Honda has revealed that a new Type R hot hatch specification for the latest Civic is planned, and it will be developed via the company's return to racing.
The Japanese manufacturer held a conference during the 2012 Paris Motor Show this week, where Honda confirmed its newly developed Civic race car would enter the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), starting from the next scheduled race, taking place in Suzuka in three weeks time.
Get a FREE quote on your next HONDA CIVIC
Click below and save up to 30% on a new HONDA CIVIC
The new Honda racer will take part in its first full championship campaign in 2013, the two race drivers for the team, Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro, are both former F1 drivers and were present for Honda's latest announcement.
One majorly significant piece of news from the conference however, was Honda's confirmation that an all-new Civic Type R road car would be launced to European markets. Its development will be supported by findings in Honda's new World Touring Car Championship programme.
The latest road-going Honda Civic hatchback was originally launched to the UK market back in January this year.
The Type R hot hatch has proved a popular addition for previous generation models of the Honda Civic. However no official word had been given until now that a Type R specification was planned, leading to reports in the motoring industry that no such car would ever come from Honda.
However following the initial news earlier this summer regarding Honda's plans to enter the World Touring Car Championship, the rumours regained traction.
Speaking at the 2012 Paris Motor Show conference, the president of Honda Motor Europe, Manabu Nishimae, said: "Thrilling sporty products are part of Honda's DNA. The Type R brand has a passionate following from Honda customers and the new model will again aim to set new standards in performance and handling".
Expect the new Honda Civic Type R to have similar body kit changes to that found on the WTCC racing equivalent. The hot hatch will also likely feature a similar engine to the race car model, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged HR-412E petrol engine.
The road-going version could produce around as much as 250bhp. The new Civic Type R will likely be priced in a region of £22,000 to £25,000. Interested customers will have to be patient however, as reports indicate it won't go on sale until 2015.
Update -
On an additional note, Honda also confirmed at its Paris press conference that a Wagon estate specification of the Civic is also in the works.