have been asking for,” he said.
Are More Performance Hondas Coming?
After the launch of the new Civic, Honda will put the focus on practical machines, with the debut of a new Odyssey and Ridgeline. Mendel cautions that one product doesn’t signify a shift at Honda but did say that, “I’d like to think that the announcement of Type R would beget a trend…”
Discuss this story at our 10th Generation Honda Civic forum
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Waiting for another the Next DEL SOL!
Honda needs to gimtrpdictiprogram and 3rd evaluate their cars and go back to the speed, style , and allow the buyer to choose each version that they want. Basically eagle to have the factory build and offer the U.S. and everyone else what they want. Such as no matter what model of car they want, they should be able to choose to have the upgraded power and style inside and out. Such as being able to get a base model such as the CRZ, the Fit, Accord, civic, etc. Honda should also bring back the del sol, the prelude. Obviously Honda should offer Hondata as an option. Also hond Honda needs to bring back type R, mugen, spoon upgrades and apply optional to all models and Honda needs to offer the buyer those options to choose the style and edition they want instead of buying a down graded si and end up rebuilding the motor swapping all kinds of parts and basically turning the Honda into something that Honda could build easily and either would score hella points with the Honda enthusiast. Of course still build the base models and everying but the really need to re think their approach and give the community what they want. As the FRS and BRZ that the other companies built. Man up Honda you made the s2000 Honda didn't get the respect they deserve and it's time Honda puts their foot down and shows the world who really inspired that FRS and BRZ. Honda did it first all Honda has to do is throw in a more powerful motor and adjust a few things then they woilsnt have a chance against the s2000. Which this car should be the s2000 type R or RR or Mugen R. Just a suggestion and I believe many would agree. Honda changed the car industry with their suspensions And their huge VTEC introduction then they Added VTC. Honda by far has the knowledge and ability to build and inovate and totally change the game cause Honda has so many possibilities to bring then back to the too and to work with the buyers to give them the perfect car simply by working with customers to build them the car they are happy with and will pay a fair price for. Everyone who buys a car from any company eventually modifies their car or ends up selling it caise it isn't to their liking . now days it's all about quanity not quality when it should be quality not quantity