Geneva 2014: Honda Civic Type R Concept

Honda has given us the first look at the all-new Civic Type R with this concept model now on show in Geneva. Yeah, it’s easy to laugh at the massive rear wing and 20″ alloys and dismiss this as another rice rocket, but this, this Type R is going to be good.

At least it will have to be in order to stand up to the hype and bold statements Honda is already making about the car. It’s a “racing car for the road,” Honda claims.

For now this is all part of Honda’s lengthy tease before the Type R is launched in Europe in 2015. So all they’re giving us is that the car will be powered by a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo producing “at least” 280PS (206kW), which we already knew.

That leaves you to enjoy the pics and video after the break.

‘A racing car for the road’- Honda unveils the new Civic Type R Concept at Geneva Motor Show

4 March 2014

Today sees the worldwide reveal of the Honda Civic Type R Concept model which points to the styling direction for the exterior design of the highly-anticipated production new Type R that will debut in Europe during 2015.

Described by the design team as a ‘racing car for the road’ rather than a high performance version of a road car, the new Type R looks set to signal a new era for the marque – with the most extreme Civic Type R yet. The sleek and aerodynamic profile reflects a car designed for performance whilst maintaining the look of a road car and the distinctive character of Type R.

The styling of the car is heavily linked to performance, with the Type R Concept clearly showing its credentials in the exterior design. Many of the styling features offer real performance benefits, in addition to aesthetics, as confirmed by feedback from prototype testing at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The shape and angle of the stand-out rear spoiler, for example, has been designed to provide additional downforce, as a direct response to information gained through track testing. Additionally, the upper and lower front grilles have been enlarged and air outlets on the bonnet provide cooling for the high-output engine. The front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate 20-inch tyres and air outlets are integrated to optimise airflow. When combined, these features deliver maximum cooling, greater grip and ultimately, optimum performance.

While further detail on performance is yet to be announced, Honda has confirmed that the forthcoming new Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature one of its brand new VTEC TURBO engines from the Earth Dreams Technology range. The two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder turbo is expected to deliver class-leading output of at least 280PS and will be EURO 6 compliant. While turbo engines have not been seen in Honda’s production cars in Europe for some time, Honda has continued to actively develop turbo technology on the race track and in other regions. Honda’s successful return to WTCC in 2013, has been instrumental in gathering knowledge that has helped shape the new Type R, providing the development team with analysis and feedback on performance and styling collected from the track.

Honda is also using the 2014 Geneva Motor Show to showcase the powertrain layout of the next generation NSX, set to launch in 2015. Alongside this, Honda’s next generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Concept, makes its European debut at the show, with the company confirming for the first time that the production version will be on sale in Europe from early 2016.

To view the Civic Type R Concept teaser film, before the live unveil at the Motor Show, head to the Honda UK YouTube Channel or keep up with all the news by following #TypeR.