2015 Honda Civic Type R to pack at least 206 kW (280 Hp)

Honda has today released first details of the highly anticipated new Civic Type R at the ongoing 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Powered by a direct injection turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, the new Civic Type R will deliver at least 280 hp (206 kW). That puts the Type R in direct competition with the 2013 Opel Astra OPC that we tested recently.

Although the new Civic Type R will not arrive until 2015, Honda has confirmed its ambitious target for the Type R to become the fastest front wheel drive car around the  infamous Nurburgring circuit in Germany, a record currently held by the Renault Megane RS265 Trophy with a lap time of 8 minutes and 8 seconds.

With two years of development left, Honda is fully committed to explore all possibilities to ensure breaking the Nurburgring record.

“We have recently spent a week at the Nurburgring, carrying out extensive testing and we are on target, and have already set a time approaching the lap record”, said Manabu Nishimae, President of Honda Motor Europe.

A film demonstrating the impressive performance and handling of the Civic Type R development car on the Nurburgring with Gabriele Tarquini, Honda’s WTCC driver behind the wheel, was premiered during the Honda Press Conference.

Along with the announcement, a series of photos showing a prototype 2015 Civic Type R undergoing testing at the Nurburgring have also been released.

The prototype sports beefier front bumper, larger rear bumper with integrated quad exhaust tips, rear spoiler, extended front and rear wheel fenders, larger wheels and lower ride height. A closer look at the front bumper also reveals an intercooler and tuck inside the front alloy wheels are a pair of Brembo brakes.

The prototype looks promising and we are definitely excited to see the end product.