William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 20, 2013

Honda is hard at work on the next-generation Civic Type R which will pack a 2.0L turbo-four with 276 horsepower going to the front wheels. But don't expect to see this hot Civic coming to our shores anytime soon. Part of the reason comes from the Civic sold in the U.S. and the one sold elsewhere is very different. The other part comes from the Civic being seen as a econo-box and launching a high-performance and somewhat costly Civic seems like a bad idea.

Now at this point, I'm sure you're wondering why I'm telling you about this vehicle that will never appear in the U.S. Well according to CarSales.com.au, the next-generation CR-Z will utilize the same platform as the new Type R.

According to an unnamed source, the CR-Z will use a shortened wheelbase and a somewhat soften suspension setup from the Type R. Power will come fromdirect-injected and turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine teamed with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. Total output is around 221 horsepower. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

We're not sure if we fully buy this as there is one source to this story and the details are a bit sketchy. We'll be sure to keep an eye on this and let you know if there are any updates.

Source: CarSales.com.au

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at william.maley@cheersandgears.com or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.