Honda’s Civic Type R has been extremely well-received so far, but the Japanese automaker could turn conventional thinking on its ear with the latest from the rumor mill. That sound you hear is the grinding of teeth from Honda fans around the world, as Honda continues to hint at an electric motor making
The next generation Civic Type R could indeed be electric, based on comments from Honda at the Geneva Motor Show. While there hasn’t been an official word on the hybrid Civic Type R, maybe panic isn’t what is needed from Honda enthusiasts.
Why not a Hybrid Civic Type R?
Now, before you go and lose your cookies, hear me out. The process behind a potential Hybrid Civic Type R won’t be a completely new wheel, considering the new Acura NSX already leans on electric motors. Acura’s flagship NSX relies on three electric motors, a V6 engine combined with legendary all-wheel-drive performance.
What’s that mean for true Type R fans? That there could be a Hybrid Civic Type R very soon, and? it might not suck.
Why build a Electric Civic Type R?
The timing could be just right for Honda on this front. With the companies
Swindon UK assembly plant scheduled to close in 2022, the Civic Type R will need a new home. What better time than a fresh redesign of the hot hatchback, and turn it into an electric motor assisted track machine?
Honda’s project lead, Kohei Hitomi spoke on the subject at length recently.
“We think it’d be quite easy to achieve Type R performance with a full EV right now, but Type R isn’t just about performance,” he said. “It’s also about handling, operation
and driveability. We don’t think it’s as simple as replacing that with electric power. That’s not the right direction for Type R.”“People complained when we said the Type R would use a turbocharger, but now they appreciate the new possibilities this has provided,” Hitomi said. “I believe it would be the same for electrified vehicles as well; people who love Type R will come to realize what it can add to the driving experience. We just need to find the best attributes that are relevant for the Type R, so as to enhance the experience without losing what makes a Type R.”
There’s been a lot of speculation on just why Honda would want a hybrid Civic Type R. Many experts
The Japanese automaker just announced that every Honda vehicle sold in 2025 will host either a hybrid or electric powertrain. What do you think about the hybrid Type R? Love it? Hate it? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
