Precious few details have been released by Honda regarding the 2022 Civic Type R. It's a turbocharged 306 horsepower beast right now, but there's still room for improvement. Lots of rumors are flying, but a few things are certain. Exterior styling, wheelbase, and even horsepower are all going to change ahead of the next model year, where suspension and other excellent features of the previous generation may take a backseat.

What isn't known with absolute certainty is what kind of drive train it'll have, and what Honda will implement to compete against other sports cars in its class, like the Hyundai Veloster and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

10 Manual transmission

Civic Type R shifter.
Via: Honda

One certainty is that the car will come with a manual transmission, but what isn't certain is whether or not it will come with an automatic. Currently, the Type R only comes with a manual transmission, but Car and Driver posits Honda may offer a dual-clutch automatic gearbox to compete against the Veloster N. Another reason carmakers incorporate such transmissions is because they're planning to introduce additional horsepower, and a manual transmission may not be strong enough or shift fast enough.

9 New exterior styling

2022-honda-civic-type-r
Via: CivicX.com

Spy shots have popped up on various news sites, showing the different body that the 2022 Type R has adopted. It looks bigger overall and now sports a flatter front grille. Overall the front aero characteristics look less complicated than the 2021 model, and the car seems more leveled out with a much higher front end. The rear end looks significantly less complicated, possibly underdeveloped with a shorter rear wing, no scoops on the roof, and less ducting behind the wheel wells. It may be too early to tell, but from spy shots, the aero seems much simpler.

RELATED: 15 Things You Need To Know Before Buying The 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition

8 Gasoline Only Powered

Honda Civic Type R engine.
Via: Honda

Rumors abounded for a while that the new Type R would be a hybrid model, but Honda put a stop to that according to an article from Autocar. The rumors articulated that the new Type R would get a hybrid engine like the NSX, as part of Honda's initiative to convert its lineup to be all hybrid or electric by next year. It appears Honda has decided to omit the Type R from this directive. Honda may have made this decision to keep costs down, or because it wants to compete against the GTI more comprehensively.

7 AWD Is Not Likely

A blue Civic Type R on a twisty road.
Honda

There was another rumor going around that the Type R could go AWD. There is no basis as of yet to suggest Honda will or will not change the car's drive type. However, each source has said if the Type R is to go AWD, it would adopt a hybrid powerplant as well. This drive layout would come from what's in the current NSX. Of course, the Type R doesn't need as much horsepower, but out of a turbocharged hybrid 2.0-liter rumors expect around 400 horsepower. Without the hybrid powerplant, it's unlikely AWD will follow.

6 No coupe option

Honda Civic Type-R
Via CNET

Since there was no coupe option for 2021, it stands to reason the 2022 Civic will only be a four-door sedan or hatchback. Just because it's not yet announced doesn't mean it won't happen. However, it's extremely unlikely since, according to news sources, the overall demand for two-door cars is at an all-time low. It would be nice to have an ultra-lightweight Type R on the roads, so hopefully, Honda can find a way to make that happen even if they won't sacrifice the convenience of four doors. The Type R like before will only be sold as a hatchback.

RELATED: Here Are The Best And Worst Honda Civic Models Ever Made

5 Updated Chassis

A Civic Type R on track.
Via: Honda

If the engine is going to inflate with more power, the chassis should in theory be able to handle it. The new Civics get an evolved chassis over the outgoing model, so it's expected that this will carry over to the Type R. Honda promises the most advanced Civic in 2022, and despite its subtle good looks, the automaker says the car will deliver a pleasant and fun driving experience. A stiffer chassis is critical to ensuring the Civic in all its trims handles additional power and sportier suspension with gusto.

4 Longer wheelbase

Via YouTube

The Civic is said to have a longer wheelbase and wider track. To be precise, the car extends 33 mm beyond the previous spec, while the wheelbase stretches an additional 1.4 inches. The purpose of this change is to provide extra legroom for rear passengers. It's unknown yet as to what effect it's going to have on the handling characteristics in the Type R. In high-performance situations a longer wheelbase lends the car more stability in high speeds potentially at the expense of more nimble handling.

3 Likely Keeping The Same Suspension

Civic Type R driving.
Via: Honda

Since the Type R isn't getting a new chassis but rather an evolved form of the previous model, Car and Driver posits that a control-arm front suspension is out of the question. Instead, it's expected Honda will stick with its dual-axis strut suspension. In front-wheel drive cars with high torque, torque steer is inevitable but Honda's suspension serves to mitigate those effects. The dual-axis suspension adds more flexibility to the steering, by separating the knuckles and dampers with a damper fork in between.

RELATED: This Is The Evolution Of The Honda Civic Type R

2 Digital Dashboard

2022-honda-civic-digital-gauges
Via: NADAguides

New for the 2022 Honda Civic is a digital instrument cluster. Crisp soothing blues illuminate the new sleek interior from the gauges, and while this is a partial standard feature it's hard to understand why it's not a given for the consumer. Also joining the interior is a nine-inch optional touch screen, with seven inches as standard. Like previous models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, where the car's usability is kicked up several notches towards easy convenience.

1 More power

Civic Type R on the road.
Via: Honda

While it might not make the rumored 400 horsepower, the Type R should receive some kind of power upgrade. The current engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 306 horsepower. While that is a respectable number, surely the enthusiasts as the actual target market for the Type R wouldn't argue with a few more. Unfortunately, there is no official word yet as to how much more power the Type R will receive. Honda is keeping a pretty tight lid on its flagship economy sedan performance variant.

NEXT: 2022 Civic Type-R Renderings Offer Possible Sneak Peak