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2017 Honda Civic Type R Sedan Spied in Spain with Ferrari-like Exhaust

Things just keep getting weirder, ladies and gentlemen. The test mule that was originally supposed to preview the American market Honda Civic Type R sedan has just been spied in what we believe to be sunny Spain.
2017 Honda Civic Type R Sedan Spied in Spain with Ferrari-like Exhaust 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
With good weather year-round, the country is preferred by many automakers as a prototype testing location. However, it’s uncommon for a US-spec car to be developed here. So does this mean that the prototype isn’t what we believe it to be?

Honda has already revealed a brand new 2016 Civic sedan. It’s equipped with the first VTEC Turbo engine of any Honda sold in North America. However, it’s just a 1.5-liter, not the full-fat 2-liter used by the Type R.

This test mule is made up of several different parts, including headlights from Acura, a sedan body and the back end of a hatchback. But the exhaust is the most distinctive feature of all, featuring three large mufflers in the middle, which is a setup made famous by the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Ferrari’s old supercar has one big pipe in the middle while Honda has two larger ones on the sides. So it’s unlikely Maranello will sue Honda just to get back at them for the NSX.

In several regards, the US-spec Civic is better than the European model, especially crash safety, perceived quality and tech features. So a unified model sold globally would be a great idea.

Of course, the real talking point here is what’s connected to that exhaust system. A single turbocharger will help the 2-liter VTEC deliver over 300 horsepower. When you consider the Civic Si only has 200 and a bit horsepower to compete with the Focus ST, the advantages of a turbo engine become obvious.

Wider tracks, superior brakes and maybe even adaptive suspension will be installed on this hot machine. Even though America has plenty of cheap Mustangs and Camaros, we’re confident Honda’s loyal fans will buy the Type R in bulk.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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