Skip to main content

New Honda Civic Type R proves to be the ‘the most extreme yet’

The Honda Civic Type R has always been a blast to drive, but for 2015, Honda is taking it up a notch.

The radical 2015 Type R will reportedly boast a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger that produces 280 horsepower. That’s 58 more hp than the previous generation, 40 more than the Honda S2000, and only 10 less than the last NSX.

Ok, maybe that’s a few notches.

“The new Type R promises to be the most extreme yet,” said Olivia Dunn, Head of Marketing for Honda UK. “It’s born from racing and it pushes the boundaries.”

One look at the concept car and you’ll see Honda isn’t kidding around. An enormous front grill is accented by sinister, dagger-like headlights, and the aft section has more vents, splitters, and wings than Optimus Prime. 

Honda’s aggressive approach doesn’t stop at the car, though; the Japanese automaker has just released the first installment of its new “R-rated” hype campaign for the Civic, and it’s, well, weird.

The sixty-second video, titled ‘Disruption,’ starts with a typical Honda scene: a happy, non-threatening family loading supplies into their picnic-mobile. Surely, a clean, politically correct outing is in store for these suburban warriors. 

Then everything goes wrong. There are brooding neon lights, biomechanical attack wolves, a woman smashing pottery, and tattooed man cracking his knuckles. It’s not exactly your average Honda advert, but the Type R isn’t exactly your average Honda.   

“This new campaign encompasses this spirit perfectly, with ‘Disruption’ the ideal curtain raiser in setting the energy and adrenaline levels very high,” Dunn continued. 

The video may seem a little strange, but let’s look at the big picture: We’re getting a 280-hp Civic Type R. Make as many weird videos as you want, Honda.

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Find Ford gifts for everyone on your holiday list, no really
Ford Accessories used while camping for holiday gifts

When you're shopping for holiday gifts, auto and Ford accessories probably don't cross your mind, at least not initially. Unless, of course, you're planning some gift ideas for the car enthusiast you know. But actually, Ford has a lot of different gift options even for those who aren't big into cars and vehicles. I know, it's an odd proposal but hear me out. From electronics and exterior accessories to truck bed augments, interior gear, and even outdoor-friendly gear -- like for camping -- Ford has a ton of options. Just to provide some examples, first aid safety kits, truck bed camping tents, portable fridges, pet-friendly seat mats, even dashcams, keyless entry systems, and beyond.

You never know, you could find the perfect gift in Ford's accessories lineup.
Shop Now

Read more
Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states
costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Read more
Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Read more