2026 FL5 Speculation Thread
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blinkme323
Senior Member
That was the Passport and it's built in Alabama, lol
ABPDE5
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And, they don't have to meet emissions requirements in Europe, Japan, etc.Well most Type R owners are pushing at least another 100whp with basic bolt ons and tune over stock.
So is he saying our longevity is not going to be that long?Lol
CTR
Senior Member
This has been posted on Reddit already but haven't seen it here yet.
The Honda Canada website no longer has the Type R listed on their available models. Could this mean 2025 is the last MY as many have speculated?
The Honda Canada website no longer has the Type R listed on their available models. Could this mean 2025 is the last MY as many have speculated?
ABPDE5
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Assuming this is the case, lots of potential factors:
Emissions standards impacting powertrain production and costs, the inefficiency of supporting a low-production model, market saturation, risks of investing in relatively expensive niche products in the face of slowing consumer sentiment, tariffs creating market uncertainty, etc.
someguy115
New Member
Japanese regulations. In 2026 the FL5 can’t be built or sold anymore, it doesn’t meet upcoming noise regulations for its weight class. It either needs to be 550lbs heavier, or have 80 more horsepower without making any more noise- all while maintaining the same gas mileage.
Clark_Kent
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But you only have 13...
Mass
Member
Ok but reading through the reddit thread does make it sound like a big nothing burger. Like Honda could just change the tires to all seasons and itll probably meet the DB requirements.
zumbooruk
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I've asked my favorite AI tool, Grook to analyze, this is its reply:
Japanese regulations for the 2026 model year are expected to align with UN R51 phase 3, setting a noise limit of 68 dB(A) for passenger cars, a reduction from current standards. The 2026 Honda Civic Type R will likely need adjustments to meet the stricter noise limits, potentially involving changes to the exhaust system or sound insulation. However, given Honda's history of adapting performance models, it seems unlikely these regulations would lead to discontinuation. Weight and horsepower regulations are not expected to pose issues, as there are no new restrictive standards for passenger cars in these areas.
Japan's noise regulations for vehicles are primarily governed by the Noise Regulation Law, which aims to preserve living environments and protect public health by setting maximum permissible noise levels for motor vehicles. The research indicates that Japan aligns with international standards, particularly the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) UN Regulation No. 51 (UN R51), which addresses vehicle noise emissions. UN R51 has been revised with a phased approach to reduce noise limits, with phase 3 introducing a limit of 68 dB(A) for passenger cars, effective from 2024. Given Japan's participation in the 1958 Agreement as a contracting party, it is likely that these standards will apply to the 2026 model year, tightening noise requirements compared to earlier phases (e.g., 72 dB(A) for phase 1 and 70 dB(A) for phase 2).
There are no specific regulations directly limiting horsepower for passenger cars in Japan for the 2026 model year. The research found that Japan's vehicle classifications, such as kei cars, have engine displacement and power restrictions (e.g., for tax purposes), but standard passenger cars like the Civic Type R face no upper limits on engine power. The Road Transport Vehicle Act and related safety standards focus on structure, equipment, and emissions, not horsepower caps. Thus, the 306-315 horsepower range of recent Civic Type R models should remain unaffected.
Weight regulations in Japan are primarily concerned with road load limits and vehicle classification for safety and taxation, rather than imposing maximum weights for passenger cars. The MLIT's Road Bureau outlines general size and weight restrictions, with expressway limits for heavy vehicles (e.g., semi-trailers up to 36 tons based on axle distance), but passenger cars like the Civic Type R (curb weight around 3,183 pounds) fall well within standard dimensions. The shaken inspection checks vehicle weight for registration accuracy, but no new 2026 regulations were found that would restrict the Type R's weight, suggesting no impact in this area.
The Honda Civic Type R will likely face challenges primarily from noise regulations. Given the expected 68 dB(A) limit, Honda may need to modify the exhaust system, possibly using active exhaust technology or enhanced sound insulation, to comply. Weight and horsepower are not expected to be affected, as there are no new restrictive standards.
Speculation from online forums (e.g., Reddit discussions like [r/Civic_Type_R](https://www.reddit.com/r/Civic_Type_R/comments/1jsv2t9/should_i_get_the_2025_honda_civic_typer_or_wait/)) suggests concerns about future regulations, with some users claiming "Japanese noise and environmental regulations pretty much outlaw new pure ICE performance car sales in May 2026." However, official sources (e.g., [Automotive News](https://www.autonews.com/regulation-safety/japan-may-ban-sales-new-ice-vehicles-mid-2030s-report-says/)) indicate a ban on new ICE vehicle sales is planned for the mid-2030s, not 2026, aligning with Japan's carbon neutrality goal by 2050. This suggests the comment may be premature, and the Type R should continue, possibly with hybrid options in later years.
The evidence leans against discontinuation of the Honda Civic Type R for 2026 due to regulations. Noise limits can be met through engineering adjustments, and there is no ban on ICE vehicles in 2026. Honda's commitment to the Type R, evidenced by recent models like the 2025 FL5 ([MotorTrend](https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/civic-type-r)), and industry trends toward hybrid performance cars (e.g., the 2026 Prelude as a hybrid, [CarBuzz](https://carbuzz.com/reader-comments-2026-honda-prelude-sports-coupe/)), suggest adaptation rather than cessation. The Type R's popularity and Honda's engineering capabilities make discontinuation unlikely, with potential future models incorporating hybrid technology to meet long-term environmental goals.
- [Noise Regulation Law Chapter I-VI](https://www.env.go.jp/en/laws/air/noise/ch.html)
- [UN Regulation No. 51](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/wp29-working-documents)
- [MLIT Road Bureau Vehicle Regulations](https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/road_e/p7_vehicle.html)
- [Japan may ban sales of new ICE vehicles mid-2030s](https://www.autonews.com/regulation-safety/japan-may-ban-sales-new-ice-vehicles-mid-2030s-report-says)
- [2023 Honda Civic Type R Review](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a41952459/2023-honda-civic-type-r-by-the-numbers/)
- [Plug gaps in vehicular noise-emission standards](https://www.todayonline.com/voices/plug-gaps-vehicular-noise-emission-standards)
- [Civic Type R Return of the Rattles](https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/return-of-the-rattles.50111/)
- [MotorTrend 2025 Honda Civic Type R](https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/civic-type-r)
- [CarBuzz 2026 Honda Prelude Sports Coupe](https://carbuzz.com/reader-comments-2026-honda-prelude-sports-coupe/)
Japanese regulations for the 2026 model year are expected to align with UN R51 phase 3, setting a noise limit of 68 dB(A) for passenger cars, a reduction from current standards. The 2026 Honda Civic Type R will likely need adjustments to meet the stricter noise limits, potentially involving changes to the exhaust system or sound insulation. However, given Honda's history of adapting performance models, it seems unlikely these regulations would lead to discontinuation. Weight and horsepower regulations are not expected to pose issues, as there are no new restrictive standards for passenger cars in these areas.
Japan's noise regulations for vehicles are primarily governed by the Noise Regulation Law, which aims to preserve living environments and protect public health by setting maximum permissible noise levels for motor vehicles. The research indicates that Japan aligns with international standards, particularly the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) UN Regulation No. 51 (UN R51), which addresses vehicle noise emissions. UN R51 has been revised with a phased approach to reduce noise limits, with phase 3 introducing a limit of 68 dB(A) for passenger cars, effective from 2024. Given Japan's participation in the 1958 Agreement as a contracting party, it is likely that these standards will apply to the 2026 model year, tightening noise requirements compared to earlier phases (e.g., 72 dB(A) for phase 1 and 70 dB(A) for phase 2).
There are no specific regulations directly limiting horsepower for passenger cars in Japan for the 2026 model year. The research found that Japan's vehicle classifications, such as kei cars, have engine displacement and power restrictions (e.g., for tax purposes), but standard passenger cars like the Civic Type R face no upper limits on engine power. The Road Transport Vehicle Act and related safety standards focus on structure, equipment, and emissions, not horsepower caps. Thus, the 306-315 horsepower range of recent Civic Type R models should remain unaffected.
Weight regulations in Japan are primarily concerned with road load limits and vehicle classification for safety and taxation, rather than imposing maximum weights for passenger cars. The MLIT's Road Bureau outlines general size and weight restrictions, with expressway limits for heavy vehicles (e.g., semi-trailers up to 36 tons based on axle distance), but passenger cars like the Civic Type R (curb weight around 3,183 pounds) fall well within standard dimensions. The shaken inspection checks vehicle weight for registration accuracy, but no new 2026 regulations were found that would restrict the Type R's weight, suggesting no impact in this area.
The Honda Civic Type R will likely face challenges primarily from noise regulations. Given the expected 68 dB(A) limit, Honda may need to modify the exhaust system, possibly using active exhaust technology or enhanced sound insulation, to comply. Weight and horsepower are not expected to be affected, as there are no new restrictive standards.
Speculation from online forums (e.g., Reddit discussions like [r/Civic_Type_R](https://www.reddit.com/r/Civic_Type_R/comments/1jsv2t9/should_i_get_the_2025_honda_civic_typer_or_wait/)) suggests concerns about future regulations, with some users claiming "Japanese noise and environmental regulations pretty much outlaw new pure ICE performance car sales in May 2026." However, official sources (e.g., [Automotive News](https://www.autonews.com/regulation-safety/japan-may-ban-sales-new-ice-vehicles-mid-2030s-report-says/)) indicate a ban on new ICE vehicle sales is planned for the mid-2030s, not 2026, aligning with Japan's carbon neutrality goal by 2050. This suggests the comment may be premature, and the Type R should continue, possibly with hybrid options in later years.
The evidence leans against discontinuation of the Honda Civic Type R for 2026 due to regulations. Noise limits can be met through engineering adjustments, and there is no ban on ICE vehicles in 2026. Honda's commitment to the Type R, evidenced by recent models like the 2025 FL5 ([MotorTrend](https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/civic-type-r)), and industry trends toward hybrid performance cars (e.g., the 2026 Prelude as a hybrid, [CarBuzz](https://carbuzz.com/reader-comments-2026-honda-prelude-sports-coupe/)), suggest adaptation rather than cessation. The Type R's popularity and Honda's engineering capabilities make discontinuation unlikely, with potential future models incorporating hybrid technology to meet long-term environmental goals.
- [Noise Regulation Law Chapter I-VI](https://www.env.go.jp/en/laws/air/noise/ch.html)
- [UN Regulation No. 51](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/wp29-working-documents)
- [MLIT Road Bureau Vehicle Regulations](https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/road_e/p7_vehicle.html)
- [Japan may ban sales of new ICE vehicles mid-2030s](https://www.autonews.com/regulation-safety/japan-may-ban-sales-new-ice-vehicles-mid-2030s-report-says)
- [2023 Honda Civic Type R Review](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a41952459/2023-honda-civic-type-r-by-the-numbers/)
- [Plug gaps in vehicular noise-emission standards](https://www.todayonline.com/voices/plug-gaps-vehicular-noise-emission-standards)
- [Civic Type R Return of the Rattles](https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/return-of-the-rattles.50111/)
- [MotorTrend 2025 Honda Civic Type R](https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/civic-type-r)
- [CarBuzz 2026 Honda Prelude Sports Coupe](https://carbuzz.com/reader-comments-2026-honda-prelude-sports-coupe/)
VarmintCong
Senior Member
If rest of the world = Europe, yes. China is also all in on EVs because the government has massively stimulated the EV industry, giving banks a new bubble to replace the deflated real estate bubble.
But I've recently visited Taiwan, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, and you don't see many EVs in any of those countries.
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