Official sources have confirmed that the new Honda Civic Type R, due for sale in 2015, will be powered by a development of the current Civic WTCC race car's engine. That means it's farewell to the beloved high-revving naturally aspirated units of old and in with a new turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, using direct injection.
Little else is known about this four-cylinder engine, though with Honda targeting the front-wheel drive hot hatch lap record at the Nürburgring it wouldn't be too much of a gamble to predict peak power in excess of 250hp. The new Civic would also need to shed a few pounds. We'd hope for a kerb weight of less than 1,200kg despite an increase in torsional rigidity.
It looks like there's no plan for a three-door Civic hatchback, though Honda has already teased a Civic Wagon. That'd make an interesting recipient of the same powerplant...
Other titbits revealed by Honda include its plans to launch three different hybrid systems and an advanced CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). On top of that there's an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox under development, off the back of the motorbike division's six-speed item. The latter would make a good fit for the Civic Type R we think...