Currently reading: 2017 Honda Civic Type R spotted testing in the US

Weeks after the Type R concept was unveiled, an undisguised prototype has been seen running in public

A 2017 Honda Civic Type R prototype has been spotted testing in the US just weeks after the covers were pulled off a concept (pictured bottom) in Paris.

2017 Honda Civic Type R unveiled

The car, which was caught on video in California, can be seen completely undisguised, showing its trio of exhaust exits, wide arches, squared-off panels and 20in alloy wheels, suggesting that little, if anything, will change from the original concept.

The new Civic Type R will arrive next year powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, an evolved version of the current car’s unit with outputs ramped up beyond that model’s 306bhp and 295lb ft.

Something in the region of 340bhp has been mooted, making the car a close rival to the Ford Focus RS. However, unlike the all-wheel-drive Ford, the next Type R will retain a front-wheel-drive layout.

The 2017 arrival of this car means Honda has been quicker than usual to replace its Type R model. Previously, the hot Civic has arrived later in a model’s lifecycle, but Honda is understood to be moving the Type R’s launch forward to meet demand and allow a longer sales window.

Paris 2016 746

Honda said the new Type R will be made alongside the regular Civic at its Swindon factory. It will be exported to global markets including the US - marking the first time the Type R has been sold in North America.

An insider said the future model's starting price will slightly increase on the current Type R's £30,000. It will also be offered with a GT trim level, like the current car.

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Car review
Honda Civic Type-R
Honda's new Civic Type R is powered by a 306bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine

Probably the most capable front-wheel-drive car in production today, with only limited edition specials getting close

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Spanner 23 November 2016

When did Max Power resurface?

80's throwback. I'm sure it will have some devotees in the u9 category, but really.

Civic type R's used to be quite cool. This is a design travesty.