J.A.S. Motorsport from Italy will be in charge of team management and do all the R&D for the race car based on the five-door European-version Civic. Powering it would be a turbo-charged 1.6L direct-injection engine developed by Honda R&D Co. Ltd. and then built and maintained by Mugen.
Honda's 2013 title contender will conform with the WTCC’s Super 2000 regulations that requires: a) 2,500 identical models have been produced; b) use of a front and rear McPherson suspension; c) no driver aid including ABS brakes and traction control system; d) deactivation of the variable valve timing and variable intake manifold; and a e) maximum selling price of €168,000.
Last entered WTCC in 2008 with the Accord Euro R, Honda will face stiff competition this year from the Chevrolet works team, which has won the 2010 and 2011 Manufacturers and Driver’s Championship. In last year's championship season, they won an outstanding 21 of the 24 races and clinched pole position in all 12 events, while only 3 points separated the two Chevrolet drivers, Yvan Muller and Robert Huff.
