That's how I like to think what happened when they came to designing the new Civic Type-R. Take a normal, regular, Honda Civic and then bolt on every boy-racer appealing styling cue, ever. So, at the rear, giant exhaust pipes, a massive rear diffuser and an even bigger boot spoiler. White paint, black wheels, red flourishes and lines. Silly cooling vents on the front wings, plus side skirts. A humongous chin splitter finishes off what has to be the worst looking hot hatch in many years.
A bold statement, admittedly. I thought the last generation Ford Focus RS was a bit too outlandish for it's own good, but the new Type-R takes the biscuit. Absolutely hideous. That rear wing just looks super-glued on top of the boot, missing the wonderful integrated lights of the concept version.
Honda, being Honda, state that all the weird scoops, wings and additions all serve a purpose, so I will let them off, slightly. A Nurburgring record for a front-wheel drive vehicle is in the bag, so you would hope the downforce is key. Under the skin there are some extremely interesting developments too.
Here we have the first ever turbo-charged petrol VTEC Honda engine. That alone is very controversial. The internet is full of Honda enthusiasts that love a high-revving Japanese engine. A turbo changes all of that. The sound and temperament of this engine could make or break the new Type-R. That, or the electronic power-steering. Or the cheap torsion-beam rear suspension.
Yes, the front end has some trick RevoKnuckle-esque set-up to quell understeer and the torque from ripping your hands off, the engine produces a staggering 306bhp and the top speed is 167mph. But feel is everything, both in terms of feedback through the wheel, to the sensations the car gives you through adjustability and engine characteristics. Only time will tell if Honda's gamble has paid off with this new car.
I guess the internet will tell us soon enough via the myriad of Honda forums and fan sites.
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Why not read: Opel / Vauxhall's New Hot Hatch Could Be A Serious Contender | Corsa OPC / VXR | Geneva International Motor Show 2015
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