Aug 31, 2022 at 9:00pm ET
As promised, Honda is dishing up more information on the 2023 Civic Type R. We still don't have all the data boxes filled in, but we can at least confirm the new Type R is indeed the most powerful ever from the factory. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generates 315 horsepower [235 kilowatts] and 310 pound-feet [420 Newton-meters] of torque.
For the record, that's an increase of 9 hp and 15 lb-ft over the previous-generation Type R and its K20C1 engine, which is largely unchanged in the new model. It's not a huge jump, but Honda emphasizes the tuning done to make the car more streetable. The higher peak torque is available at a relatively low 2,600 rpm through 4,000 revs. The updated turbocharger features optimized turbine blades that create greater pressure with a wider range and more efficiency. The boosted mill exhales through a largely straight-through exhaust, featuring an active valve that lets more gas [and noise] escape the system.
Gallery: 2023 Honda Civic Type R
What does this mean for performance? Sadly, that's something Honda still doesn't want to talk about, though we know the new Type R holds the production front-wheel-drive record at Suzuka. It turned a lap in 2 minutes 23.1 seconds, beating the outgoing Civic Type R's time of 2 minutes 23.9 seconds. Like the power upgrade, it doesn't sound like much. But clipping nearly a second off a lap time at Suzuka requires more than 9 extra hp.
Honda tells us the new Type R is a bit longer and wider than its predecessor. Its wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer, and the track at the front is a full inch wider. At the back it's 0.75 inches wider, and the suspension is completely retuned versus the older model. It rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, a notable upgrade from the Continentals it used to wear from the factory. And though the wheel diameter is down to 19 inches, the tires are a bit wider in front.
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At this point, we'd love to tell you how much the new Type R weighs, as that's a critical specification for performance vehicles. Unfortunately, that's also still a state secret with Honda. The previous-generation Type R weighed just under 3,100 pounds in Limited Edition trim, the version that held the Suzuka record. Recently leaked information claims the new R weighs 3,153 pounds, but the leak also claimed 326 horsepower. It's possible these could be stats for Japan-market vehicles, but we suspect the official weight will be somewhere in this 3,100 to 3,200-pound range.
Of course, the hot hatch made its visual debut in July, revealing a mature exterior and handsome interior. Red and black is the only color combination for the cockpit, and all Civic Type Rs shift gears with a six-speed manual transmission. Drivers get an R+ drive mode as well as an Individual Mode that can be customized, and an enhanced Honda LogR datalogger monitors and stores real-time performance metrics. Five colors are available at launch, including Championship White, Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Sonic Grey Pearl, and Boost Blue.
Type R News:
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.
Source: Honda
2023 Honda Civic Type R Touring Manual powered by 2.0L Inline-4 Gas Engine with 6-Speed Manual transmission.
Performance Specs
Engine and Transmission
Steering
Wheels
Suspension
Tires
Fuel and MPG
Fuel Economy
Fuel Tank
Dimensions and Measurement
Exterior Dimensions
Interior Space
Weight and Towing
Cargo Space
Cargo Volume with Rear Seat Up
Colors and Materials
Standard Exterior Colors
Optional Exterior Colors
Standard Interior Materials
Black/Red, Suede-Effect Fabric Seating Surfaces
Features and Options
Infotainment
Bluetooth Connection
Standard
Hard Disk Drive Media Storage
Not Available
Premium Sound System
Standard
Smart Device Integration
Standard
Auxiliary Audio Input
Standard
Entertainment System
Not Available
Interior Trim
Cloth Seats
Not Available
Leather Seats
Not Available
Leather Steering Wheel
Standard
Premium Synthetic Seats
Not Available
Vinyl Seats
Not Available
Woodgrain Interior Trim
Not Available
Sun/Moonroof
Not Available
Comfort
Head-Up Display
Not Available
Navigation System
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
Power Liftgate
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Automatic Parking
Not Available
Cooled Front Seat[s]
Not Available
Cooled Rear Seat[s]
Not Available
Hands-Free Liftgate
Not Available
Heated Front Seat[s]
Not Available
Heated Rear Seat[s]
Not Available
Heated Steering Wheel
Not Available
Power Driver Seat
Not Available
Power Passenger Seat
Not Available
Remote Engine Start
Not Available
Remote Trunk Release
Not Available
Seat Memory
Not Available
Universal Garage Door Opener
Not Available
Seat-Massage
Not Available
Navigation from Telematics
Not Available
Additional Packages
All Season Protection Package II
Cargo Tray, All-Season Floor Mats, Wheel Lock Nut [DIO] *PRICE TO FOLLOW*
Carbon Fiber Kit
Carbon Fiber Door Mirror Covers, Carbon Fiber Wing Spoiler, Carbon Fiber Interior Panel Cover, Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop [DIO] *PRICE TO FOLLOW*
Exterior Protection Package
Car Cover, Black Wheel Lug Nut, Black Wheel Lock Nut [DIO] *PRICE TO FOLLOW*
Interior Package
Floor Mats, Shift Knob, Illuminated Door Sill Trim, Console Illuminations, Red Interior Illumination, [DIO] *PRICE TO FOLLOW*
Safety
Safety Features
Cross-Traffic Alert
Standard
Rear Parking Aid
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitor
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist
Standard
Night Vision
Not Available
Tire Pressure Monitor
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Airbags
Front Head Air Bag
Standard
Front Side Air Bag
Standard
Passenger Air Bag
Standard
Rear Head Air Bag
Standard
Rear Side Air Bag
Not Available
Seatbelt Air Bag
Not Available
Warranty
Warranty Summary
Corrosion
5 Years / Unlimited Miles