It would be logical for the sixth-generation Honda Civic Type R to be proclaimed as a performance upgrade over the outgoing version, judging by the official specs. However, it turns out that the automaker may have been a little too modest with the numbers.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R went beyond its official figures when put to the test
On the way to tuning a stock 2023 Civic Type R FL5, famed Honda tuner Hondata bolted the car to a dynamometer to put it through its paces and see just how much power it makes straight out of the factory. As it happens, Hondata also kept the records gained from a 2017 Civic Type R FK8 so that a comparison can readily be made.
The results were more than encouraging as far as the latest performance version of the Civic is concerned. Dyno testing revealed that the new Civic Type R kicks up 327 horsepower and over 487 Nm of torque from its 2.0-liter K20C turbocharged VTEC engine. These represent 11 horsepower and 34 Nm of torque more than the fifth-generation model running on the same power unit, which is expected.
The green line on the graph indicates the new Civic Type R's performance against the old one [Image: Hondata YouTube channel]
However, what is surprising is that Hondata’s figures exceed even Honda’s official power ratings, both for the U.S.-spec and Japan versions. In the U.S. market, the new Civic Type R is advertised as having 315 horsepower, while the Japanese release reportedly packs 325 horses, both with 420 Nm of torque.
“This car drives much better than the FK8 CTR. It delivers 20-40 lb-ft (27-54 Nm) torque increase from 2,300-3,500 rpm, spooling 300-400 rpm earlier,” said Hondata co-founder Doug Macmillan. “We look forward to finding out how much additional power the ’23 CTR can make with Hondata tuning.”
Honda and its fans will have plenty to brag about where the new Civic Type R is concerned
Dyno testing isn’t an exact science, as results depend on parameters such as location and atmospheric conditions. But the kind of discrepancy that Hondata unearthed should be more than good news not only for Honda, but for prospective Civic Type R buyers and the brand’s legion of enthusiasts as well. The automaker’s claim that the new Civic Type R is the most powerful one yet to wear the badge isn’t an empty one, after all.
Check out more automotive claims put to the test at Philkotse.com.