2023 Honda Civic Type R packs 315hp from turbo two-liter

MANILA: The all-new 2023 Civic Type R is the most potent Honda production vehicle ever made available in the United States and is the most potent model in the Type R's 30-year history.

The new Type R, which goes on sale this fall, offers the greatest driving experience in the hot hatch market thanks to a class-leading combination of performance, a whole new immersive cockpit experience, and a sleek, chiseled new design.

"Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda's racing spirit, and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure," said Hideki Kakinuma, Global Civic Type R Development Leader.

"The all-new Civic Type R will continue that legacy, leveraging Honda's racetrack-proven engineering to deliver extreme performance and passion—both on the road and on the racetrack."

Since its introduction as a 1997 model in Japan, the Civic Type R has undergone six different designs, embodying Honda's spirit of innovation. The all-new and more potent 2023 Civic Type R, which was only the second Civic Type R model ever sold in the United States, recently broke a production-car front-wheel drive track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, the site of the Formula 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix, solidifying its reputation as the best-performing Civic Type R ever.

Engineers worked hard to further improve the 2023 Honda Civic Type R's chassis, which was already the best in its class for ride, handling, and steering performance. They developed the chassis extensively in Japan and put it through rigorous testing in racetracks in Japan, North America, and Europe. This included testing on the notorious Nurburgring in Germany, the most difficult racetrack in the world, which helped make the brand-new Type R more responsive, comfortable, and thrilling to drive than ever before.

An even more potent variation of Honda's award-winning K20C1 engine is housed beneath its new vented aluminum bonnet. A reworked turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate, and a new, more effective exhaust system with a straight-through design and an active exhaust valve boost horsepower, torque, and response.

The intake charge flow channel and the size, shape, and quantity of the turbocharger's turbine wheel blades have all been adjusted, allowing the turbocharger to generate pressure more effectively and over a larger pressure range.

With enhancements of 9 horsepower and 20 Nm, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine of the 2023 Civic Type R now generates 315 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque between 2,600 and 4,000 rpm. With a specific output of 157.8 horsepower per liter, an increase from the previous generation's 153.3, the Civic Type R is one of the most potent vehicles in its class per liter.

A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving. To further strengthen the driver's connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.

The six-speed manual transmission in the 2023 Civic Type R has been substantially enhanced to provide an even more satisfying and personal driving experience. In order to retain stability on corner entry, a lighter flywheel and a redesigned rev-match mechanism guarantee flawlessly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears.

For a secure and incredibly precise gear change, the high-strength gearbox has additionally added a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate layout. Standard limited-slip differentials of the helical kind efficiently transfer engine power to the road.

A much more robust body structure that enables greater dynamics and refinement further increases the Civic Type R's scalpel-sharp reactions and infamously addictive driving experience. The Civic Type R is now built on the brand-new 11th-generation Civic Hatchback. In order to improve stability and provide a smoother ride, the wheelbase has been lengthened by 1.4 inches. It now has the longest wheelbase in its class, at 107.7 inches.

The hot hatchback has slightly wider front and rear tracks (+1.0 inches in the front and +0.75 inches in the back). These modifications enhance steering feel and straight-line stability in conjunction with a dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension that have been fine-tuned. The Type R's two-piece front brake rotors have great braking performance and less unsprung weight. Additionally, the brake cooling is increased, and the feel and controllability of the brake booster have been tweaked.

The engine, steering, suspension, and engine sound may all be changed between four pre-set performance settings that can be switched seamlessly by drivers. The driving experience may now be tailored using a new "Individual Model" option in addition to Comfort, Sport, and R+ Mode.

The new 2023 Honda Civic Type R has a slimmer, more fashionable, yet powerful appearance thanks to beautifully integrated improved aerodynamics. Its exterior is also more aerodynamically efficient, generating more downforce and enhancing high speed stability. This design was influenced by aerodynamic development team members of the HRD Sakura Super GT squad.

A new, more muscular body, which was designed in Japan, is 0.8 inches longer, 0.5 inches lower, and 0.6 inches wider. It also features wide fenders that flare out over wider tracks, lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, and specially made Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that are wider (+20mm). With their unique "reverse rim" design, the new wheels increase the stability of the tire contact patch when under load.

Its lower stance is accentuated by wider rear doors exclusive to Type R and a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its updated signature three round exhaust outlets. A redesigned rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser intensify downforce and reduce drag.

Civic Type R will be available in five striking colors: historic Championship White-- a Type R exclusive finish revered by Honda enthusiasts, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl.

The cockpit of the 2023 Civic Type R was created to support challenging driving experiences. Emotional, performance-focused details and features, such as the Type R's iconic red seats, carpet, and trim, a redesigned aluminum shift knob, and a serialized Type R plate on the dash, heighten the exhilaration of driving.

The new, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seat allows the driver to sit lower than before while still having better visibility thanks to thinner pillars, a relocated side mirror, and a lower hood. New lightweight front sports seats that are firmly bolstered and with suede-effect fabric provide great support and comfort throughout extended trips as well as on the racetrack.

A new digital instrument cluster — exclusive to the Type R — has a wide range of displays and clear, easy-to-read graphics to better enhance performance driving. The design includes a multi-information display, a big tachometer, and a gear position display.

The engine rpm and gear position are put at the top of a second new meter that is only available in Type R's +R mode, giving the driver rapid access to the information they need. During performance driving, an illuminated rev indicator with a racing theme is situated above the gauge cluster to offer the driver a rapid indication of engine rpm.

Inside, the Civic Type R's cabin has been thoughtfully designed with technology that puts the driver first. This includes a new nine-inch Color Touchscreen, the largest touchscreen ever in a Type R, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally standard are a Bose Centerpoint premium sound system that was specifically built for the interior of the 11th-generation Civic and Qi-compatible wireless charging.

Exclusive to Type R, a new enhanced version of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger combines the Type R's onboard computer and sensors with a new built-in vehicle app. This helps drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters in real time when driving on the track or other closed courses, helping to improve driving skills.

Honda LogR no longer needs a smartphone app, so users can connect to their smartphone for further functionality and data exchange or use the on-board system.

A timer to record lap times, a tire friction circle in 3D motion that shows the maximum tire force the car can produce, and an inventive scoring element that aids drivers in honing their talents on the track are among the key features. Users can communicate with other 2023 Honda Civic Type R owners by exchanging lap times and other info.

Photos from Honda

Also read: Honda celebrates 25 years of the Civic Type R