Forbidden fruit: Honda’s ‘racing car for the road’ Civic Type R Concept coming to Geneva

By Nick Jaynes February 13, 2014

forbidden fruit hondas racing car road civic type r concept coming geneva 2015 honda 100457027 h — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Although Honda is wildly popular here in the States, especially with aftermarket-crazed boy-racers, the Japanese automaker has never sold some of its coolest models in North America. Specifically, I am speaking of the Civic Type R.

Well, now there’s a new Civic Type R coming to the Geneva Motor Show next month. This one, though, will be a concept.

Teased in a single photo above, the Civic Type R Concept makes me want to stomp my feet and shake the shoulders of the Honda brass. Why on earth won’t they sell it in the U.S.? Are they afraid it would be too popular? I think yes.

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 198 horsepower and 142 pound-feet of torque powers the current Civic Type R. These aren’t wild numbers. But, given that it only weighs, 2,950 pounds, it makes for a very quick sporty three-door hatch indeed. In fact, it’ll do a 0 to 60 sprint in 6.4 seconds. The next-gen should be even quicker.

Right now, Honda seems far more fuddy-duddy than it did in years past – at least here in the U.S. A big-winged boy-racer like this could really flip the script on the brand’s image. But what do I know? I just like cars. Clearly, Honda isn’t trying to attract guys like me to showrooms.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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The best remote car starters in 2024

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The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

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Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.