Honda Civic Type R 2008

First shown at the Geneva auto show in March, the Civic Type R concept has deep front and rear airdams and a sizable rear spoiler.

The Type R gets a much-stiffened suspension, bigger wheels bursting with monster brakes, a few functional aero mods, and a higher-compression 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 221 horsepower.

Between the front fascia, carved out to allow the 2.0-liter deeper breaths, and the rear diffuser hanging below the rear bumper, this car wears a unique hood, tweaked front fenders, new sill extensions, lightweight wheels, and a taller spoiler.

Revised springs and dampers and fatter anti-roll bars keep it flat, grip is handled by the Bridgestone Potenza RE070s and huge discs clamped by Brembo calipers.

The interior is likewise decorated with Type R cues, with heavily bolstered seats, a leather-wrapped ovoid steering wheel, a short-throw shifter capped with a bare aluminum ball, metal pedals, and a racy starter button.

Beneath the restyled hood beats the modified 2.0-liter, with improved breathing and a higher compression ratio helping to make those 221 horsepower at 8000 rpm plus 159 pound-feet of torque at 6100, just beyond the VTEC switchover.

The redline is 8600 rpm, and a close-ratio six-speed keeps the engine spinning in the rowdiest part of the power band.