Honda Civic Type R production version unveiled in Geneva

Honda Civic Type R (photo: Honda)

After teasing consumers with the concept version last year, Honda has finally pulled the cover off the production model of the all-new Civic Type R at the Geneva Motor Show.

It’s one of the most powerful, technologically-advanced, and exciting production cars put forth by the Japanese automaker. In fact, according to Honda, it's the most powerful and fastest front-drive hot hatch ever made.

Backing up that claim is a peppy 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine mated to an old-school six-speed manual transmission. Honda says the 2.0 L turbo is capable of kicking out 306 horsepower and 295 lb/ft of torque propelling the car from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds on to a top speed just shy of 270km/h (167 mph).

Honda also announced at the car's unveil that a development Type R had achieved a 7 minutes 50.63 seconds lap time of the legendary 20.8 km/12.9 mile Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

Optimized aerodynamics are achieved by the Type R’s extreme body kit, consisting of a wide front splitter, deep side skirts, an almost completely flat underside, and downforce-optimizing rear diffuser and spoiler.

Unfortunately, the new Civic Type R won't be coming to North America, at least not in its current form. Consumers in Europe though will be able to purchase the new car starting this summer while North American fans continue to reminisce about the long gone Integra Type-R and make do with the Civic Si for the time being.