Verstappen takes the 2023 Honda Civic Type R for a spin in new ad

MANILA: Although Honda has already withdrawn from Formula 1 at the end of the 2021 season, the Japanese carmaker tapped world champion Max Verstappen to drive the upcoming 2023 Civic Type R in a new advertisement.

Titled “The Ultimate Detour,” the ad features Verstappen driving the 2023 Honda Civic Type R at the Euroring, a 2.7km circuit near Budapest, after the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner makes a voice cameo, calling Verstappen into a meeting, causing the racer to take a detour.

Verstappen drove the Honda Civic Type R at the track for a few laps before heading to the meeting.

Red Bull Racing uses Honda power units in F1. Since the team does not have an automaker partner for the time being, they are now responsible for developing their own power units under license from Honda, together with sibling team AlphaTauri.

According to Honda, the all-new 2023 Civic Type R is the most powerful Type R in its 30-year history. It features a new muscular design, best-in-class performance, and an immersive cockpit.

“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. 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,” Global Civic Type R Development Leader Hideki Kakinuma stated.

The Civic Type R was first introduced in Japan as a 1997 model. The 2023 Honda Civic Type R has set a production-car front-wheel drive track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, home to the Formula 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix, proving that it is the best performing Civic Type R ever.

To further improve the Honda Civic Type R’s already class-leading ride, handling, and steering performance, it underwent rigorous testing at tracks in Japan, North America, and Europe. It was tested on Nurburgring, the world’s most challenging racetrack.

The all-new Honda Civic Type R is powered by the award-winning K20C1 engine that comes with a new turbocharger and a more efficient exhaust system with straight through design and an active exhaust valve. This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 315hp and 310lb-ft of torque.

It features a larger grille opening, bigger radiator, and a new large-diameter fan that enhances engine cooling, guaranteeing maximum performance during extreme driving. The active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to enhance the engine sound.

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate pattern for more precise gear change. It also comes standard with a helical-type limited-slip differential that puts the engine’s power to the pavement effectively.

The new Civic Type R is based on the 11th-generation Civic Hatchback. Its driving feel is further enhanced by a more rigid body structure. It also now has the longest wheelbase in its class, measuring 107.7in.

The Civic Type R also features wider front and rear tracks and a tuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension that further improve stability and steering wheel. It also has two-piece front brake rotors and a retuned brake booster.

The driver can select among Comfort, Sport, R+, and Individual Model modes to customize the engine, steering, suspension, and engine sound.

Aerodynamic development members of the HRD Sakura Super GT team contributed to the aerodynamically efficient design of the 2023 Civic Type R. The new body was designed in Japan, measuring 0.8in longer, 0.5in lower, and 0.6in wider. The Type R is also fitted with lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in wider bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The wheels have a special “reverse rim” design that improves the stability of the tire contact patch under load.

The Honda Civic Type R also now features a more aggressive front bumper, a redesigned rear bumper that showcases the new signature three round exhaust outlets, and a revamped rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser that increases downforce and reduces drag.

The 2023 Civic Type R comes in five exterior color options: Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sonic Grey Pearl.

On the inside, the car features performance-focused details, including Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, aluminum shift knob, and a serialized Type R plate on the dashboard.

It also comes with a lower, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seat, with thinner pillars, relocated side mirror, and lower hood for better visibility. Its new digital instrument cluster features a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display.

There is a second new meter design when the +R mode is selected, instantly providing the driver with essential information, with the engine rpm and gear position placed on top. Located above the gauge cluster is a racing-inspired illuminated rev indicator that provides an instant indication of engine rpm during performance driving.

The Honda Civic Type R’s driver-focused technology also includes the nine-inch color touchscreen, the largest touchscreen included in a Type R, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 11th-generation Honda Civic’s Qi-compatible wireless charging and Bose Centerpoint premium sound system is also included in the new Type R.

The driver can monitor and record their performance parameters in real time with the latest version of the Honda LogR Performance Datalogger, a built-in vehicle app that comes with an onboard computer and sensors.

The driver can now use the on-board system, without having to connect it to a smartphone. Among its features are a stopwatch, a tire friction circle in 3D motion, and an advanced scoring function. The new version also allows the driver to share their lap times with other Type R drivers.

The 2023 Civic Type R is being produced at Honda’s Yorii Plant in Japan. Meanwhile, its engine is manufactured at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, USA.

More details, including the pricing, will be announced closer to launch.

Screenshots from Honda Racing Global

Also read: Honda Canada gives sneak peek of 2023 CR-V