One of the representatives of the Japanese firm has confirmed that the famous Type R badge will survive the electric transition.
Honda has kept its promise: since this year, its entire European range has been electrified. Electrification was completed with the launch of the new generation Civic, available as a (single) hybrid.
However, if the other models have dropped the 100% thermal proposals, the Civic has the right to an exception. It concerns its sporty Type R version, equipped with a 2.0 turbo four-cylinder devoid of any electric assistance.
She thus unearths a perfume of a sportswoman from the world before! However, Hideki Kakinuma, chief engineer for Type R projects, hinted to Autocar that this might not be the last of its kind for Honda. He does not rule out the possibility of another 100% petrol sports car, even if he recognizes that it is becoming complicated given the new standards and regulations.
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But one thing is certain for the engineer: even with electric, there will always be Type Rs. He also has a clear formula “without Type R, Honda does not exist”.
The brand is committed to driving pleasure and sees electrification as new challenges for its customers. The Type R badge is for Kakinuma “a philosophy”, it does not depend on the type of engine. If the pleasure is brought by a new carbon-neutral engine, he says it will always be a Type R.
The man, however, did not give details on a model in development, but during a presentation dedicated to its electric strategy, a few months ago, the brand teased two connected sports projects.
