There may be one last twist in the tail when it comes to the often speculated powertrain under the bonnet of the next-generation Honda Civic Type R, due to be revealed later this year.
It had initially been thought that the model would get some form of electrified assistance, marking it as the first hybrid Type R. These rumours were then squashed with Autocar UK reporting last September that the car would remain a pure internal combustion engine affair.
Now it’s been reported by noted Japanese outlet Best Car that the forthcoming Type R is set to use the same K20CI 2.0-litre turbocharged four it uses currently with power remaining unchanged for the Japanese market.
The Best Car report corroborates Autocar UK’s earlier musings, noting that the model won’t feature any hybrid elements under the hood. Indeed, the new Type R is expected to be the last pure internal combustion engine Honda sold in Europe.
In Japan, the current FK8 Type R produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque, while those sold Down Under get a slightly detuned 228kW/400Nm. Best car adds that the new model’s engine won’t be a complete copy and paste, having been given some tweaks between models to change its “torque characteristics”.
On top of this, the report indicates that the Type R will be getting an automatic transmission option. This is a fairly big first for the Type R sub-brand, with all previous models sporting either a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission.
The Type R is said to also be gaining some monstrous rubber. According to the report, it will be shifting from a 20-inch wheel to 19s, wrapped with enormous 265/30 rubber. If true, it’ll be some of the biggest rubber ever fitted to a front-wheel drive car.
Honda has yet to comment on the claims, and is unlikely to until the model’s proper unveiling later in the year. It’s not the only new Civic set to debut this year, with the e:HEV hybrid also set to be revealed. The Type R has already been confirmed for our market, while the e:HEV is expected to also follow.
