It’s possible the 2022 Honda Civic Type R won’t be a hybrid after all, despite recent reports to the contrary.
Even though it doesn’t seem like the current FK8 Civic Type R was launched all that long ago, a new-generation model is in the works and was recently spied testing. When those spy shots surfaced, it was claimed the hot hatch would continue to use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder to power the front wheels but also feature two electric motors driving the rear wheels.
Read More: All-New 2022 Honda Civic Type R Makes Spy Debut With Softer Lines, Similar Massive Wing
Auto Express recently reached out to senior vice president at Honda Europe, Tom Gardener, for clarification on the Type R’s powertrain and were told “no decision” has been made on what will power the hatch.
“We have our main pillars that are going to be electrified. Clearly we have a very famous product, such as the derivative of the Civic, which I guess is what you are referring to in the Type R, but no decisions have been made on that yet,” Gardener said. “We’re very much aware of customers’ strong appreciation of the current model, and we’ll have to deeply consider the best progress forward.”
While the British publication has taken this statement to mean the new Type R will not be a hybrid, Gardener’s lack of confirmation either way still leaves us with the possibility the car will adopt some form of electrification. Given that testing of the car has already started, it’s also clear the Japanese automaker likely has decided on its powertrain, even though it may not be ready to tell the world.
Whatever powertrain the car ends up using, we know the 2022 Civic Type R will grow in size and feature a longer wheelbase than the current model.
