The FL5 generation Honda Civic Type R is bidding farewell with the Ultimate Edition in the UK. It’s only a matter of time before a replacement for the red-badged Civic gets announced, and there’s a chance of a major change in terms of powertrain.
With the advent of electrification, is it possible for the Civic Type R to get a battery-powered setup?
To continue the Civic Type R lineage is to adapt to change. And it looks like that change is seeing a glimmer of chance of happening.
Recently, Auto Express had an opportunity to talk to Tomoyuki Yamagami, Honda’s Project Manager for the newly launched Prelude comeback. Yamagami stated that the Type R “is not dependent on a turbo powertrain.”
He went on to say that the Type R is about enhancing and maximizing dynamic attributes. Yamagami did not go on any further, but he left with a cliff-hanger, chalking it up to the ever-changing market demands. Basically, if the market wants an electric Civic Type R, then Honda will make an EV Civic Type R.
To recall, Toshihiro Akiwa, Head of Honda’s BEV Development Center, previously said, “As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? We haven’t given up of course, but it’s not just about power, it’s about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. These are the joys of driving.”
Many Civic Type R fans can relate to what Akiwa pointed out. To us, this implies that even Honda is challenged, right now, about the prospect of electrifying the next Type R while retaining the lineage’s beloved character.
Both Honda officials’ statements are valid, well, and good. However, would the Civic Type R’s rock-solid fanbase and target market even want an EV successor in the first place?
