The long slow roll out of the 11th generation of Honda’s legendary Civic came to a conclusion Wednesday with the reveal of the “most powerful” model ever sold in the U.S.: the 2023 Civic Type R.
Civic Type R is Honda’s fastest iteration of the company’s longest-selling vehicle in the U.S. For 2023, it’s also the most powerful model on U.S. soil, putting out 315 horsepower and using all of those ponies to set a new front-wheel drive production car record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
In short, is the best performing Civic Type R since it was introduced in Japan as a 1997, officials noted.
“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.”
Adding to the legacy
The Type R continues to set hearts aflutter among Civic diehards and performance fans alike. This version has been eagerly anticipated courtesy of the long tease of camouflaged versions of the new model being pushed to its limits around the Formula 1 track, Suzuka.
The latest model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine now making, as previously mentioned, 315 hp @ 6,500 rpm (SAE net) and 310 pound-feet of torque at 2,600 – 4,000 rpm (SAE net). Those are improvements of 9 hp and 15 lb.-ft, respectively. Civic Type R is one of the most powerful cars in its class per liter, with a specific output of 157.8 hp/liter, up from the previous-generation’s 153.3, Honda officials note.
Going faster than any Type R before it called for some modifications, including a larger grille opening, a bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan to help keep that small, but mighty powerplant cool during the extreme conditions the Type R often faces.
To add to the experience, the car’s active exhaust valve opens at a higher rpm level to make for a louder, enhanced engine note.
Of course, if it’s a Type R, no one is looking for a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic. The racer’s usual 6-speed manual remains in firmly in place, but gets some updates to handle the higher horsepower and torque and to improve overall performance.
A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry. The high-strength gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential puts the engine’s power to the pavement effectively.
Changes for speed
With improved performance comes the need for improved stability and handling, and the new Type R delivers with a more rigid body structure. That helps with the 1.4-inch longer wheelbase, which aids with stability and a smoother ride. It’s now 107.7 inches long, making it the longest wheelbase in its class, said officials.
Longer helps, but wider completes the package and the new model is 1 inch wider up front and .75 inches wider in the back. This change paired with a retuned dual-axis strut front and a multilink rear suspension provide better stability when hitting the straights and better feel when making turns.
While the driver is in control, Honda offers four pre-set performance settings to take some of the guess work out of vehicle setup. It also comes with Comfort, Sport and R+ Mode as well as Individual Mode, which allows the driver to set the vehicle up just the way they want it.
It doesn’t just go faster, Honda wanted it to look faster. To do this, they made the whole package longer (by 0.8 inches), lower (by 0.5 inches) and wider (by 0.6 inches) while flaring out the fenders over the wheels. Oh, the wheels are 19-inchers — featuring a “reverse rim” to improve stability — shod with Michelin Pilot Sports.
All body panels forward of the A-pillars are new and unique to the Type R, including a new more aggressive front bumper design, the company said. 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. The new model comes in five colors: historic Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl.
View from the inside
If it looks like a racer on the outside, the interior only confirms it — loudly. The controls in the cabin are all designed to help driver performance while giving it a sporty feel, including the redesigned aluminum shift knob with the red lines for the shift pattern. Naturally the seats, carpet and trim are all red and there is a serialized Type R dash plate to give it the right look.
The driver sits lower than before in new, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seat, yet with greater visibility courtesy of thinner pillars, relocated side mirror, and a lower hood. New lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer both exceptional support and comfort on the track and during long drives, Honda said.
To better support performance driving, Type R’s exclusive new digital instrument cluster features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The design features a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display.
There is also a second new meter design is just for the Type R’s +R mode. It provides the driver with “necessary information instantly,” such as engine rpms and gear position at the top.
Of course, Honda’s made sure this can still be a daily driver — albeit a fast one. It features its largest touchscreen ever in a Type R: the 9-inch screen offers access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features Qi-compatible wireless charging and a custom-engineered Bose Centerpoint premium sound system.
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.
Pricing information will be made available closer to the car’s launch this fall.