When you've got a hatchback that puts out 310 horsepower and maybe obliterated a front-wheel drive Nürburgring record, how can you not take it racing? That's what Honda plans to do with the new 2016 Civic Type R. The updated car will replace its predecessor for the 2015 British Touring Car Championship season.
Honda Yuasa Racing announced today that their version of the new CTR will be unveiled next Tuesday, March 24, at the BTCC media day at Donington. Development on the race car started last September and an unbranded test car, pictured above at left beside the outgoing car, has been spotted testing at Brands Hatch.
Looks even better in racing form.
The BTCC Civic Type R, now with a fancy turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC inline four, has been boosted to 350 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. It also boasts a more aggressive aero kit with even more downforce than the outgoing car.
The last-generation Honda Civic had been in BTCC since 2012, and a wagon variant was used last year. It won the teams' championship that year and in 2013, and finished second overall in 2014. I look forward to seeing what the new car will do out on the track.
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