2017 Honda Civic Type R: First Look at Honda’s New Legend [Video]

2017 Honda Civic Type R
2017 Honda Civic Type R running the Nürburgring. [photo: Honda]

The Civic Type R We Always Wanted Arrives

Last night TFLcar’s Roman Mica found himself in Montreal, Canada courtesy of Honda. He’s there to test drive the long-anticipated 2017 Honda Civic Type R today. But Rob Keough, product planner for Honda, was nice enough to walk us around the hot Honda and explain what’s behind the styling and interior. Among the highlights:

  • An explanation of the thermal and aerodynamic engineering that went into its grill, side skirts, and double rear wings
  • Brembo brakes (on a Civic!)
  • Yes, the three exhaust pipes.

To learn why there are three exhaust pipes and why North America had to wait two decades to get the Type R, watch Romans’ quick video below.

One question Rob does answer: Why front-wheel-drive for a lightweight, 306-hp performance car? The front wheel drive keeps this car connected to Civic’s heritage and keeps the car light and helped Honda meet its performance specs. And all that makes it very fast.

For a complete video review of the hottest Civic going with driving impressions, check back on June 14th.