HondaHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
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is making a big push back into racing. Its new NSXAcura NSXJapan, 2013 > present22 photos
will be racing in Japan in 2014, and it will return to Formula One as an engine maker in 2015. In Europe, 2014 will also be a big racing year for Honda. It is updating its Civic World Touring Car ChampionshipHonda Civic WTCCJapan, 2012 > present5 photos
racer to fit the new technical regulations, and the Civic Tourer will go racing in the British Touring Car Championship.

The upgraded CivicHonda Civic Gen.9Japan, 2011 > present85 versions
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WTCC car is built to take advantage of new regulations that lower the cars’ weight by 50kg and increase their power by 50hp. The new racing Civic has larger wheel arches, larger wheels and better aerodynamics. The Civic did well in its first year out, but it will have new competition from CitroënCitroënFrance, 1919 > present94 models
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and Sebastien Loeb next year. Honda has two teams campaigning two cars each next season.

In the BTCC, Honda Yuasa Racing will race the Civic Tourer next season. That is right, the wagon form of the Civic will take to the race track in Britain next season. Honda has won four consecutive manufacturers’’ and teams’ championships in the BTCC since 2010, and it clearly knows how to prep a car for the series.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of next season, and to seeing what the Tourer can do on race day,” said driver Gordon Shedden.

According to team manager Peter Crolla, the Tourer racer offers the same weight, wheelbase, layout and suspension as the standard Civic. The only change is the longer length from the extended roof at the rear. Its first track test will be in early January.

Honda is not hiding that the switch to the Tourer is more about marketing than competition.

“By racing the new Tourer after several years with the Civic hatchback we can really showcase our growing range and demonstrate that the versatility and practicality of a Tourer doesn’t compromise dynamic performance,” said Honda UK Managing Director Phil Crossman.

The first round of the BTCC is on March 29 and 30 2014 at Brands Hatch.