2023 Honda Civic Type R debuts as most powerful version yet  

Honda has unleashed the 2023 Civic Type R, touted as the most powerful iteration of the Civic’s performance-oriented variant yet. The model made its global debut at a special event in Los Angeles, California.  

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R makes its world premiere on the nameplate's 30th anniversary

“Even in this ‘year of the Honda SUV,’ it’s great to be part of a brand that remains focused on the thrilling performance and joy of driving delivered by the all-new Civic Type R,” said Mike Kistemaker, Assistant Vice President of Honda sales at American Honda. “Type R is about more than speed, power, and handling. It’s how great a car makes you feel that really matters, and that’s what the all-new Civic Type R is about.”    

The release of the sixth-generation model coincides with the nameplate’s anniversary this year, 30 years since the first Type R debuted as a variant of the NSX two-seater sports car in 1992. 

Honda says this could be the most powerful iteration so far

“The mission of Type R is to pursue the speed of a racing car and unparalleled driving pleasure by combining advanced technology and sophisticated design,” said Hideki Kakinuma, who leads the development team for the all-new Civic Type R. “We created the best-ever front-wheel-drive sports model that strikes a chord with the customer’s instincts.” 

Exterior

As with all Civic Type Rs that preceded it, the latest model is anchored on the standard Civic; in this case, the 11th-generation hatchback. Honda has designed the all-new Civic Type R to be longer, lower, and wider than the outgoing model, with a special emphasis on aerodynamics. 

It retains much of the standard Civic's appearance, as with previous versions

“While highlighting a low and wide body frame to the maximum extent, we strived to achieve a ground-hugging, solid, and sturdy racing car-like presence,” explained Dai Hara, Civic Type R exterior designer. 

The new Civic Type R’s exterior resembles that of the regular Civic, especially the slim LED headlamps and general fascia layout. However, in a nod to its sportier character, the Civic Type R employs a honeycomb grille mesh hovering over the larger intake below the front bumper. 

Die-cast aluminum mounts on the wing spoiler reduce aerodynamic drag

Type R-exclusive wide doors and muscular fenders define the profile, accompanied by enlarged front fender grilles and new side sill spoilers to maximize airflow. The sloping roofline flows toward a prominent rear wing spoiler mounted on diecast aluminum stays that minimize aerodynamic drag and generate adequate downforce.      

The trademark Type R triple exhaust tips can be found on the new rear diffuser, with a modified layout that now sees the largest tailpipe at the center. For exterior colors, Honda says the new Civic Type R will be available in Rallye Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Sonic Grey Pearl, and the sought-after Historic Championship White.  

Interior 

The new Civic Type R’s athletic personality extends to the cabin. “We wanted our customers to feel the special quality of Type R through their experience in the vehicle. So, we focused on designing for the driver’s feelings,” said Civic Type R CMF (Color Material Finish) Designer Kyoko Shibuya.

The interior is as race-ready as can be

Red racing seats welcome occupants to the interior. According to Shibuya, the hue was a result of a continuous process of trial and error, with the final product serving to get users excited for the drive ahead. Apart from being visually appealing, the seats are made with suede-like upholstery that reduces body slippage during high-G driving maneuvers.

There are the usual details that fans have come to expect

The dashboard is lifted directly from the standard Civic, complete with the same honeycomb trim echoing the external grille. A notable addition, however, is the serialized plate that denotes the Civic Type R’s limited numbers. Previously mounted on the door sill, the plate now occupies a more prominent place on the front passenger dashboard, the better for drivers to gaze upon a monumental source of pride with every journey.      

Tech & Safety 

A 9-inch floating-type touchscreen display occupies the center of the dashboard for communications, multimedia, and navigation purposes. Meanwhile, drivers benefit from a new +R meter design that allows them to view vehicle information quickly. The readout includes a graphic RPM display, rev indicator lights, and gear indicator data.

A new instrument cluster makes it easier for drivers to monitor performance   

Meanwhile, Honda has also included its LogR data logger that displays real-time information on the car’s mechanical status, especially as a result of driver input. A stopwatch feature is included for recording lap times, and owners can also share driving videos more easily. 

Engine & Drivetrain 

The new Civic Type R runs on the same 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine possessed by its predecessor. Honda has managed to tweak the engine and squeeze out significantly higher numbers than the original’s 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. How significant? Enough to break the standing lap record held by the previous Type R at the Suzuka International Racing Course in Japan by almost one second. 

The new Civic Type R has already erased its predecessor's lap time at Suzuka

A 6-speed manual gearbox continues to be the lone transmission option for the Civic Type R, putting to rest previous rumors that a 6-speed automatic gearbox will be offered as well. Another mechanical carryover is the outgoing model’s front-wheel drivetrain, as well as the dual-axis front strut suspension setup.        

Price

Pricing has not been confirmed for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, but it is expected to start at over $40,000 (around Php 2.25 million). The model is scheduled to hit U.S. dealers by the fourth quarter of 2022, with other markets to follow by early 2023. So far, there has been no word from Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) if the model will also be sold here, given its limited numbers.    

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