Show full PR text Latest Civic Type R Development Car Takes to Tochigi Test Track

Ahead of the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda has showcased the latest Civic Type R development car at its in-house test track in Tochigi, Japan. The currently camouflaged car is being put through its paces as part of an extensive testing process taking place in Europe and Japan, ahead of its much anticipated launch in 2015.



The Civic Type R will be the first model in Europe to have one of Honda's all-new VTEC TURBO engines from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology range. This 2 litre, direct injection, 4-cylinder turbo engine is expected to have class-leading output in excess of 280ps and will be EURO 6 compliant.



Speaking during recent testing at the Nurburgring, Germany, Honda's WTCC driver Gabriele Tarquini, gave his first driving impressions 'The car and the characteristics of the car were fantastic. I was really impressed by the power and the torque of the engine but also by the set-up they achieved...The car is very pointed on the front and very fast to change direction'. 'This car is very close to my racing car and you can feel very well the DNA of Type R.'

Earlier today, we told you how Honda has revealed a trio of new turbocharged VTEC engines , including the one that will be used in the 2015 Civic Type R . That's the winged, Batmobile-esque creature seen here. Ahead of a formal introduction at the Tokyo Motor Show Honda is flaunting its new Civic Type R with images of the car testing at the Tochigi test track and video of the front-wheel drive hot hatch being put through its paces on the Nürburgring While the US is getting revamped Civic sedans and coupes, European customers will soon be able to opt for the 2015 Type R with its new Earth Dreams 2.0-liter turbo engine producing more than 276 horsepower. Honda has also made sure to give the car a styling that matches its powerful engine with a more aggressive front end, massive fender flares and a liftgate wing with unusual airplane-like canards. Honda is still withholding the Type R's official specs until the unveiling, but we can tell that the bigger wheels make room for beefier brakes.The Civic Type R won't launch until 2015, but Honda has released the video posted below showing WTCC driver Gabriele Tarquini working the car around the 'Nürburgring, along with a brief press release. Check 'em both out and be sure to let us know what you think of this matte-black hot hatch in Comments.