More info & images of Honda’s Civic Type-R

More hot hatches on the menu at Geneva as Honda will be showcasing the revival of its Type-R brand, the first Type-R to use forced induction, the Civic Type-R. First displayed at the 2014 Mondial de l’Automobile (Paris Motor Show), Honda has been a little reluctant to give everything away. Besides the fact that it has a new 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series (redlining at over 7000rpm), is claimed to outpace every previous iteration of Type-R, the R+ button that not-so-subtly hints at track days, has a four-point Adaptive Damper System, and a ‘steer axis’ system which has two additional ‘kingpins’ in the front suspension, we don’t know that much about it.

Before bringing the car to Geneva in March, Honda has released a little more information about the hot hatch, expected to face fierce competition from Ford’s new Focus RS, Audi’s RS3, the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, Renault’s Megane Trophy, and VW’s Golf R.

The first bit of news that Honda has confirmed, is that the Civic Type-R will hit a top whack of 270kmph, significantly more than all its current rivals. No power or torque figures for the turbocharged 2-litre VTEC four-pot, though European media suggest 300bhp and 405Nm, sent to the front wheels. Braking duties will be carried out by a bespoke Brembo brake package with four-piston calipers and 350mm drilled discs at the front. The black 19-inch alloys will be wrapped in low profile tyres, while the body will sport a comprehensive aero-kit, comprised of side skirts, a front spoiler and newly revised rear wing.

Except for the new rear spoiler, nothing has really changed and we’ll have to look to Stand 4250 in Hall 4, at the 85th Geneva Motor Show starting March 3, for word on everything else. I’m especially hoping to see a new FWD record at the ‘Ring.