• Civic Type R for Paris auto show
• Rivals Integra, Accord and NSX
• New turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC
Honda will debut its Type R Concept at the October 2014 Paris auto show - a new hot hatch due to go on sale in 2015 as "the most extreme Type R” yet and "the start of a new performance era for Honda".
Unlike its predecessors, this Type R will be powered by a new turbocharged two-litre i-VTEC engine derived from Honda's "earth dreams" technology that can make more than 206kW and will drive through a six-speed manual gearbox
NEW '+R' MODE
Suehiro Hasshi, project leader for the Civic Type R, told Wheels24: "Honda has had four Type R models - the Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX. The engine in this new Honda Civic Type R is unrivalled by any of them in terms of power, torque and engine response."
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Honda Type R Civic
The new Type R, Honda says, will mark the debut of the brand's new '+R' button that claims to "sharpen engine and steering response, deliver more-assertive torque-mapping and, with the new four-point adaptive damper system, improve handling".
'DIFFERENCE IS IMMENSE'
Hasshi adds: "In standard mode, the Civic Type R is exceptionally agile, an everyday sports car with an enjoyable and fluid acceleration. Its '+R' button brings out a more dynamic and athletic car to set pulses racing.
"The difference in character is immense. The '+R' mode is extreme; the car is ideal for track use and will be appreciated by the sports-driving enthusiast."
The new ADS automatically adjusts the front and rear suspension based on driving conditions.
The new Civic Type R will be built at Honda's factory in Swindon, England and will go on sale in Europe in 2015 and later the same year in South Africa. Prices then...