Honda Civic Type R laps Nürburgring at 7 min., 44 sec., a new FWD record

MANILA: During testing and performance evaluation, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R established a new record for a front-wheel drive vehicle over the famous 20.8-kilometer Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, which is regarded as the most difficult road circuit ever designed. The greater dynamic performance of the new, more potent Civic Type R compared to is further illustrated by the officially recorded new lap record time of 7 minutes 44.881 seconds.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R was equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tires, which were jointly developed with Michelin using the expertise amassed through the development of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, which is the standard tire on the turbocharged hot hatchback, for the record-breaking lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Type R's balanced handling and dry traction are improved by the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tires, which are offered through certain Honda dealers.

Hideki Kakinuma, Civic Type R Development Leader, expressed optimism about the record.

 

"To our Civic Type R fans all over the world: Under the concept of 'Ultimate SPORT 2.0,' we developed the all-new Civic Type R with the spirit of 'going beyond our past achievements' and strived for the ultimate FWD sports car by refining the 'essential value' and 'emotional appeal' unique only to our Type R models,” he said.

“Since the start of sales in Japan in September 2022, we have received numerous customer feedback from all around the world filled with amazement and joy, far exceeding our expectations. However, we still had one more mission to fulfill, which was to claim the title as the world's fastest FWD car with a record Nürburgring lap time,” he added.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Engine, Transmission

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.

With enhancements of 9 horsepower and 20 Nm, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R now generates 315hp at 6,500 rpm and 420Nm 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, Honda claimed.

The six-speed manual transmission in the 2023 Civic Type R has been substantially enhanced. 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.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Handling, Drive Modes

Honda engineers developed the car’s 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.

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.

 

The 2023 Civic Type R’s 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.

2023 Honda Civic Type R’s Honda LogR feature

Exclusive to Type R, a new enhanced version of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger combines the Type R's onboard computer and sensors. 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.

Key features of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger are as follows:

• Performance Monitor - Provides vehicle information to the driver such as 3D Display, Tire Friction Circle, cornering G-forces, status of oil and coolant temperatures, oil pressure, and more.
• Auto Score - Shows how the car behaves and helps you improve your driving skills. Autoscore measures your driving performance using key driving parameters.
• Data Log - Analyzes driving data to help you understand your driving habits. It also scores your track performance, provides lap time and Heat Map.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Exterior Styling

The new 2023 Honda Civic Type R’s 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.

 

2023 Honda Civic Type R Interior Styling

The cockpit of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R was created to support challenging driving experiences. 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 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.

Photos from Honda 

Also read:

History of the Honda Civic Type-R

Hyped-up Honda: All about the PH-spec 2023 Civic Type R