2015 Honda Civic Type R is Ultimate Hi-Po Hatch

2015 honda civic type-r

While U.S. drivers are still waiting to see specs and pricing for the sporty 2015 Honda Civic Si models, European customers recently were introduced to the true high-performance all-star for the Civic range: the Civic Type R. Set for a formal debut at the upcoming 2014 Mondial de l'Automobile—aka, the Paris Motor Show—the new Type R represents the latest in a long line of (pretty much) Euro-only Honda performance vehicles and is being touted as the best-performing Type R model ever. Which is saying something when you realize that Honda also has given the "Type R" treatment to cars like the classic Acura NSX.

As a starting point, the Type R will offer close to double the horsepower of a standard 2015 Honda Civic, thanks to the first engine to combine turbocharging with the automaker's signature i-VTEC valve technology. More specifically, the 2.0-liter powerplant, from Honda's Earth Dreams engine family, will serve up more than 276 horsepower to "deliver unmatched performance compared to any previous Type R car," according to the brand. Typical of a high-revving i-VTEC engine, that in the new Type R will showcase a redline of 7,000 rpm, while also being paired solely to a six-speed manual transmission.

And while the Type R probably won't be imported to the United States anytime soon, that engine is nearly certain to appear in future iterations of the 2015 Honda Civic, as are performance innovations like:

• A "+R" driving mode that adjusts key vehicle systems for optimum performance, with Suehiro Hasshi, Large Project Leader for the Type R, noting that: "The car is ideal for track use"
• Adaptive four-point damping that can switch between comfort-focused handling at cruising speeds and firmer, more agile reflexes at a moment's notice
• Honda's new "steer axis" system, designed to reduce torque steer and allow drivers to get the most out of the Type R's power output

The Honda Civic Type R is expected to take the stage in Paris on October 2, then go on sale in European dealerships next year; the 2015 Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan are on sale now here in the United States, with the 2015 Honda Civic Si, Hybrid and Natural Gas all on their way.