Expect a faster turbo to produce more torque at the low end.
Europe’s strictest emissions regulations have opened the door to a wide range of three-cylinder, 1.0-liter engine-powered cars. Automakers have to accept downsizing and are investing heavily in electrification to make the legislators happy. They also avoid paying steep fines for exceeding the average fleet CO 2 emissions.
Honda isn’t immune to these changes. It has pledged to electrify all its Euro-lineup by 2022. However, there is one exception. According to a report by Autocar, the Civic Type R will be remembered as the last gas-only Honda on the Old Continent. The rendering shows a hypothetical sedan. However, the Type R formula for the hatchback will be used again. Although rumors suggested that the next hot hatch would be hybrid with all wheel drive and 400 horsepower, the British magazine says Honda will keep to the tried-and true formula. The 2.0-liter turbo-charged gasoline engine will be retained, however it will have a slight increase in horsepower to match the current 316 HP. Autocar says the Civic Type R will not get a significant boost due to its front-wheel drive nature.
According to the report, improving turbocharger response could lead to an increase in torque delivery. The outgoing model excels in this area with 295 pound-feet (400 Newton meters) at speeds ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 RPM. Honda has confirmed that the next Civic Type R will keep the three-pedal system to please those who prefer to row their own boats.
Autocar claims that a “number” of upgrades are being planned to improve performance and efficiency in order to compete with the Golf GTI Clubsport. The VW is only available with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. It’s not known if the GTI, which is hotter, will be offered in North America. Only a prototype of the eleventh-generation Civic was revealed. It will be available in production form in the first quarter 2021. The Civic will be able to produce a new spicy Si variant. However, we cannot speak for the coupe as the two-door model has been discontinued. Honda will likely soon unveil the Type R, a range-topping hatchback, but it is unlikely that they will.