At the 2014 Mondial de l’Automobile (Paris Auto Show) held in October, Honda showcased its eagerly ­anticipated Civic Type R Concept.

This latest concept is a follow-up to the one unveiled in March at the Geneva Car Show.

While the dramatic styling changed little from that of the original concept, most significant of this concept was confirmation of the tech details and the powerplant used in Civic Type R Concept.

According to Honda, the heart of the Civic Type R is an all-new ­turbocharged 2.0L i-VTEC gas engine from Honda’s next-generation Earth Dreams Technology range.

While Honda didn’t officially ­confirm a power output, the automaker did report the engine will pump out “more than 276 bhp” (brake horsepower) once the ­production version is ready for European consumers beginning in 2015.

Engineering sources, however, ­privately admitted that the engine has already been tuned to produce 300bhp, with the possibility of more output.

While Type R engine predecessors were naturally aspirated, this new Euro 6 emissions-compliant 2.0L ­
i-VTEC engine benefits from a ­turbocharger, boosting low-end power delivery.

This new Honda is not for the faint of heart owner, and the automaker is promising, “a sensational driving experience” that is “unmatched against any previous Type R” and “the start of a new performance era for the brand.”

According to Civic Type R project leader Suehiro Hasshi, Honda has had four Type R model derivatives: the Civic, Integra, Accord and NSX. “The engine in the new Civic Type R is unrivalled against all of them in terms of raw power, torque and engine response.”

The production version of the Civic Type R will mark the debut of Honda’s new ‘+R’ button. Located to the side of the steering wheel, the ‘+R’ mode button, when pressed, offers an exhilarating driving experience as engine response is heightened and torque-mapping is changed to a more aggressive and ­performance-focused setting. The steering also becomes more reactive, along with the new four-point Adaptive Damper System, to deliver a definitive handling experience.

“In default standard mode, the Civic Type R is exceptionally agile, an everyday sports car with an enjoyable and fluid acceleration,” Hasshi explained.

However, “The ‘+R’ button brings out a more dynamic and athletic car for the driver, to get (driver) pulses racing. The ‘+R’ mode is extreme; the car is ideal for track use and will be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast.”

Source Honda Motor Co.