After the introduction of the 11th-generation Honda Civic this year, the most awaited part was how the new Type-R will be. For sure it will adapt the new design language, but in terms of performance and other exterior amenities, the world was kept waiting – until today.
Honda showcased the working prototype for the next Civic Type-R in the ongoing 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon and released a video about its test runs in Suzuka Circuit in Japan. The photos from the display are very limited but thanks to the press video, we can see more juicy details from the next red-badged Civic.
Just like before, the Type-R was built on the Civic hatchback platform with design tweaks to aid in the performance. From the header image alone, we can see that there’s a thinner honeycomb grille on the front bumper and beside it is another small vent, before where the fog light should be. Surprisingly there’s no added lip to the front bumper, despite there being side skirts. There’s also a small slat on the hood near the edge, almost like a rear-facing intake.
The rear is where most of the changes occurred in the exterior. For starters, there’s now a protruding spoiler that’s simpler and smaller in design compared to the current Type R. It also sits higher compared to the original Civic hatch. The lower part of the rear bumper was also modified to accommodate the three tailpipes while at the sides are vertical slats which we’re unsure if they’re open or for reflectors.
Probably the biggest takeaway for the rear is the absence of the vortex generators that were utilized in the fifth-gen Type-R. That, and the new minimalist spoiler, make for a rear that’s very held back in terms of design.
Rounding up the preview are the matte-black wheels that look like 20-inches in size, and the red Brembo brakes.
Of course, things are not certain until the official model is launched. Honda is aiming to unveil the sixth-generation Civic Type-R this year.
