The New Civic Type R Revealed!

Honda has gone all out at the Tokyo Auto Salon, revealing a brand-new Civic Type R concept along with a prototype model that features virtual gear shifts!?

The Type R concept was created with help from Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Honda’s global motorsport division. While there’s no confirmation that this version will ever reach production and with the Civic Type R no longer sold new in the UK Honda did say it plans to expand its line-up of more exciting, sport-focused models. One of those includes an extreme-looking Prelude concept, also developed by HRC.

Visual Beauty!

Details on the new Type R concept are limited, but visually, it’s clear this thing means business. Even under its light camouflage, it looks more aggressive than the already wild Type R we crowned Hot Hatch of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

Up front, it gets a new bumper with an HRC branded intercooler visible through the lower grille. Could that mean more power than the standard 324bhp Type R? Honda hasn’t said but we’re hopeful. It also features new wings, a redesigned rear spoiler, and chunkier rear corner spats. The triple-exit exhaust remains, because of course it does.

This prototype introduces Honda’s new S+ Shift system, first seen in the Prelude concept. It creates fake gear steps to mimic a traditional automatic gearbox, complete with paddle shifters even though the electric motor (181bhp) is doing most of the work.

There’s no word yet on whether this tech is coming to the UK, but Honda has confirmed a Prelude with S+ Shift will go on sale in Japan before the end of the year!

Author JM