The times of the Type R with atmospheric engines that climbed revs as if there was no tomorrow are increasingly distant. Today, the mythical VTEC kick is a distant memory replaced by the mid-range binary kick, courtesy of supercharging.
It won't stop here… Type REV?
It seems ironic that joining the letters EV to R results in the English diminutive for rotations. But don't be fooled. We are not talking about the return of the mythical atmospheric engines capable of over 8000 rpm. EV refers to Electric Vehicle, or electric vehicle.In other words, in the same way that Type R ended up defining the brand's sportiest models, Honda hopes that Type REV does the same for hybrids and electrics. It's a new world, without a doubt.
And considering the teaser, it looks like the first candidate for the Type REV treatment will be the Civic. What we do know is that for now this is just a prototype, fully functional, which will be presented shortly.
Technology imported from Honda NSX
According to sources at Razão Automóvel, the prototype results from the fusion of the Civic Type R's powertrain with the Sport Hybrid Super Handling AllWheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that we can find on the Honda NSX.
Remember that the Japanese sports car combines its twin-turbo V6 with three electric motors – one positioned between the transmission and the engine and two at the front, one for each wheel. It's a complex system - know all the details here.
Now, the Civic is an "all ahead" with manual gearbox, unlike the NSX which has a central rear engine and a double clutch gearbox. Honda seems to have simplified the system in adapting to the Civic.
The Type REV will maintain the Type R manual box, dispensing with the electric motor in the transmission. And the NSX's front electric motors now power the Civic's rear axle. The Civic Type REV will therefore be AWD (All Wheel Drive).
If the electric motors are the same as the NSX, it means that they will contribute with 74 hp and 147 Nm of torque at zero revolutions. In combination with the 320 hp of the 2.0 Turbo of the new Civic Type R, the Type REV should be very close to 400 hp.
The electric motors will be powered by a lithium battery pack and the front brakes will gain regenerative capacity. Adding electrons to the powertrain means ballast. Honda seems to be aware of this and mentions a brief note on this issue, in which the prototype promises to “explore new paths not only in terms of sustainability, but also material research”.
The effects of driving the rear axle, with engines capable of producing “instantaneous” torque, should be one of the most intriguing aspects about the future Type REV. Moving from prototype to production it will be an alternative and surprising rival to machines like the Ford Focus RS, Mercedes-AMG A 45 or the new Audi RS3.
We will have to wait some more time to know details about this mega hatch. Is Honda getting ready in the medium term to end the mythical Type R acronym and replace it with the electrifying Type REV?
Now back to reality. Happy April Fools' Day!