Autoevolution: Spyshots: 2015 Honda Civic Type R Nurburgring Testing

In Japan, Honda is one of the most popular and biggest carmakers, but over in Europe it's a clear underdog. Ignoring the two strange hybrids that arena't selling so well, they only really have four cars to rely on, the Jazz, Civic, Accord and CR-V. Even Kia or Hyundai can boast a lineups that are bigger.

Honda thus needs something new, something distinctly European, something with heritage. They need this new Civic Type R.

The last one was a mixed bag o potatoes. With only 200 hp, it played second fiddle to the much more powerful turbo engines used by its competitors, meaning Honda payed the price for its reluctancy to deviate from VTEC technology and use turbos.

Early reports about the coming of a new Type R were not that encouraging, suggesting Honda wanted a rival for the Golf GTI, basically a civilized and economical car for the road.

But these latest spyshots prove the Japanese automaker is willing to bet big and bank on the experience it's gained from the World Touring Car Championship. The prototype covers the Nurburgring track well using its ground-hugging body kit. They've also installed huge fender flares onto the factory panels instead of changing them and slapped a large wing and quad exhaust on the back.

Honda Europe is the one responsible for the development of the car which means it will have nothing in common with the cheap-ish models offered in the US. "GB" license plates indicate this prototype was developed by British engineers. Last month, Honda announced it was building a motorsport facility in Milton Keynes as it plans to return to Formula One as a supplier in 2015.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news-g-image/spyshots-2015-honda-civic-type-r-nurburgring-testing/139578.html#sjmp