- The all-new Civic Type R is the most powerful Type R model ever, with its award-winning 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine producing 235kW of power for the sixth-generation model
- Developed in Japan and track-tested around the world, the new Civic Type R delivers the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch segment
The new Civic Type R embodies Honda’s challenging spirit and delivers the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch segment, combining potent dynamic performance with an all-new immersive cockpit experience and a sleek, muscular new design.
Now entering its sixth generation, the all-new and more powerful 2023 Civic Type R recently set a new production-car front-wheel drive track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, home to the Formula 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix, securing its legacy as the best performing Civic Type R ever.
Powerful, Proven Performance
Already a leader in ride, handling and steering performance, engineers conducted extensive development in Japan and undertook rigorous testing at racetracks in Japan, North America and Europe to further improve Civic Type R’s chassis.
This included testing on Germany’s infamous Nürburgring, the world’s most challenging racetrack, helping make the all-new Civic Type R more responsive, more comfortable and more thrilling-to-drive than ever before.
Under its new vented aluminium bonnet is an even more powerful version of Honda’s award-winning K20C1 engine. Power, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate and a new, more efficient exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine now produces 235 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque – improvements of 7 kW and 20 Nm respectively over the previous model. A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving. To further strengthen the driver’s connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.
The smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission is further improved for an even more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver. 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 gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimised shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change.
Now based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic hatch, the scalpel-sharp responses and famously addictive driving feel of Civic Type R have been increased even further by a significantly more rigid body structure, which supports both improved dynamics and refinement. The wheelbase has been extended for a smoother ride and greater stability, while the front and rear tracks are also significantly wider.
Together with a retuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, these changes improve straight-line stability and steering feel. For exceptional braking performance, the Type R is equipped with two-piece front brake rotors to reduce unsprung weight, while brake cooling is also improved and a retuned brake booster enhances feel and controllability.
Drivers can seamlessly switch between four pre-set performance settings, selecting different modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and +R modes, a new ‘Individual’ mode enables customisation of the driving experience.
Sleek and Sophisticated Design
Beautifully integrated advanced aerodynamics give the new Civic Type R a sleeker, more sophisticated, yet muscular look. Designed with input from aerodynamic development members of the HRD Sakura Super GT team, its exterior is also more aerodynamically efficient, generating significantly more downforce improving high speed stability.
Designed in Japan, the Type R’s new, more muscular body features integrated flared wheelarches over wider tracks and lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The new wheels use a special ‘reverse rim’ design that improves the stability of the tyre contact patch under load.
All body panels forward of the A-pillars are new and unique to the Type R, including a new more aggressive front bumper design. 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 aluminium stanchions and a new rear diffuser intensify downforce and reduce drag.
Performance Focused Cockpit
Designed to support intense driving experiences, the cockpit of the new Civic Type R enhances the exhilaration of driving with emotive, performance-focused details and features, including the Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminium shift knob and a serialised Type R build plate affixed to the dashboard.
The driver sits lower than before in new, lighter, body-stabilising sport seats, yet with greater visibility courtesy of the thinner pillars, relocated side mirror and a lower bonnet that are key design features of the 11th-generation Civic. The new lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer both exceptional support and comfort on the track and during long drives.
To better support performance driving, Type R’s exclusive new digital meter display 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. A second new meter design is exclusive to the +R mode and allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine rpm and gear position placed at the top.
Exclusive to Type R, a new enhanced version of the Honda LogR performance datalogger combines the 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.
Manufacturing
The new Civic Type R is built at the Yorii Plant in Japan, while the K20C1 engine continues to be built at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio.
Pricing and further details on the new Civic Type R will be announced closer to the Australian launch in early 2023.
All images show overseas model
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