Civic Type R to Debut in Geneva with 167 MPH Top Speed

2015 Honda Civic Type R (Credit: © Honda )

After the Focus RS, the new Civic Type R is the second hottest compact car debut of 2015. The unfortunate thing is that we still have yet to receive confirmation of its arrival here in the States. So for now, we can only assume that it will be available only in Europe.

Regardless of its availability in the U.S., the Civic Type R is shaping up to give the front-driven hot hatchback segment a good shaking, thanks to its rumored 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine. Today, Honda decided to mix things up a little more by teasing us with its advanced aerodynamics that help the hatchback hit an insane top speed.

2015 Honda Civic Type R (Credit: © Honda )

The 2015 Civic Type R will feature a flat underbody to help air easy slide underneath it, but with that comes the added risk of spin-out-causing aerodynamic lift. To counter this lift, Honda installed an advanced rear diffuser and a bespoke rear spoiler to inject some downforce. Up front, a splitter also adds some much-needed downforce, while air intakes help keep things cool and the bumper directs turbulence away from the front wheel wells.

Down the sides, a set of deeply sculpted side skirts will join in the aerodynamic ballet, and help reduce lift.

2015 Honda Civic Type R (Credit: © Honda )

All of this aerodynamic goodness ends in one awesome result: a front-wheel-drive hot hatchback that can hit a top speed of 167 mph. To date, that number is unmatched by any other front-wheel-drive hatchback, but I can’t help but wonder how long that number will sit at the top of the heap.

Reining in a 167 mph, 300-horsepower hot hatchback is no easy task, but the high-performance Brembo brakes are likely up to the task. Up front, this kit includes a set of four-piston calipers that grip a set of 350 mm (13.8-inch) drilled rotors to drag the Civic Type R to a halt. To make room for these larger brakes, Honda installed a set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped up in 235/35ZR19 Continental rubber.

Honda will release the full details behind the Civic Type R and show off its iconic Championship White body at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show, which kicks off on March 3. I hope that we’ll learn more about the Type R’s availability in the U.S. in Geneva too. Stay tuned for more details.