New Honda Civic Type R ready to roll

The new Honda Civic Type R has been officially revealed for the first time ahead of its global launch in 2022, confirming – despite the camouflage – that the new-generation hot hatch will continue with a trademark oversized rear wing.

Set to retain its manual gearbox, potentially quashing rumours of a mean and green hybrid Type R powertrain, the all-new super-Civic will almost certainly bring improved aerodynamics, thanks in part to an upgraded motorsport-inspired rear spoiler that now sits atop metal struts instead of being a one-piece plastic unit.

The iconic bonnet scoop has been deleted but clearly visible are an exotic-looking trio of rear exhaust outlets, pumped up wheel-arches and side skirts, big alloy wheels and a sporty front apron.

Overall, however, the exterior design appears less extreme and edgy than the outgoing Civic Type R.

This mirrors the new-look 11th generation Honda Civic hatch, the design of which has been massaged to deliver a more mature, upmarket appearance.

Mainstream version of the new Honda Civic are scheduled to arrive in Australia in November or December this year, while the top-spec Type R is expected to roll into showrooms later in 2022.

These official photos from Honda USA reveal the Type R will also add big brake rotors clamped by red Brembo brake callipers and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, but the new hot hatch icon will likely also bring a more advanced chassis set-up including track-ready suspension.

Honda has not yet confirmed what lurks within the hi-po Civic’s engine bay, but it’s likely to be an uprated version of the current Civic Type R’s piping hot 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (228kW/400Nm).

Whatever powers the all-new Civic Type R, it will be the most potent road-legal Honda model following the axing of the mid-engined NSX supercar.

As well as an all-new chassis that brings improved performance on road and track, the new Civic Type R will also benefit from the more luxurious and less cluttered high-tech interior of the new Civic hatch.

That means twin digital screens and big advances in infotainment and connectivity, but you can also expect body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a sports steering wheel and a spherical aluminium gearshift knob to return.

Along with the two official images of the camouflaged hot hatch, Honda confirmed the new model is “Ready for Nürburgring testing”.

So you can bet your bottom dollar the new car will be shooting to reclaim its front-drive lap record at the legendary German public road circuit after the Renault Megane RS Trophy R snaffled that accolade in 2019 with a 7:40.10 lap – 3.7 seconds faster than Honda’s 2017 time. “Development of the best performing Honda Civic Type R ever continues,” said the short Honda press statement.