Interesting... but I do think they will keep the exact same motor. Likely the differences will be in the sheet metal, suspension tuning, and interior appointments.
I agree the ILX will probably get the same motor as the Si but to a different tune that bumps up the power to differentiate it more and also to push I over its main competitors which hover in the 200hp range for their base models but offer more on higher trims, assuming they're going to stick with only 1 version of the ILX in terms of engine/power again. Though I'm sure many people would like to see a high end type s come back to Acura with output like the type r
Really does sound like they took the younger and more sport-drive focused demographic of coupe buyers into account when making the coupe. Sportier suspension, lower height, shorter body, lighter... all by design.
I agree with your interpretation. Honda has been careful with its wording. In every press release they keep saying "high performance Si models" and the first ever Type R model for the U.S. market... as in singular. To me that leaves open only one possibility for a different CTR model, which would be a non-hatch being offered outside the US. I doubt it for such a niche vehicle tho.
Not to get off-topic for this thread, but isn't North America only catching up to the rest of the world in terms of hatchback popularity? If any market were to be offered a CTR that isn't a hatch, wouldn't it be in North America?
Thing is, the CTR is a niche low production model. Breaking it out into even more models like the coupe and sedan might not make business sense for Honda due to the increased costs of doing so vs. the small bump in CTR units sold overall. I'd love to see it personally but these are public companies who have to have business justifications for their decisions.
Would be so interested by Si hatch. Best choice for me. Really hope they end up producing it.
