cars news 10: Spied! 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe Tests Wearing Minimal Camo

A prototype for the 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe has been spotted testing with minimal camouflage.

Despite being covered, we can tell the front grille and lower fascia areas are more aggressive than the standard Civic Coupe. Where the standard coupe has a chrome piece and horizontal bars in the fascia’s three lower air intakes, the Civic Si Coupe has a blacked out grille piece and a hexagonal insert in the center lower intake. The outer intakes, which are masked off, appear to have a more aggressive shape similar to that first seen on the initial Honda Civic Coupe concept.

Like the Honda Civic Type R hatchback, the Civic Si Coupe prototype features a center-mounted exhaust below the rear bumper. Unlike the Type R model, the Si Coupe replaces the sportiest variant’s trio of exhaust tips with a wide single outlet. Also absent on the Si Coupe is a large rear wing like that on the Type R hatch.

2017 Honda Civic Si Prototype front end 04

2017 Honda Civic Si Prototype rear end 02

2017 Honda Civic Si Prototype rear end 03

2017 Honda Civic Si Prototype rear three quarter

2017 Honda Civic Si Prototype front three quarter 15

2017 Honda Civic Si Prototype front three quarter 07

2017 Honda Civic Si Prototype front three quarter 08

While Honda hasn’t confirmed the powerplant for the Si model, rumors suggest it could be a more powerful version of the turbocharged 1.5-liter (174 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque) found in the standard Civic sedan and coupe or a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter (305 hp, 295 lb-ft) from the Type R model. The Si will likely make somewhere around 220-230 hp. A six-speed manual will back the engine.

From the spy shots, we can see a few unique Si details including larger front seat bolsters, carbon fiber dash trim, Alcantara door inserts, and red stitching. Strategically placed tape on the grille and trunklid likely hides Si badges.

Expect the 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe to make its official debut at either the 2016 Los Angeles auto show or the 2017 Detroit auto show before it goes on sale early next year.

Photo Source: KGP Photography