It has been only a few days since the 2017 Honda Civic Type R has been launched in the United States and the automaker has started planning to introduce new and more hardcore variants of the hot hatch.
Talking to Automotive News, Type R chief engineer Hideki Matsumoto stated that we are looking forward to add more variants in the lineup to maintain a stable sales volume. A high powered version will be launched alongside an all-wheel drive variant to rival against the likes of Subaru WRX, WRX STI and Volkswagen Golf R.
Matsumoto also discussed about a more ‘toned-down’ version for the Civic Type R hinting that a ‘Grand Touring’ model may also join the lineup with possibly an automatic gearbox or a less-sporty exterior design. The automaker’s goal is to broaden the car’s target market and make it appealing for everyone.
The newly launched standard Civic Type R carries a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine which delivers 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission that allows the Type R to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds.
More details regarding additional variants will be disclosed soon.