In its usual fashion, Honda is rolling out a procession of Civic variants like the Si model we reviewed a few weeks back. Now, it’s time to prepare for the ultimate version of Honda’s familiar compact line.
Honda just released an slew of images showing the 2023 Civic Type R being put through its paces at the “world famous Suzuka circuit
The good news is the automaker just released an assortment of images showing the next-generation, 2023 Honda Civic Type R being put through its paces at the “world famous Suzuka circuit, a few-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo.
The images reveal a heavily camouflaged five-door hatchback that adds some necessary performance touches to the mainstream Civic, including an oversized lower grille and, at the back end, the requisite large wing. Like the rest of the new Civic line-up, it’s actually a bit tamer than the outgoing compact model.
Unfortunately, that’s about all we’re getting today — at least officially. There are no interior shots and no mention of what’s powering the new beast. But digging deep and connecting with our various sources means we’ve got more to tell you about the Civic Type R coming next year.
Expect more horsepower — of course — and a stick
First, some quick background notes. This will be the 11th generation of the Civic — the performance model Type R was a relatively late arrival into the U.S. market. When it was introduced in 2017, the outgoing Type R used an optimized version of Honda’s 2.0-liter VTEC engine to make 316 horsepower in the European configuration — but just 306 in the American package — and about 295 pound-feet of torque.
The previous model checked in with 306 horsepower. The incoming version is likely to exceed 300 hp.
That will climb notably, company sources have directly confirmed, though they’ve yet to lock down a hard number. Some reports have indicated we could see as much as 400 hp. That would require a hybridized version of the revised 2.0-liter powertrain. There is no doubt that Honda sees hybrid technology playing an important role in future performance products, but it is questionable whether it’s ready to go there with the 2023 edition of the Type R.
More realistically, bumping the turbo-4 engine up to 320 hp seems likely.
For those who prefer to row their own, the 2023 Type R is almost certain to be offered with a manual gearbox, an upgraded version of the 6-speed in the new Civic Si.
Stiffer chassis, smarter suspension
The underlying platform for the Type R will have gone through a near-complete makeover, like the rest of the Civic line. That means a stiffer body and chassis with a slightly longer wheelbase and a wider rear track.
For those who prefer to row their own, the 2023 Type R is almost certain to be offered with a manual gearbox, an upgraded version of the 6-speed in the new Civic Si.
As it should be with a performance car, the outgoing Type R was a work in progress. It received numerous updates along the way, including major revisions to its suspension. In 2020, for example, its active damping system was substantially refined, yielding a much quicker response at each corner to both driver input and road conditions.
Expect to see Honda upgrade the technology onboard the new Type R. There’ll be improvements to the infotainment system, of course, and there’ll be new nanny functions for the Honda Sensing system — though the new hatchback will offer a range of driver modes allowing a motorist to sharply dial back on how and when they step in.
Timing and pricing
As for production, the current Type R was a British import, however, with the Honda plant in Swindon set to close, the automaker is set to move production to the U.S. One possibility is that this move might involve the limited-production facility in Ohio originally set up to handle the Acura NSX. With that supercar now gone, it could give the facility a new purpose in life.
Expect to see the 2023 Honda Civic Type R to carry a starting price of around $40,000.
Keyword: Honda Offers Up a Look at the Next-Generation Civic Type R