An even more focused version of the Civic Type R is on the way, alongside a new range of race-inspired upgrade parts.
Honda is about to make the already-sinister Civic Type R hot hatch even more focused, with a new HRC limited edition designed to go faster on a race track.
Previewed by the Civic Type R HRC Concept revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January, Honda has teased the production version in a new YouTube video, showing a partially-camouflaged Type R testing at Japan's Fuji Speedway.
Visible is a similar list of upgrades to the concept, including wider vented front wheel arches, wider side sills, changes to the rear diffuser, a reprofiled rear spoiler, and an Akrapovic exhaust system.
The front bumper has been tweaked with outer aero 'flics' and tweaked intakes, while new-design BBS lightweight wheels are fitted.
The HRC-tuned Type R is headed to production this year, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe told a Type R owner event earlier this month, as reported by Car Watch in Japan.
"We are currently developing the car with the aim of further enhancing the Civic Type R’s inherent potential using racing technology, such as the techniques honed in Super Taikyu and the aerodynamics from Super GT," Watanabe-san said.
Asked how many days away it is from showrooms, the executive said: "You’ll need to sleep through at least three more digits…
"I don’t think it’s quite that close to three digits, but please do look forward to it."
The remarks were made on 9 May 2026; 100 days after that date is 17 August.
It is yet to be confirmed if the HRC will offer any more power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which currently produces 235kW/420Nm in Australia, and 243kW/420Nm in Japan.
A second tuned Civic concept – the Type R HRC Concept No. 271, based on the Civic TCR race car – was shown to preview a range of performance parts planned to be sold separately through dealers.
Watanabe revealed the plans to put the racing parts, developed from Honda’s participation in two of Japan’s major racing series, into production.
"These are aftermarket parts, and we plan to roll them out primarily in Japan and the US; we also aim to deliver these as soon as possible," said Watanabe-san.
The timing of both the turn-key HRC and range of HRC performance parts would align with plans for an updated version of the Civic Type R, which is slated to arrive in the US in late 2026.
It is expected to include exterior and interior revisions to keep the model fresh ahead of the arrival of a new generation of the mainstream Civic range.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
