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Honda is providing more information on the 2023 Civic Type R, as promised. We don’t yet have all of the data boxes filled in, but we can confirm that the new Type R is the most powerful ever from the factory. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 315 horsepower (235 kilowatts) and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque.
That’s a 9-hp and 15-lb-ft increase over the previous-generation Type R and its K20C1 engine, which remains largely unchanged in the new model. Although the difference isn’t significant, Honda emphasises the tuning done to make the car more streetable. The higher peak torque is available from a low 2,600 rpm to 4,000 revs. The updated turbocharger has optimised turbine blades that generate more pressure over a wider range and with greater efficiency. The boosted mill exhales primarily through a straight-through exhaust with an active valve that allows more gas (and noise) to escape the system.
What does this mean in terms of performance? Unfortunately, Honda refuses to discuss it, despite the fact that the new Type R holds the production front-wheel-drive record at Suzuka. It completed a lap in 2 minutes 23.1 seconds, faster than the previous Civic Type R’s time of 2 minutes 23.9 seconds. It doesn’t sound like much, just like the power upgrade. However, shaving nearly a second off a lap time at Suzuka requires more than 9 extra horsepower.
According to Honda, the new Type R is slightly longer and wider than its predecessor. It has a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase and a full inch wider front track. The rear is 0.75 inches wider, and the suspension has been completely retuned in comparison to the previous model. It is outfitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, a significant upgrade from the Continentals that came standard. Even though the wheel diameter is reduced to 19 inches, the tyres are slightly wider in the front.
Honda claims that the new Type R is longer and wider than its predecessor. It has a longer wheelbase and a wider front track. The rear is 0.75 inches wider, and the suspension has been completely retuned compared to the previous model. It is outfitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, a significant upgrade over the Continentals that came standard. Even though the wheel diameter is reduced to 19 inches, the tyres are slightly wider in front.’
We’d love to tell you how much the new Type R weighs right now because that’s a critical specification for performance vehicles. Unfortunately, Honda is still keeping this information under wraps. The previous-generation Type R, which held the Suzuka record, weighed just under 3,100 pounds in Limited Edition trim. According to recently leaked information, the new R weighs 3,153 pounds, but it also has 326 horsepower. These could be stats for Japan-market vehicles, but we believe the official weight will be in the 3,100 to 3,200-pound range.
The hot hatch, of course, made its visual debut in July, revealing a mature exterior and a handsome interior. The cockpit is only available in red and black, and all Civic Type Rs have a six-speed manual transmission. Drivers get a R+ drive mode as well as a customizable Individual Mode, and an improved Honda LogR datalogger monitors and stores real-time performance metrics. At launch, five colours are available: Championship White, Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Sonic Grey Pearl, and Boost Blue.
Pricing is another bit of information Honda still isn’t ready to divulge. That will come closer to the Type R’s official launch, slated for later this fall.
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