It's Hard to Determine Whether This Build is Genius or Outrageous | Carscoops

      A custom Type R inspired by Alfa Romeo design grabs attention at a Civic event in Japan.

      This distinctive Alfa Romeo Civic combines Italian aesthetics with the performance qualities of Honda's Type R.

      The vehicle showcases a bespoke front bumper, tricolor highlights, and Quadrifoglio wheels.

      Based on the FL5 Type R, it maintains the 2.0-liter VTEC engine producing 325 hp.

      Since the Giulietta was discontinued in 2020, Alfa Romeo hasn't produced a genuine hatchback, leaving its fans with only nostalgic memories and used models to consider. However, one passionate enthusiast took it upon themselves to create a solution.

      Instead of waiting for a new hatchback—which Alfa Romeo's leadership has already dismissed as a possibility—they crafted their own. The outcome is a unique hot hatch based on the Honda Civic Type R, merging Japanese engineering with Italian design in a surprisingly harmonious blend.

      Recently, this remarkable creation was spotted by X user Takayuki FK7 at a Honda Civic gathering held at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. Upon first glance, it appears almost too fantastic to believe, reminiscent of something birthed from an AI image generator fed with Alfa Romeo promotional images and a Civic brochure.

      The front end of the Civic has been altered with a new bumper that incorporates the classic Alfa Romeo scudetto grille, complemented by large cooling intakes. While the headlights, hood, and front fenders remain from the original Civic, the revamped front is striking enough to momentarily disorient onlookers.

      The vehicle's side view is enhanced by Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio wheels, combined with a lowered suspension for a sportier appearance. Carbon fiber mirror caps adorned with the colors of the Italian flag add a playful touch that helps divert attention from the car’s characteristically Japanese shape.

      At the rear, aftermarket taillights with a tinted finish have been added, replacing the Civic's distinctive triple exhaust with a dual exit design, and the rear spoiler has been subtly modified for greater visibility. The Honda badge has been replaced with a black Alfa Romeo emblem highlighted by red accents, finalizing the transformation.

      The car's owner has kept a low profile online, not revealing many details. Thankfully, X user @Takayuki_FK7 documented the event and took several clear photos of the vehicle, providing a closer look for enthusiasts.

      Although it carries the Alfa Romeo badge, the performance remains distinctly Honda. The vehicle features the turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine from the FL5 Civic Type R, delivering 325 horsepower (243 kW / 330 PS) in the Japanese market. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The chassis remains unchanged, which is satisfactory given that Honda’s Type R framework is robust enough, even without any Italian enhancements.

      Interestingly, this isn't the first instance of a vehicle bearing Alfa Romeo branding. Recently, similar projects have emerged, including customized versions of a BMW Z4 and a Mazda MX-5. Nevertheless, this Civic may well be the most convincing rendition yet.