Gotcha! We Snapped The 2022 Honda Civic Type R Prototype A Day After It Was Announced

Just 24 hours after Honda shared a pair of official photos of the next generation 2022 Civic Type R covered in a thin camouflage wrap and our spies in Germany have captured what may or may not be the same prototype from different angles, giving us a few more details to chew on as the countdown for the reveal begins.

Something that went largely by unnoticed yesterday is the cheeky camouflage theme that blends in the letter “R” and the outlines of Civic Type R models of the past. [Updated 10/5/2021]

Honda dropped the teaser announcement of the 2022 Civic Type R on Monday, confirming that it will be introduced next year as the performance flagship of the compact hatchback’s range. The Type R is rumored to be Honda’s last pure ICE-powered model to be sold in Europe, since the Japanese manufacturer has made a commitment to electrification.

The teaser includes two pictures of a camouflaged prototype, showing the redesigned aero components compared to the lesser Civic variants. While being aggressive, the Type R looks cleaner compared to its predecessor, with a more subtle approach to sportiness.

See Also: 2022 Honda Civic Type R: Everything We Know About The 11th Gen Super Hot Hatch

At the front, we can see a larger grille and a big central intake. The front and rear fenders seem wider than the regular Civic hatchback, while the large-diameter wheels shod in low-profile Michelin rubber are hiding Brembo brakes with red-painted calipers. We also notice the side-sill extensions with integrated fins and the small air vents behind the front wheels.

At the back, the fixed rear wing is mounted on the hatch and looks less extreme compared to the previous generation. Last but not least, there is a prominent diffuser incorporating the centrally mounted triple exhaust pipes.

See Also: 2022 Civic Type R Spied Testing Honda’s Last Non-Hybrid Powertrain

Zoom in and you’ll see the camouflage wrap pattern incorporates the letter “R” and tiny outlines of past Civic Type R models

Honda hasn’t revealed any information on the specifications of the new Civic Type R, but according to the latest reports it will be fitted with an upgraded version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing more than the current model’s 306 hp (228 kW / 310 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. This will be combined with a more focused suspension setup and beefier brakes.

The automaker has also revealed that the new Type R will be introduced in 2022, since there is more development work to be done. Judging from the previous generations, Honda will probably be looking to break some FWD lap records with their hew hot hatch, including on the Nürburgring.