Honda releases first image of 2014 Civic WTCC racer

Honda has released the first image of its Civic racecar for the 2014 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The updated car reflects the all new technical regulations for the series which will be applied in 2014 season.

The Honda Civic WTCC is based on the European Honda Civic hatchback. It features an updated bodywork with a sleeker aerodynamic package, larger wheel arches, and more aggressive rear spoiler. It will also roll on larger diameter wheels. Under the hood will be a new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo capable of 381 PS.

JAS Motorsport will continue to run the works program for the Japanese automaker with Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro driving the two cars. Private teams Zengo Motorsport and Proteam Racing will also be fielding the 2014 Honda Civic WTCC for Hungary’s Norbert Michelisz and Moroccan Mehdi Bennani respectively.

The Japanese automaker is setting its sights on another Manufacturers World Championship crown and possibly a World Champion title for one of its drivers.

Honda's WTCC program has been instrumental for its development of the next-generation Civic Type-R powered by the new 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine due for release in 2015.