The paint isn't even dry on the 2022 Honda Civic sedan, and we're already thinking about the hot Civic Type R. It's just our nature, especially after we didn't get any news on a manual transmission for the base, but handsome, sedan we saw this week.
The current Honda Civic Type R was a revelation as the first full-zoot Civic Type R to hit our shores. We were blessed with the Integra Type R in the '90s, a car that still whips up feelings and enthusiasm today, but there was more than 20 years in between them. The rest of the Rs, including the NSX-R, were Japanese Domestic Market cars only.
Our current Type R hatch uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 making 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. After some rumors of a possible hybridized version, it seems like the next Type R will stick with the same formula as its predecessor. Though it will be one of the last purely gasoline-powered Hondas ever. Obviously, we expect upgrades on the output figure, though the Type R doesn't really need it. We wouldn't complain about 20 more ponies and 20 more lb-ft of twist for totals of 326 hp and 315 lb-ft.
We've also heard that we might get a dual-clutch version of the Type R, to complement the returning six-speed manual. We're certainly fans of the row-your-own transmission, but it makes sense that Honda would follow Hyundai's Veloster N on this, which now offers an eight-speed dual-clutch with paddle shifters.
The Swindon, England plant where the Civic Type R was produced is closing later this year, and the current generation will go with it, but rumors have production moving to one of Honda's US plants, where the engines are already produced. We'd guess its Marysville location, as that's where the high-performance Acura NSX was made.
Suspension-wise we expect Honda's setup to continue. Why mess with perfection. That means a dual-axis strut front suspension, advanced limited-slip differential, and a multi-link rear suspension. Adaptive damping will continue to provide drivers with adjustability for track days or comfortable cruising.
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R starts at $37,895 not including $995 destination and handling. The newly announced Type R Limited Edition, which comes with an exclusive color, weight reductions, BBS wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and a retuned suspension, stickers for $43,999 before extras. We expect the price to go up a few bucks for the 2022 model, but hopefully we can stick below $40K for a base price. We'll get our first look at the new Civic Type R hatch later this year.