Citing two Honda spokespeople as sources, US magazine and online forum, Car and Driver, reports that both the Type R and lower tier Si, which incidentally will remain Stateside, will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox to "maximise (driver) engagement".
Earlier this month, speculation began circulating that the fifth generation Type R would break away from tradition and offer an automatic gearbox of sorts for the first time to rival the DSG-equipped Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R.
Unveiled in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the new Type R will reportedly feature a more powerful version of the outgoing model's 228 kW 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with drive again expected to go to the front wheels unlike the four-wheel drive Golf R and Ford Focus RS.
