Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has officially introduced the Honda Civic Type R HRC Rally XP, a competition-spec version of the high-performance FL5 Civic Type R hatchback, specifically modified for the demands of rally racing.
The new race car was unveiled during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix weekend in Texas.
Developed from the sixth-generation (FL5) Honda Civic Type R production model, the Rally XP features significant purpose-built upgrades, although HRC has not disclosed the full technical specifications.
Visually, the Honda Civic Type R HRC Rally XP shares its core silhouette with the standard model but incorporates key aerodynamic and cooling enhancements. The front bumper has been redesigned with two new air intakes. Additionally, the hood now features auxiliary vents to improve engine cooling during strenuous rally stages.
The car is equipped with classic rally-style wheels from Speedline, shod in Hoosier competition tires.
The vehicle displays a prominent HRC racing livery and features logos from the American Rally Association (ARA). For its debut event, the car is set to be driven by Liam Lawson. While the factory Type R rear wing is retained, the car is fitted with an upgraded exhaust system optimized for racing performance.
The interior of the Honda Civic Type R HRC Rally XP has been completely stripped and converted for competition. Key modifications include a full safety roll cage, an OMP racing steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster with integrated shift lights, and an oversized hydraulic handbrake essential for rally maneuvers.
Powertrain details for the rally car have not been announced. In the US market, the standard Honda Civic Type R is powered by the 2.0-liter “K20C1” VTEC Turbo engine, delivering 320 horsepower. The production model features a 6-speed manual transmission and four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Individual, and +R, with a top speed of 272 km/h (169 mph).
The Honda Civic Type R HRC Rally XP is scheduled to make its official competition debut next season in the ARA National Championship. It will be campaigned by the Honda of America Racing Team (HART), replacing the team’s 2017 Civic and 2023 Acura Integra in the L2WD (Limited 2-Wheel Drive) category.