- More Power and Torque
- Glued to the Ground
- Like in a Race Car
- Watch: 2023 Honda Civic Type R Official Presentation
Photo: Honda
Honda has just shared a lot more details and specifications for the next-generation 2023 Civic Type R that will go on sale in Canada this fall. It also released a bunch of additional pictures giving a closer look at the car’s sharp new lines and many sophisticated features. You can find them in the photo gallery above.
It’s now easier to believe Honda which claims that the new Type R delivers the best driving experience in the hot hatch segment, backed by the front-wheel drive production-car track record it set at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.
More Power and Torque
First of all, the leaked brochure from Japan we covered earlier this week was misleading. As it turns out, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine nestled under the new vented aluminum hood of the 2023 Civic Type R doesn’t put out 326 horsepower but rather 315 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. That’s an increase of nine horsepower from the previous model—and the same number as the Volkswagen Golf R—while peak torque gets a bump of 15 lb-ft. to 310 lb-ft., delivered from 2,600-4,000 rpm.
Photo: Honda
Honda engineers redesigned the turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate and fitted a new, more efficient exhaust system that features a straight-through design and an active exhaust valve (which opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine). The new turbo generates pressure in a wider range and more efficiently, too.
It’s also worth pointing out the larger grille opening, bigger radiator and new, large-diameter fan that improve engine cooling.
The six-speed manual transmission, meanwhile, benefits from a lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system for smoother downshifts, not to mention a high-rigidity shift lever and optimized shift gate pattern for more precise gear changes. A helical-type, limited-slip differential remains standard.
Photo: Honda
Glued to the Ground
When it comes to handling, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is aided by a significantly stiffer body structure and an extended wheelbase that now measures 2,735 mm—the longest in the segment. Its front and rear tracks are also much wider (+26 mm in the front and +19 mm in the rear). Together with a retuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, these changes improve straight-line stability and steering feel, Honda claims.
The lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels are wrapped in 20mm wider, bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. As for the rest of the design, all body panels forward of the A-pillars are new and unique to the Type R, including a more aggressive front bumper. The redesigned rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions intensifies downforce, though the company doesn’t say by how much.
Photo: Honda
Like in a Race Car
Sporting a serialized plaque on the dashboard, the heavily red-trimmed interior stands out from other Civic models with a selection of drive modes including Comfort, Sport, +R and a new ‘Individual Model’ mode enabling customization of the driving experience. The displays and graphics are unique to the Type R and provide all sorts of performance data, which can be saved via an enhanced data logger combining the car’s onboard computer and sensors with a new built-in vehicle app.
We can’t wait to slide into the new, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seats offering a lower seating position and generous side bolsters, all appointed in suede-effect upholstery.
Photo: Honda
All that’s missing now are the price and on-sale date for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, due this fall. The old one retailed from $46,200 plus freight and PDI, so the new model should hover around $50,000. Prepare to act fast, because availability will be extremely limited based on information tipped by an anonymous Honda Canada employee back in July. A mere 546 units will reportedly be allocated across the country for the entire 2023 through 2025 model years.