Autoblog

Honda Civic Type R to get 2.0L turbo with up to 300 horsepower

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Honda

Not that we're expecting to see the car over here anyway, but we hear that the impending return of the Honda Civic Type R could bring with it a more powerful engine crammed under its short hood. Honda CEO Takanobu Ito has already confirmed the Civic Type R would return in 2015, and now Auto Express says that a Honda R&D employee has confirmed that this car will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing "as much as" 300 horsepower - earlier speculation had the car powered by a smaller 1.6-liter four.

Honda has already vowed to make the Civic Type R the "fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nürburgring," so this much power doesn't seem out of the question. We already spotted a Type R test mule putting some laps on the 'Ring earlier this summer. Other reported details about the new Type R include it retaining its front-wheel-drive layout but adding a limited-slip differential and possibly even rear-wheel steering for optimal performance and handling.

Honda Civic Type R to get 2.0L turbo with up to 300 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO confirms return of Civic Type R, announces new Fit-based CUV and super sports bike

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Motorcycle

With a goal of earning 39 million global customers across its power equipment, automobile and motorcycle line of products by 2017, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito announced a handful of exciting new models for the latter two that range from high performance to fuel efficient. While the U.S. news was essentially limited to the confirmation that the Acura RLX will be debuting in production form at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show, Honda fans in Europe have a lot more to look forward to.

After a five-year hiatus, Ito confirmed that the Honda Civic Type-R (pictured above) would be returning to Europe in 2015. No details were revealed about this high-output Civic, but Ito did mention that Honda's goal is to make the new Type-R the "fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nürburgring" where we've already seen the car testing. The Euro-spec Civic Type-R went out of production in 2010 due to stricter European emissions standards. No word as to whether the new Civic Type-R would eventually be offered in the U.S., but don't hold your breath.

Also headed to the European market is the upcoming subcompact crossover based on the next-generation Honda Fit/Jazz. The new Honda Fit will debut next year, and Honda says the crossover version will go on sale within two years. Both of these products will be built at Honda's all-new assembly plant near Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico.

In addition to Europe and the U.S., Automotive News reports that Honda is also looking to expand its lineup in China and India with up to 10 new or updated models in China by 2016 and a new diesel model for India in 2014.

Ito didn't just limit the news to future cars, either, as he announced that the motorcycle division of Honda will be introducing a new super sports bike based on the Honda's MotoGP racing bike. No additional information was available about this motorcycle, but Ito did say that it would be similar to the VFR750R homologation bike that was made in limited numbers from 1987 through 1990.

Continue reading Honda CEO confirms return of Civic Type R, announces new Fit-based CUV and super sports bike

Honda CEO confirms return of Civic Type R, announces new Fit-based CUV and super sports bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to make the Honda Accord Crosstour even more disturbing

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Honda, Humor

2011 Honda Accord Crosstour badge overkill - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour is arguably one of the ugliest beasts to beat up the streets in a long time. From its too-high stance to its odd, bulbous profile and protruding grille, the look is wrong on many levels.

For one Massachusetts driver, though, Honda's own design wasn't quite wrong enough. No, this misguided owner took his Crosstour from pretty ugly to downright terrifying, all with the simple application of badges and decals. Starting with an ill-advised Type R badge up front, the madness didn't stop until there were matching Apple decals adorning the rear deck.

In between, the front and rear got red Type R-style Honda emblems, red pinstriping and, as if all that weren't enough, what appears to be a "V6" badge on the grille - you know, to flaunt the 3.5-liter underhood. Hit the gallery and see what else you can decode from this parts-store lettering extravaganza. Thanks for the tip, Frank!

Gallery: 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour with badge overload

[Source: Imgur]

How to make the Honda Accord Crosstour even more disturbing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mugen promises "Type R-like" performance from hotted-up Honda CR-Z

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

Mugen Honda CR-Z sketches - Click above for high-res image gallery

Not to be a total buzzkill, but before we tell you about Mugen and its plans to create a hotter Honda CR-Z hatchback, there's one little line in the automaker's press release that needs to be noted in italicized type:

At this stage, the CR-Z Mugen is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version.

Drat.

Honda may call its 2011 CR-Z a "sport hybrid," but ever since our first time behind the wheel, we've felt more than a little disappointed. It's an enjoyable enough steer, but remains in dire need of some more oomph, and even with the automaker's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system on board, the resulting fuel economy isn't as great as one might expect for a car of its size and utility.

Honda tuning house Mugen Euro is set to rectify the need for a CR-Z with more spice - in concept form, anyway - with a hotted-up hatch that will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Mugen will offer enhancements for the CR-Z's 1.5-liter engine and IMA system to boost both horsepower and torque - creating "Type R-like performance" - while new brakes and suspension geometry will better communicate the added power to the driver. Mugen even says that these changes could result in improved fuel economy, though no official statistics have been divulged as of this writing.

So what if there aren't any plans for production (just yet). At least we know Honda has heard our cries. Follow the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketches

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

Live images copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Mugen Euro]

Continue reading Mugen promises "Type R-like" performance from hotted-up Honda CR-Z

Mugen promises "Type R-like" performance from hotted-up Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Norio Tomobe, chief engineer of the Honda CR-Z, said "The CR-Z is supposed to be an intelligent sports car." We can spend a fair bit of time debating the 'intelligence' of a sports coupe that gets from 0-to-60 in 9.7 seconds and has just two seats but gets worse gas mileage than a Toyota Prius. However, we won't really be able to decide on the issue until we drive it, and that is apparently what it takes to feel the love for it.

According to Automotive News, back when the CR-Z was being designed to house a traditional gasoline-only drivetrain, Tomobe said he and his team dug deep to come up with a new idea for the car, which ended up being a hybrid drivetrain and a six-speed transmission. But that wasn't until after they had tried to kill the project. Twice. And that didn't stop the president of American Honda Motor from repeatedly telling Japan the U.S. didn't need or want a sporty hybrid, which he thought would confuse customers. Until he drove it, and then all was go.

The hybrid's compromises remain a subject on everyone's minds. Tomobe wants more horsepower, and rumors began a month ago about a Type-R iteration. Even though Tomobe claims "We are not pursuing absolute maximum speed," we can't help but wonder if this first version of Honda's 122-horsepower future satisfies his own aspiration that "What we aim for is a car that is exhilarating to drive."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R in the works

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, UK, Rumormill

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

The rumormongers at AutoExpress are at it again, donning their speculative fedoras and suggesting that a 200-horsepower Honda CR-Z Type-R is on the way. But if you were hoping for a K20 swap to ditch the hybrid setup, you're in for a disappointment.

In stock form, the production CR-Z unveiled in Detroit makes due with a 102 hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder mated to an electric motor good for an additional 20 ponies. If AE is to be believed, Honda and its internal tuning partner, Mugen, plans to up the output of the stock four-pot to approximately 150 hp. Since the CR-Z was designed from the onset to be a hybrid, apparently Honda just can't swap in the 2.0-liter engine from the Euro-Civic and call it a day. Instead, a beefed-up electric motor will be fitted - reportedly good for another 50 hp - and bringing total output up to 200 hp.

Naturally, the transformation won't just be under the hood. A reworked suspension, upgraded brakes and a smattering of body mods will be included in the package, along with an additional driving mode (bringing the total to four), "Sport Plus" which will reportedly modify throttle response, steering, the start-stop system and the electric motor assist.

If the Type-R comes to fruition, expect it to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, with the production version arriving sometime in 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda UK releases Civic Type-R Mugen 200 to celebrate return to BTCC

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Honda, UK

Honda Civic Type-R Mugen - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Mugen's UK-based tuning arm turned up the wick on the Euro Civic Type-R late last year, the result was a 220-hp, stripped out hatch that was only available to 20 lucky consumers. Riding on the critical success of that limited-edition model, Honda UK will begin offering another Mugen-fettled Civic Type-R this March, but it's decidedly less impressive than its track-worthy predecessor.

Included in the package is a set of front and rear Mugen bumper skirts, lightweight 19-inch wheels, limited slip differential and a Championship White exterior, the last Type-R to receive the storied hue. Unfortunately, no mods have been performed to the engine, exhaust or ECU, so output remains unchanged at 200 horsepower.

Naturally, an assortment of badges and plaques are included on the 200 limited-edition models, which are being released to celebrate Honda's return to the British Touring Car Championship this April. Make the jump for all the details, along with ordering information... assuming you live across the pond.

Gallery: Honda Civic Type-R Mugen (Euro)

Continue reading Honda UK releases Civic Type-R Mugen 200 to celebrate return to BTCC

Honda UK releases Civic Type-R Mugen 200 to celebrate return to BTCC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mugen planning two-seat RR-based Civic Type-R hatchback?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, UK, Rumormill, Specialty

Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR (JDM) - Click above for image gallery

Honda's space-egg Civic Type-R hasn't exactly managed to build the same sort of enthusiast following as its predecessor, but that hasn't stopped U.S. motorheads from fawning over its edgy three-door shape, or from carping about how we don't get one in the States. While that isn't set to change, there may soon be a new model that's really worth crying over, as EVO is reporting that renowned tuner Mugen is fixing to build an even hotter Type-R variant.

According to the UK publication, the Mugen-spec Type-R will build on the success of the Mugen RR sedan (shown), taking some of its key bits (upgraded suspension, perhaps the bigger Brembo brakes, 18-inch wheels). It will likely also inherit that car's lightweight Recaro buckets and ditch the rear seats altogether for weight savings.

EVO notes that the current Mugen RR sedan's 2.0-liter engine makes 237 bhp (versus 198 bhp from the factory), with 160 pound-feet of torque ¬- a 10% increase over a stock Type-R. The mooted three-door liftback would likely receive similar power.

In the UK's typically price-inflated market, EVO reckons the Mugen CTR will probably cost more than £35,000 - a gobsmacking $58,000.

Gallery: Honda Civic Mugen RR (JDM)

Gallery: Honda Civic Type R hatchback (EU)

[Source: EVO]

Rumormill: Mugen planning two-seat RR-based Civic Type-R hatchback? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R coming to Tokyo Motor Show

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Rumormill

Click above for an un-photoshopped gallery of the Honda CR-Z Concept

At the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda took the wraps off the CR-Z concept, a three-door hybrid that Honda billed as a performance vehicle for the environmentally conscious enthusiast. In the meantime, Honda has confirmed that the CR-Z is headed for production and slated to arrive on European and Japanese shores in 2010, with U.S. sales likely to begin sometime in 2011.

Back in February of 2008, Honda's UK manager for product planning, Mark Turner, said development of the CR-Z was underway at Honda's R&D facility in Germany and that a strictly gasoline-powered version could make it to market if there was suitable demand. Fast-forward to today, and a new report claims Honda could be developing a CR-Z Type-R rumored to launch in Japan sometime next year.

At this point, Honda refuses to confirm or deny the existence of a Type-R version of the CR-Z, and there's plenty of speculation about what could power the new hot hatch. Honda could take a play from the Accord Hybrid and boost the stock CR-Z's gasoline-electric drivetrain, or, if Turner's mention of a gasoline-only model is to be believed, fit the CR-Z Type-R with a revised version of Honda's K20 inline-four.

Either way, expect the production version of the Honda CR-Z to debut at this year's Tokyo Motor Show and keep your fingers crossed that a Type-R variant gets some space on the stage.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept

[Source: GTChannel]

Rumormill: Honda CR-Z Type-R coming to Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our friends abroad won't be getting a Honda Accord Type-R

Michael Harley — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Acura, Honda, UK

Click image for a gallery of the new Euro Accord

With the all-new European Honda Accord set to debut next month in Geneva, word is that buyers will be disappointed to hear there are apparently no plans to launch a high-performance Type-R version of the new chassis. Honda does not feel the all-new model fits the Type-R brand, adding that the new European Accord is designed to propel the company into competing with the likes of BMW and Audi. Honda does have plans to release Accords with modified suspension and body kits, but with standard engines, much like Audi does with its S-line models.

The United States will see the all-new Euro Accord re-badged as the 2009 Acura TSX, first arriving at the New York Auto Show next month.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Accord - Euro spec

[Source: Autocar]

Our friends abroad won't be getting a Honda Accord Type-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

UPDATE: New images added to the gallery.

click above for more high-res images of the Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Honda is bringing a trifecta of tricked-out, Modulo-fettled concepts to the Tokyo Auto Salon, and this Civic Type-R takes the track-ready nature of the base model to the next level.

The concept is fitted with 19-inch Modulo wheels wrapped in 225/35 R19 R-compound tires and a revised suspension, along with a new front fascia, rear bumper, side skirts and wing. The checkered livery speaks to its track-friendly nature, but the inside of the Civic Type-R is what gains the most attention. Honda replaced several interior panels with carbon fiber components and fitted custom Recaro seats, a new dash display and an F1-inspired steering wheel with integrated shift lights. It's function following form with a perfect blend of track-ready gear and street-legal mods. We likey.

[Source: Honda, Carview]

Gallery: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Honda

Every automaker has its own subset of dedicated enthusiasts, with varying levels of obsessive behavior. Honda is no different. Take away the misinformed ricers, and Honda's racing heritage stands alone in a sea of commuter-infused mediocrity.

In order to recognize the Big H's engineering prowess and its motorsports legacy, Honda has launched a new ad campaign in the UK that focuses on the automaker's obsessive compulsive attention to detail. Dubbed Hondamentalism, the idea is to forge a link between its racing successes and its consumer vehicles - hardly a new concept - but the way it's presented deserves a look. The new spot, posted after the jump, will give you a feel for the campaign as a whole, albeit in a somewhat melodramatic, Aphex Twin-influenced creative.

You can get your head into the campaign by heading over to the Hondamentalism website, and you can check out a brief run down on what the Red H is all about here.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism

VIDEO: Honda goes mental with Hondamentalism originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Civic Type-R not living up to its moniker?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Honda

The buff books across the pond have gotten their hands on the new Civic Type-R and for the first time, we're not particularly disappointed that we won't be getting Honda's hottest hatch.

Although both reviews we've read (links are at the bottom of the post) say that the new vehicle has made marginal improvements over its forbears, both Car and AutoCar seem to be less than impressed.

Power output has been increased by exactly one pony, but even with the revised VTEC engagement point and smoothed-out power band, the added heft took the thrill out of a previously thrilling vehicle. Additionally, the steering input was much more responsive when compared to the outgoing model, yet Honda decided to nix the Civic's independent rear suspension in favor of a torsion beam rear-end. One step forward, one step back.

Traditionally, Honda's R-badged offerings were made for a select group of enthusiasts, willing to sacrifice some amenities (A/C, sound deadening material, etc.) for a potent driving experience. Unfortunately, that ethos seems to be lost on this newest Type-R and, for the first time, we're wary of the future of Honda's performance division.

Car
AutoCar

Tip props to Rocket Punch.

New Civic Type-R not living up to its moniker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the rumormill: Honda readying S2000 Type-R?

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Honda

It's well known that the S2000 is nearing the end of its life cycle. The high revving drop top has provided enthusiasts of all stripes a perfect platform for track duty and the daily slog, but something has always been missing: a Type-R variant.

The Temple of VTEC had a copy of Best Car magazine translated from its native Japanese tongue to reveal plans that were originally developed in 2004 (and had been leaked in the past) which give details about a hardcore version of Honda's popular two-door convertible.

Follow the jump for all the details.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Continue reading Enter the rumormill: Honda readying S2000 Type-R?

Enter the rumormill: Honda readying S2000 Type-R? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen-massaged Fit Spec.D

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

Back in 2004, Mugen rolled out their Fit Dynamite concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, complete with a K20A swapped out of the JDM Integra Type-R.

This year, the tuners at Mugen decided to keep the exterior styling of the Dynamite concept, but fit it with a more manageable and, ultimately more cost-effective, supercharged 1.5-liter inline four. The tangerine five-door produces 143 HP at 5,800 RPM and 137 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 RPM, by way of a Roots-type blower.

Winding Road expects that the complete setup should be available later this year.

Make the jump for a couple more pics.

[Source: Winding Road, Mugen]

Continue reading Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen-massaged Fit Spec.D

Tokyo Auto Salon: Mugen-massaged Fit Spec.D originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Honda

JAS Motorsport is in the process of working over its Honda-sanctioned Civic Type-R for lucky, privateer rally teams. Details on the Group-A machine are scarce, but the company insists that the modifications made to the Civic will meet the FIA's standards through 2007.

JAS gives its customers the option of purchasing individual parts, incorporated kits or a full turnkey vehicle, manufactured by the company.

More pictures of the exterior, interior and engine bay are posted after the jump, and you can read up on a few more details by following this link over to the Temple of VTEC.

[Source: Temple of VTEC via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault

Civic Type-R ready for gravel assault originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Honda

Click to enlarge

UPDATE: Press release, hi-res photo gallery added

The 'R' in Type-R stands for 'racing,' so the deciders for Formula 1 thought it best to name the Civic Type-R Prototype as the official vehicle for this week's Japan Grand Prix. The four-door prototype has been given the go ahead for production and will likely hit dealers in its home country in late 2007. The overall shape bears significant resemblance to the current Civic sold stateside, however a revised front and rear fascia give the JDM Civic a bit more flow, when compared to its angular sibling abroad. Motivation will come in the form of a 2-liter, inline-four, producing upwards of 220 HP and sending power through a six-speed manual.

The race, to be held at the world-famous Suzuka Circuit in the Mie Prefecture, is the second to last race of the season and may prove to be one of the most entertaining races of the year. With a course rife with passing opportunities and the two leaders, Schumacher and Alonso, running neck-and-neck in points, we've already planned our Sunday around the race and even if you're not into F1, this may be the race to see.

(Photo gallery, press release after the jump)

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP

Honda Civic Type-R sedan pacing Japanese F1 GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Honda Civic Type-R in Paris

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda

We're going to spare you the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth that seems to take place every time a new Type-R is released and the U.S. is left off the shipping invoice. It's safe to say that we're getting used to the disappointment, but when we compare the newly designed Euro-Civic to our own two- and four-door offerings, it feels like the knife gets twisted a little deeper into our gut.

For those of you who are blessed with slightly thicker skin and won't start sobbing uncontrollably at the unfair world in which we live, Honda was kind enough to produce a little montage of their new Civic Type-R as it sat on its stand in Paris. The video provides some drool-worthy shots of all the little details that adorn their newest FF-fun box.

The Type-R, for those of you who haven't already pored over the specs, will come equipped with a 2-liter, 200 hp inline-4 that will consume the sprint to 60 in about six and half seconds. The iVTEC powerplant will putter around like any other Honda until about 5,800 RPM, when the second cam lobe brings the engine to boil and proceeds to runs the tach to its 8k redline. A six-speed manual sends power to the seven-spoke, 18" alloys, wrapped in 225/40 rubber of unspecified origin. The interior benefits from Alcantara wrapped racing buckets, a three-spoke wheel, the love-it or hate-it, two-tier dash and a 'Start' button that allows the lucky owner to channel the part of the brain that controls racing ambitions.

In the meantime, we'll wallow in self-pity, occasionally asking why the Honda-Gods are angry with us, again.

VIDEO: Honda Civic Type-R in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JDM Speculation: Worthy of seppuku?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Japan, Acura, Honda

Few publications around the world provide highly-improbable speculation better than the magazines that come out of Japan (AutoBild holds down the fort in Germany). While most of the information is easily dismissed as rumor mongering and baseless conjecture, a few gems often reside in the rough.

So with that said, our friend 'S' and the peeps over at the Temple of VTEC let loose some scans from the oh-so-Japanese entitled, HolidayAuto magazine. The details and stories foretell the future of Honda's lineup, albeit with information that is, at best, dubious.

Follow the jump to see all the scans and read deets translated by the original author's girlfriend. Enjoy with a grain of salt.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Continue reading JDM Speculation: Worthy of seppuku?

JDM Speculation: Worthy of seppuku? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda launches countdown on Red H minisite

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

We're not entirely sure what to make of this, but since Honda's red 'H' is normally reserved for vehicles that receive Type-R treatment, we're mildly excited. The launch of the site that will presumably occur midnight EST on Thursday may fall in conjunction with Honda's unveiling of the Civic Type-R in Paris, but the rev-happy sounds hint at something more suited for a racetrack.

Theories and thoughts on what Honda's up to are welcome in 'Comments.'

Honda launches countdown on Red H minisite originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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