The Honda Accord Type R doesn’t exist, but we think it should

There is no denying the dynamic talents of the Honda Civic Type R. It possesses a quality of engineering that sees it hold dominion over the hot hatch class in much the same way Porsche does with sports cars.

The fly in the proverbial ointment though is the styling. It is, putting it kindly, a little outré. Looking like something that has been ripped straight from the pages of a manga might earn the Civic sweet Instagram points, but it doesn’t sit well with those wanting a brilliant driving experience without the ‘look at me’ visuals. MOTOR’s Sweet Dream product planning division has a solution – the Honda Accord Type R. A go-fast Honda for people who don’t want try-hard looks.

An Accord Type R isn’t an entirely new concept, with two generations existing previously, but the iconic sedan has changed significantly in the intervening years, predominantly in dimensions. Instead of being a mid-size fighter, the Accord is now on the larger end of the spectrum, with an overall length longer than a Skoda Superb, Volvo S60 and Volkswagen Passat (despite having a shorter wheelbase than all bar the VW).

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The Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 228kW and 400Nm, a good starting point for the Accord, but there’s room for improvement. New engine mapping, a larger bore to increase engine capacity to 2.2-litres, and strengthened internals will see the Honda Accord Type R capable of deploying 250kW at 6000rpm, while peak torque of 450Nm will be available from 2250-4500rpm.

The four-cylinder engine’s power-aiding turbocharger will remain the same as that found on the Civic Type R, however, the addition of a water injection system allowing the boost to be wicked up in turn.

A pair of gearbox options will be made available, with a 10-speed automatic the likely popular choice, while a six-speed manual (as found in the Civic Type R) a no-cost option for true hardcore fans.

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Both will be mated to an all-wheel drive system that features the Civic Type R’s limited-slip diff on the front axle, while an electronically activated mechanical LSD is fitted to the rear. The system will be able to send up to 65 per-cent of power to the rear wheels under certain conditions, while also being locked into a perfect 50:50 split in certain drive modes.

Drivers will be able to adjust and tune the Accord Type R’s personality with Normal, Sport, R, and R+ fixed drive modes, while an individual configurator will allow personal preference to dictate engine, throttle, gearbox, exhaust and adaptive damper calibration.

With its sleeper styling retained, Honda will have a sports sedan worthy of the Type R badge, one that’ll have the opposition trying to see which way it went.

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How we’d build it

Step one: Water spray

Helping keep temperatures in check under the bonnet while the turbo pumps more boost into bigger capacity cylinders will be a water-injection system. This in turn allows for advanced spark timing without endangering the engine’s reliability.

Step two: Expanding the family

There is a reason most people forget about the original Honda Accord Type R – it was only ever built in extremely limited numbers. The reborn iteration will change that with no limited run production. Left-hook models will be sold under the Acura brand in North America.

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Step three: Dude, where’s my wing?

A hallmark of the original Accord Type R’s styling was its rear wing. The MOTOR product planning team had a heated debate about whether the styling department needed to retain the feature for the new generation, but a desire to retain the sleeper effect won out.

Step four: Gripped up

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres will be fitted as standard on the Honda Accord Type R. PS4S rubber is incredibly capable in a multitude of weather conditions, making it well suited to the Accord Type R’s day-to-day duties.

Step five: Sprint times

It’s not the car’s sole remit, but the all-wheel drive Accord Type R will significantly slash the Civic Type R’s 0-100km/h times. Down from 5.8 seconds, the sedan will boogie to triple digits on the speedo in a claimed 5.0 seconds thanks to launch control.