GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Honda to reveal 270km/h Civic Type-R

Honda’s new Civic Type-R will be the fastest hot hatch money can buy when it’s officially launched at the Geneva motor this March.

Confirming the Civic Type-R will be faster than rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R, Honda has released yet more teasing pictures of the production version of the hot Civic that, Honda says, will crack 270km/h when sales begin soon after March.

Powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-litre with Honda’s famed VTEC variable valve timing, the Japanese car maker has yet to confirm actual power outputs and its 0-100km/h time, but insiders say power will be north of 220kW and the Type-R will be among the quickest to the 100km/h benchmark.

For more than two years now Honda has also boasted the Civic Type-R will be the fastest front-wheel drive production car ever to lap the fearsome Nurburgring, so expect the new Type-R to beat the hardcore Renault Megane Trophy R’s 7:54.36 time.

Helping stability at high speed Honda has created an aerodynamic package for the Civic Type-R that’s more akin to far more expensive sports car. That’s why underneath the five-door hot hatch there’s an almost flat underside with an aggressive rear diffuser to manage air and create downforce.

A big rear wing, wide front splitter plus deep skirts and a wind tunnel-tuned front bumper complete the aero tweaks to cut drag and turbulence to enhance high-speed stability.

As well as the new aero, engineers have also worked hard to maximise high-speed stopping power. That’s why new 19-inch alloys mask large 350mm drilled Brembos with powerful four-piston callipers.

Finally, engineers have carved plenty of grilles and vents in and around the front bumper and front wheel arches to allow heat to dissipate easily.

Honda Australia has already confirmed the Civic Type-R will come here with first deliveries beginning in 2016.