Honda is looking to outsell hot hatchbacks from brands like Volkswagen and Ford with its new Civic Type-R and now it has announced plans to compete with them on the racetrack as well.
The Japanese automaker today unveiled its new Civic Type-R racecar for the TCR International Series. The car will be prepared by Italian outfit JAS Motorsport and will first take to the track early next year when the 2018 racing season kicks off.
Unlike many motorsports competitions, the TCR Series uses cars that are based heavily on their production versions. The stock engine is used, though output is limited to 300 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Honda’s Civic Type-R entry uses the stock engine, but builds on the package with a race-approved aerodynamics package, a different multi-link rear suspension setup, a racing ECU and an FIA-approved roll cage.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Honda Civic Type R Review
JAS Motorsport says it has also developed an endurance racing version of its Type-R TCR for customers planning to contest championships such as the VLN and 24h Series. Setting the endurance racing version apart is additional exterior lighting, a driver cooling system and available anti-lock brakes.
Deliveries of the Type-R TCR are expected to commence December 15th of this year, just in time for the 2018 season. The Pirelli World Challenge recently announced plans to introduce a dedicated TCR class for the 2018 season, so we just might see the Type-R TCR race in North America next year.
Leave a Reply