We don't know if Honda's test engineers have a sense of humor like we do. But if they do have a funny bone to tickle, they will have listened to Rocky's Eye of the Tiger theme at least once during this winter driving session. Why? Because it's very cold, very dark and the Civic Type R is getting ready to fight the undisputed champion of the world.
Honestly, these are some of the most interesting winter spy photos we've seen and if you're into hot hatches, like we are, you'll agree. The new Civic Type R is seen here with a roof bar holding LED accessory lights, has ice cycles forming over the tailpipes and is beginning to lose its camouflage.
Since Honda has been so public in announcing the Type R is going after the FWD Nurburgring record, pretty much every details about the car is already well known. But just to jog your memory, under the bonnet of this car is a new 2-liter turbo engine, pushing north of 280 hp through a mechanical limited slip diff.
Besides Honda's first turbo four-banger, the Civic also gets fully adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes, selectable driving modes and a body kit that's the wet dream of every boy racer. This includes a front spoiler, vented fenders, bolstered skirts and a prominent rear wing.
Both the SEAT Leon Cupra and the Megane RS 275 Trophy-R are cool, but not as cool as this thing. The battle for the belt is half won, but there's still one very large hurdle to overcome: the new Ford Focus RS. The American rival may or may not be AWD as standard, but it's pretty much guaranteed to be a 310+ hp lunatic car.
In any case, this is a good time to be alive if you want a hatchback with performance to match an old Ferrari and the original Honda NSX.
Since Honda has been so public in announcing the Type R is going after the FWD Nurburgring record, pretty much every details about the car is already well known. But just to jog your memory, under the bonnet of this car is a new 2-liter turbo engine, pushing north of 280 hp through a mechanical limited slip diff.
Besides Honda's first turbo four-banger, the Civic also gets fully adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes, selectable driving modes and a body kit that's the wet dream of every boy racer. This includes a front spoiler, vented fenders, bolstered skirts and a prominent rear wing.
Both the SEAT Leon Cupra and the Megane RS 275 Trophy-R are cool, but not as cool as this thing. The battle for the belt is half won, but there's still one very large hurdle to overcome: the new Ford Focus RS. The American rival may or may not be AWD as standard, but it's pretty much guaranteed to be a 310+ hp lunatic car.
In any case, this is a good time to be alive if you want a hatchback with performance to match an old Ferrari and the original Honda NSX.