Honda has been rather quiet about a new Civic Type R in recent months but Honda CEO Takanobu has just confirmed this week that the Type R will come by late 2014 and also a new compact SUV model as well as three new hybrid technologies by 2015. Honda is also preparing to launch an all-new fuel cell electric model that will arrive in Japan, Europe, and the U.S. in 2015. Honda said that the new Civic Type R will make use of technology and research that come from Honda’s efforts in World Touring Car Championships (WTCC). Honda also said it is confident that the new Civic Type R will achieve the record of being the fastest front-wheel drive vehicle on the Nürburgring track. The compact SUV model, which shares a platform with the next-generation Jazz (Fit) model, will only be offered in Europe.
On the three new hybrid technologies, Honda aims to offer the best fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. To reach this goal, Honda is focusing on its development of a lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system. There will be improvements in engine performance output, battery performance, and a recently developed transmission to aid in extending the range of the zero-emission vehicles. More will be revealed later this year.
