Thanks to David K. for sending us this information from Auto Express. You can see the spy pics of the CTR in a previous news article. Don't you just wish we could get this car in the US?! -tn
Hot Civic 'R' On The Way
Hot hatch enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice next year as the fight for domination in the pocket rocket market becomes even tougher. The war is being sparked by Honda, which has confirmed it will sell the scorching Type R version of the new Civic in the UK. The move puts it head-to-head with the likes of Ford's Focus RS and the Renaultsport Clio V6.
The new car, pictured exclusively here, will be built in Britain and is set to hit the streets next October. Honda remains tight-lipped about pricing, but it is thought the machine could go on sale for under 20,000.
The three-door hatch will be powered by a next-generation VTEC engine, currently being referred to as 'intelligent VTEC'. This 2.0-litre, four-cylinder powerplant is set to produce around 190bhp at nearly 8,000rpm and offer more torque than its predecessor.
To ensure handling matches the stunning character of the engine, the Type R will be quite different to its conventional stablemates. Its purpose-built bodyshell will feature extra stiffening and bracing bars, while a revised suspension system will take on board the lessons learned from the previous Civic Type R, a car only sold in Japan.
A five-speed gearbox is expected to be retained, Honda choosing not to
use the six-speed unit sported by the S2000. Torque-sensing limited-slip differential will be fitted to quell wheelspin on uneven surfaces. The system is expected to be similar to that on the Integra Type R. To round off the dynamics, the hot new Civic will use uprated brakes developed from the excellent stoppers currently fitted to the high performance Accord Type R.
Potential buyers can expect the hot Civic to enjoy all the creature comforts that have been bestowed on previous Type Rs. That means the cockpit will sport red bucket seats, racy instrumentation and a titanium gearknob.