Honda Unveils Civic Si Prototype – Another Civic We’re Not Going to Get

Honda has taken the wraps off yet another exciting model that is not going to come anywhere near us – the new Civic Si Prototype.

On display at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show, the prototype is basically an indication at the design and performance direction for the 2017 Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan, both launching next year in the US.

Covered in the shimmering Rallye Red Pearl, the Civic Si Prototype features a full Honda Factory Performance (HFP) aero kit, including front and rear splitters and rear spoiler, plus a center-mounted polygonal exhaust finisher and 19-inch 235/35Y high-performance tires mounted on HFP 19 x 8J 10-spoke forged aluminum alloy wheels.

Powering the car is a high-performance, high-torque 1.5-litre, directed-injected and turbocharged DOHC in-line 4-cylinder engine with dual variable cam timing (dual VTC) mated to a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.

Honda has not disclosed the output figures just yet, but since the 2.0-litre Type R kicks out more than 300hp, we can expect the 1.5 to produce somewhere between 150 to 200 hp.

However, Honda did mention that the 2017 Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan will feature additional performance upgrades such as a new active damper system, active steering system, limited-slip differential and available high-performance tires. 

Inside, the prototype closely previews the production model and features Si-exclusive front sport seats with red stitching, including stitched Si logos.  The red sport stitching carries through to the doors, steering wheel and leather shift boot with aluminum shift knob. The Si Prototype interior also features a red driver’s TFT meter and audio system illumination, aluminum sport pedals and Dry Metal Carbon instrument panel trim.

All set to be launched next year, the Civic Si Prototype will be on display at the 2016 Los Angeles International Auto Show where it will be joined by its Civic Sedan, Coupe and Hatchback siblings, plus the radical Civic Type-R Prototype, providing the first public opportunity to see all five Civic variants.