2014 Honda Civic Lx on 2040-cars

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2015 Honda Civic Type-R benchmarks the cream of the hot hatch crop

Honda has something wicked up its sleeve, based on the latest batch of spy photos we've received. This is purportedly the next Honda Civic Type-R, out testing in Germany and on the Nürburgring. The last generation of the Type-R went out of production in Europe in 2010, and while we admired it from afar, it's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder produced similar figures to the American-market Honda Civic Si.
From the looks of both it and the cars Honda engineers are benchmarking, the next Type-R will be much more powerful. In the spy photos, we can see four meaty exhaust pipes along with what is quite clearly an intercooler hiding behind the rear bumper. That's right, the next Type-R will be turbocharged. It'll need to be, though, if it's meant to tackle cars like the Opel Astra OPC, Ford Focus RS500 and Renault Megane RS Trophy (not pictured, but there according to our spies).
300 horsepower from a 2.0-liter engine should be on offer, and would match the competition quite well. Other obvious tweaks from the ho-hum five-door Civic are mainly aerodynamic. It sports an aggressive body kit with a meaty chin spoiler, rocker panels and a big rear wing. Red Brembo brake calipers can also be seen behind the sporty wheels and low-profile tires.

Honda Civic Si spotted looking sporty but mature

Our spy shooters have captured the next-generation Honda Civic Si Coupe. Judging by these photos, the introduction of the Civic Type R in the United States will allow the Si to carry its performance torch with a more subdued look than its boy-racer sibling. Up front, we see a fascia that's more aggressive than the standard Civic Coupe, with large, angular depressions flanking a central air intake. We're wondering what exactly all that tape is hiding on its face. There's a cooling element behind the lower intake, which is probably an intercooler for the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Rumors suggest a power output of around 230 horsepower. One unique styling element that's plainly visible on this Si mule is a single large exhaust opening sprouting from under the rear bumper. Its central location is similar to that of the Type R that we've seen in spy shots, but instead of three outlets, there's just one. It's a pretty cool look, and we're excited to hear how it sounds. There's no spoiler on this mule, but we wouldn't be surprised to see an optional unit on the production model. Inside, there's a six-speed manual transmission and red stitching on the seats and steering wheel. Those seats look to have pretty substantial bolsters. There's carbon fiber trim on the dash and alcantara fabric on the doors. We've got 28 images of this Si mule, showing it from just about every angle. Scroll through our high-res gallery above and let us know what you think. The next Civic Si will probably go on sale in 2017, which means it'll make a debut either late this year in LA or early next year in Detroit. Stay tuned. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Honda Civic Si: Spy Shots View 28 Photos Design/Style Spy Photos Honda Coupe Performance honda civic si

Honda Clarity proves hydrogen future always costs $500/month

How do you price the only car in its class? The closest thing to a Honda Clarity is the Toyota Mirai. They're both hydrogen-powered sedans, but one seats five and the other only four (the Mirai loses out, there). The only other hydrogen-powered vehicle available in the US, the Hyundai Tucson CUV, is, well, a CUV. So, really, there's no direct competitor to the Clarity. But you wouldn't know that from the price tag. Speaking this morning at the Washington Auto Show, Honda executive vice president John Mendel announced that the Clarity will have an MSRP of around $60,000 and will lease for "under $500" a month. As with other Honda vehicles, the exact numbers won't be made public until closer to the vehicle's launch date, but we assume things won't change too much. For those keeping track, those Clarity numbers are pretty much exactly what the Mirai costs. That car costs $57,500 and leases for $499/month. The Tucson can only be leased, but it, too, costs $499 a month. The Mirai and Tucson also come with free hydrogen. Honda didn't say today if the Clarity will include that bonus, but since not all hydrogen stations in California - the only place where the Clarity will be available for now – work like standard pumps, there's a good chance new hydrogen Honda owners will be able to fuel for free, too. We'll know more when the Clarity actually goes on sale – and it will be for sale and lease – later this year. Related Video: Honda Shares Clarity Fuel Cell U.S. Pricing and Sales Plans Jan 21, 2016 - WASHINGTON, D.C. Five-passenger Clarity Fuel Cell sedan slated to launch in California before the end of 2016 Expected price around $60,000 with a targeted monthly lease under $500 Next-generation Honda FCV provides significant gains in packaging, interior space and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range in excess of 300 miles Additionally, the platform underpinning the Clarity Fuel Cell will serve as the base for a next-generation Honda plug-in hybrid to launch in the U.S. by 2018 Honda today announced the company's plans for U.S. sales of its new 5-passenger, hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell sedan at the 2016 Washington, D.C. Auto Show. Slated to begin retail leasing to customers in select California markets before the end of 2016, the Clarity Fuel Cell is expected to be priced around $60,000 with a targeted monthly lease under $500. Honda expects limited volumes in the early stages of production.