2015 Honda Civic Type-R Revealed During Latest Shakedown Tests

Honda has taken its 2015 Civic Type-R to its in-house test track in Tochigi, Japan prior to showing the new hot hatch off at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

The 2015 Civic Type-R will be the Japanese automaker’s first model in Europe to have one of Honda’s all-new VTEC Turbo engines from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology range. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Civic Type-R is expected to make at least 280 hp with eco-friendly emissions.

This is also the first time we’ve seen the car without camouflage, though that’s not to say the design won’t change from here.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage

Though official times have not yet been announced, Honda claims that the new Civic Type-R will be the fastest front-wheel drive car around the Nurburgring.

“The car and the characteristics of the car were fantastic,” said Honda’s WTCC driver Gabriele Tarquini, who recently put the Civic Type-R to the test on the Nurburgring. “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.”

GALLERY: Honda Civic Type-R

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