Honda is heading to the Nürburgring to test the Civic Type R that will join the company’s U.S. lineup next year.
The automaker teased two photos of a Type R prototype in red and black camouflage. It’s clear the coming version is far cleaner than the outgoing model with its boy-racer styling elements, particularly at the rear.
While still in development, it’s being billed by Honda as the best-performing Civic Type R ever.
The redesigned 11th-generation Civic sedan and hatchback received relatively few mechanical changes, and the Civic Type R is likely to be no exception.
The outgoing model of the top Civic trim is equipped with 306 hp from a turbocharged 2.0-liter motor mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Honda did add a little power to the regular Civics for the 2022 model, so it’s possible the track-ready trim will get a boost.
The hatch-only Type R will also get the Civic family’s latest interior marked by a metal honeycomb strip that runs across the entire dash for a more upscale, simplified design.
There likely will also be exclusive Type R fixtures such as racing seats, contrasting colors and metal peddles.
Pricing will come closer to the official launch, but shouldn’t stray too far from the starting price of $38,910 for the 2021 model, with shipping.