F1 champ Verstappen takes all-new Honda Civic Type R to track

The all-new Honda Civic Type R has been developed to provide improved performance over its predecessor. What better way to test the capabilities of the next-generation hot hatch than handing the key to reigning Formula 1 Champion Max Verstappen.

The Ultimate Detour

In the 2-minute track run video, Verstappen was called by Red Bull Racing’s team principal Christian Horner for a meeting. Since the call time was in two hours, he decided to try out the new Civic Type R at the 2.7-km Euro-Ring near Budapest in Hungary. As such, the drive was titled “The Ultimate Detour.”

The Red Bull driver was chauffeured around in a next-gen Honda HR-V, a subcompact crossover that he took for a spin when it debuted last year. Upon arriving at the track, Verstappen didn’t waste time and instantly took out the hot hatch for flying laps.

Propelling the Civic Type R through the track is a 2.0-liter K20C turbocharged VTEC engine which is the same power unit as the previous generation. But it has been tweaked to churn out more power at 315 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Over in Japan, the power unit makes 10 more horsepower with the same amount of torque.

Next-gen Honda Civic Type R at the Euro-Ring

The nameplate continues to use a manual transmission, with six-speed gears available on the latest iteration. It is also installed with four selectable drive modes including the +R which Verstappen activated for a more spirited track run. Other improvements include enhanced aerodynamics, a new exhaust system, and a reworked gearbox.

Verstappen’s stay in Hungary has been a thrilling one, especially considering that he also won the Hungarian Grand Prix held at the 4.3-km Hungaroring. As of this writing, the reigning F1 Champion is enjoying his comfortable lead with 335 points, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc with 219 points. Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez has 210 points in third.

See more stories in the global car scene at Philkotse.com.