( autoinsidernews ) - During a recent press drive of the European Civic Type R, Winding Road's European editor Matt Davis appears to have unofficial confirmation that Honda will be offering a Civic Type R in the U.S. in 2010.
Citing an assistant chief engineer, Davis says that the Type R for the States is unlikely to be based on the European Civiv hatch, but will likely be based on the Japanese Domestic Market Civic Type R four-door sedan. Since Honda sells a four-door Civic in the States, it will be easier to federalize the Type R.
Last year, Honda previewed its JDM Civic Type R (shown), which uses a 2.0L four-cylinder developing nearly 220-hp. The JDM prototype featured an upgraded suspension and the typical body kit. The Civic Si is a nice performer, but it is seriously outclassed by cars like the Mazdaspeed3 and Subaru WRX.