The all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R has finally been unveiled and it has familiar bones.
Building on the success of the outgoing Civic Type R, Honda has unveiled an all-new Civic Type R while retaining the winning formula. The new Civic Type R arrives on the 25th anniversary of the model’s debut and will enter showrooms in early 2023 in the European market.
For this new generation, the Civic Type R features enhanced aerodynamic performance, new lightweight components, and a minor powertrain revision.
Under the hood, things are still familiar. The same 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine has returned and it still sends power to the front wheels via an optimised 6-speed manual transmission with a revised rev-matching system.
Honda is still keeping mum on the performance details but has confirmed that this is now the fastest front-wheel drive car around the Suzuka circuit. It also says that the new turbocharger makes this the strongest VTEC turbo engine in history.
It’s also one of the most powerful ‘per litre’ in its class. The exhaust system has also been revised.
The Brembo braking system has been revised but still comes with the two-piece discs as before. An upgraded radiator and new triple exhaust design further strengthens the car’s performance.
In terms of design, the new Type R has been lowered and has flared out wheel arches to accommodate its lightweight 19″ matte black allow wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The rear doors have also been widened for a more aggressive look. There’s also a big rear wing but it’s finished in black rather than body colour this time around. The new spoiler is also now supported by black painted aluminium die cast mounts and the whole thing sits lower than before.
The skirts and lower bumpers are also more aggressive on the Type R. Around back, the diffuser and triple exhaust exits return but with an updated design. Up front, the bonnet now features a vent for maximum airflow. More subtle are the vents behind the front wheels that send air under the car and out the back. Colour choices for this new Type R will be Championship White, Rallye Red, Racing Blue, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey.
Inside, the Civic Type R builds on the Civic e:HEV’s interior but adds classic Type R red trim pieces and unique graphics. There are also red sports seats with suede like upholstery. Drive modes can be selected from the cabin. The Type R gets Comfort, Sport, +R and Individual modes that let you customise engine, steering, suspension and engine sound settings. The Honda Log data logger has been updated with more features including lap time stopwatch, tyre friction circles, 3D vehicle motion display, and an innovative scoring function.
