Details Emerge on the Next-Gen Civic Type S/Si

2015 Honda Civic Concept (Credit: Honda)

We all know that the Honda Civic lineup is in for huge changes when the 10th generation model hits showrooms. We are also aware of the fact that the naturally aspirated Civic engines will give way to a lineup of 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engines. Today, according to a report from Australia, we’ve also learned that the Civic Type S will live again in certain markets, only this time as a midrange performance model.

According to the report, the Civic Type S, which we will likely receive as the Si, could be the closest the land down under gets to the insane Type R, though Honda Australia claims that the Type S will not exist.

Powering this model will reportedly be the most powerful of the 1.5-liter engines that Honda revealed earlier this year. According to the initial press release from the automaker, this means that the Type S/Si Civic will have 150 kW (201 horsepower) and 260 Nm (196 pound-feet) of torque to play around with.

This output would put the new Si slightly lower than the naturally aspirated version in terms of horsepower, but a good bit higher in terms of torque. This should equate to a slightly faster 0-to-60 time thanks to the engine’s reduced weight and a more accessible powerband than in the old iVTEC 2.0-liter in the current Civic Si.

I also expect to see Honda up the ante in terms of its use of lightweight materials, like aluminum and high-strength steel, in the new Civic Type S/Si. This will help reduce weight while enhancing rigidity to help improve acceleration and handling.

With the 10th generation Civic right around the corner, look for the leaky spigot to start revealing even more details in the near future.