FAB WHEELS DIGEST (F.W.D.): July 2015

While Europe and Japan have had multiple generations of the hottest Civic, North Americans made do with the less powerful versions carrying the Si badge. Unfortunately, the 2015 model is another one North Americans can't have. That said, this Euro-spec car's heart will form the basis of a new Civic Type R that's coming to America, possibly as early as 2016 as a 2017 model.

The aggressively-styled 2015 Civic Type R took inspiration from Honda’s Civic race car that competes in the World Touring Car Championship. After a yearlong tease that kicked off with a concept at the 2014 Geneva show, Honda has finally rolled out the production version of its hottest of hatches, the first-ever turbocharged Civic Type R. The heart of the Civic Type R is a turbocharged 2.0 L four-cylinder i-VTEC engine from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series and Honda's Anna Engine Plant in Ohio. It pumps out 306 hp and 295 pound-feet with a six-speed manual. The combination is reportedly good for a sprint to 62 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 167 mph. Honda also fits the CTR with Brembo brakes and adaptive dampers, while a special suspension setup reportedly helps in the fight against torque steer.

The Civic Type R will mark the debut of Honda's new '+R' button. Located to the side of the steering wheel, once pressed it activates '+R' mode for the most exhilarating driving experience. The engine response is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting. Steering becomes more responsive and, together with the new four-point Adaptive Damper System, delivers the ultimate handling experience.

The exterior also comes with extensive aerodynamic updates including a flat underbody tray, a deep air dam punctuated by a low front splitter, functional front-fender outlet vents, a rear diffuser, and a towering rear wing. On the inside, the cabin is outfitted with high-back sport seats featuring black faux suede with red stitching. There’s additional red stitching on the steering wheel, which also features a red centering band at the top. Behind that, the driver sees a unique instrument cluster. Besides the entry-level models, higher-specification GT versions will get a suite of safety technology as well as automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors and Honda's Connect infotainment system. (motorauthority.com, autoblog.com, autocar.co.uk and jalopnik.com)

2016 Honda Civic Type R Concept

Released at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. This is the new generation Civic Type R that will finally come to the US. This is just a "concept" and the production model will be shown early 2017 After that, the Type R will be released in Europe first during the second half of 2017. US availability has not been announced yet.

The front bumper is widened with extra slats, along with the fenders front and rear. It also gets a deeper chin spoiler in bare carbon fiber with a red accent stripe. Up on the hood is the intriguing addition of a scoop. The sides of the car also get carbon fiber side skirts to go along with the front spoiler. The widened fenders accommodate fat wheels shod with 245 width tires. This leads to the back where the Type R once again receives an over-the-top rear wing. The rear of the Type R concept has triple tailpipes, with the center pipe painted red. (autoblog.com)

2015 Honda Civic Type R

2016 Honda Civic Type R Mugen Concept

Based on the expertise gained by Mugen through motor sports, the company installed aero parts and functional parts that focus on aerodynamic performance and maneuverability. They also conducted repeated wind-tunnel testing and currently is developing Mugen parts for the market that will further improve the Civic Type R concept model. (car24news.com)