Fresh rumors for the Honda Civic Type R mid-cycle refresh have Honda improving this best-in-class hot hatch, addressing weak points.

Half a dozen rumors for the Honda Civic Type R have emerged thanks to VTEC.net user RolledaNSX and it looks like Honda is improving the Honda Civic Type R, perfecting all the CTR’s weak points. Honda supposedly plans to update front and rear bumpers, throw on a new grill to address cooling, tweak suspension, add a bit more power, throw on a carbon fiber roof as an option, and maybe throw in four-wheel steering to boot.

You can read the thread for yourself here.

New aero all around is not new news. Last year I blogged about how Honda was testing two variants of aero for the Honda Civic Type R on the Nurburgring, one CTR with a smaller wing allegedly meant for a higher top speed and another CTR with a traditional wing with aero tweaks I predicted was for more grip.

A handful of Honda Civic Type R’s have overheated when pushed hard on the track and Honda might address that issue in a big way with a larger front grill for better airflow, an upgraded radiator for heavier cooling duties and an intercooler up to the task keeping hot exhaust gases at bay.

Details were few from RolledAnsx on suspension changes but he mentions, changes to the undercarriage and suspension. Born and bred as a racecar, the Honda Civic Type R has delighted owners and reviews for being comfortable on the road but a barnburner on the track so it’s hard to say exactly what Honda will improve this time around.

The larger wheels and thin sidewalls have always been an area of contention so we might see Honda throw on a meatier sidewall thanks to an overall wider wheel all around. The Type R sports tires that are 245 mm wide.

RolledANsx threw us a curveball, suggesting that Honda might equip the Honda Civic Type R with some kind of simple four-wheel steering currently found on the Acura TLX and RLX dubbed P-AWS or Precision All-Wheel Steering.

“P-AWS® is the first AWS system that enables the rear wheels to adjust toe angles independently of each other. Depending on speed, the angle of the rear wheels varies slightly to help maneuver tight areas, aid in smooth lane changes and assist in braking stability.”

According to Crown Acura, this system only adds eleven pounds. If Honda is looking for ways to give this Honda Civic Type R a competitive edge against its rivals in Europe like the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy R, this would be one trick up their sleeves that sounds logical.

Then again, adding P-AWS does increase complexity for a Type R formula that prides itself on keeping it simple. I could see Honda improving P-AWS for the CTR to be lighter and less complex for the Type R, perhaps part of Honda’s selectable drive modes.

And no, I don’t think Honda will make this MMC Civic Type R AWD, not by a long shot. Don’t count on AWD for the next gen Civic Type R either.

RolledANSX mentions “engine” changes so I presume that means a bit more HP and torque.

Finally, an optional carbon fiber roof would also be a logical choice for Civic Type R shoppers, lowering weight up top would only make this hot hatch handle even better overall.

RolledANSX mentions production for the Honda Civic Type R will move to Japan.

11th gen Honda Civic production stays in the United States.

All this seems logical for a mid-cycle refresh so expect to hear official news from Honda soon in the first half of 2020.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here