A senior Honda executive has hinted the next-generation Civic Type R could adopt some form of electrification, leading to speculation the Japanese hot hatch will go the hybrid route.
Speaking to PistonHeads, Kohei Hitomi, project manager for the E Prototype, suggested the next-gen hot hatch could certainly benefit from electrification.
“We think it’d be quite easy to achieve Type R performance with a full EV right now, but Type R isn’t just about performance,” said Hitomi told the UK-based publication.
“It’s also about handling, operation and driveability. We don’t think it’s as simple as replacing that with electric power. That’s not the right direction for Type R,” he said.
Hitomi went on to hint Honda was looking at how electrification could “enhance” the Type R package (which is what the firm believes it achieved with turbocharging) rather than drastically change it.
“People complained when we said the Type R would use a turbocharger, but now they appreciate the new possibilities this has provided,” Hitomi said.
“I believe it would be the same for electrified vehicles as well; people who love Type R will come to realise what it can add to the driving experience. We just need to find the best attributes that are relevant for the Type R, so as to enhance the experience without losing what makes a Type R.”
