Honda has announced that the engine for the European-spec Civic Type R will now be produced in America, at the Anna engine plant in Ohio. The Anna plant, which employs around 2600 people, has been producing engines since 1985 — so it makes sense for Honda to produce the 228kW (302hp) two-litre turbocharged engine there following an increase in demand.

Although the engine is being produced there, American Honda fans won’t get the Type R until 2017, and it appears at this stage that us Kiwis will suffer the same fate.

To watch it get around the Nurburgring in 7mins 50s, and hit speeds in access of 270kph, check out the video below:

René Vermeer

Dutch, French, or just a Kiwi, René isn’t quite sure, but he does know he has a passion for Japanese vehicles like no other. A well-seasoned Gran Turismo player dating back to his single-digit days, René has a comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of performance vehicles and has owned more than 30 performance cars here in New Zealand, ranging from Nissans to Hondas. A lover of photography, you’ll find him either peeping under someone’s bonnet to snap a detailed shot, or on the side of the racetrack, perfecting his panning.