Honda took center stage at the Tokyo Auto Salon with an intriguing showcase, particularly capturing the interest of Japanese automotive enthusiasts. The spotlight was on the 2024 Honda Civic RS Prototype, a glimpse into an upcoming sporty trim for the hatchback featuring a coveted manual gearbox. This addition aims to fill the void between the standard variants and the high-performance Civic Type R.
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Cloaked in a sleek full-black livery, the Civic RS Prototype exudes a stealthy allure. The focal point of its exterior redesign is the sharper-surfaced front bumper, accompanied by slender side intakes. Notably, Honda incorporated eye-catching red RS emblems at both ends, providing a striking contrast against the black paint. While maintaining the bodywork and alloy wheels from the standard Civic Hatchback, these subtle enhancements impart a softcore rendition of the formidable Type R.
Although the US market already offers a six-speed manual gearbox for the Civic, Japanese buyers have been limited to the CVT automatic. However, this will change in the fall of 2024, with the anticipated launch of the manual-equipped Civic RS in Japan.
While specifics regarding the powertrain remain undisclosed, expectations point towards the utilization of the non-electrified turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Honda's promise of "further refinements to the joy of driving" suggests potential revisions to the chassis setup, aligning with the sportier aesthetics.
Delving deeper into potential specifications, the JDM-spec Civic RS might mirror the attributes of its US counterpart, the Civic Si. The latter boasts a limited-slip differential, rev-matching technology, stiffer springs, revamped dampers, thicker stabilizer bars, larger brakes, and a robust 200 hp output from the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. As anticipation builds, the Civic RS Prototype hints at a thrilling evolution, catering to enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating driving experience that seamlessly blends style and performance.