The new Civic Type R is one of the most anticipated Honda vehicles in decades. Besides a few teaser images, the automaker has been characteristically mum on specs and details. That changed late yesterday when Honda dropped a load of new information on the car, including horsepower and engine specs.
The 2023 Civic Type R comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which bests its predecessor’s output by 9 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque. Honda achieved those improvements with a redesigned turbocharger and upgraded air intake and says that the turbo now offers better, more efficient pressure across a wider range. The K20C1 four-cylinder pairs exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, the classic Type R formula.
Honda based the new Type R on the 11th-generation Civic Hatchback. The car features a longer wheelbase than the previous generation, and a wider track gives it better stability and handling. Brake updates include a revised cooling system and updated brake booster tuning for a more precise feel and consistency.
Four drive modes allow the driver to tailor settings for suspension firmness, engine sound, steering feel, and more. The individual drive mode can be set to the driver’s desired feel, but there are also preset modes for comfort, sport, and R+.
Honda developed the Type R with input from the HRD Sakura Super GT race team’s aerodynamic engineers. The automaker says the car’s bodywork generates better downforce and high-speed stability. Overall, the 2023 Type R is 0.8 inches longer, 0.5 inches lower, and 0.6 inches wider than its predecessor.
A new nine-inch touchscreen comes standard and runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also comes with Qi wireless charging and a Bose audio system. Honda LogR Performance Datalogger comes built in, which brings a lap timer, vehicle performance statistics, and more. Drivers can also share their data with other Type R owners, and the new system no longer requires a smartphone app.
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At least they’re including dual-zone climate control. But no foglights! Gotta save something for the Acura Civic Si Hatch..oops..INTEGRA Type-S, dontchaknow!! 🙄
I'm actually kind of glad to see manufacturers gradually phasing out extraneous lighting. Few know how to correctly use "fog lights" anyway.
Really like this more subdued and functional styling. If it were painless to buy one of these I would probably give it a test drive. But I have no interest in fighting to be the one guy who gets the privilege of paying our local butt-head Honda dealer $10k over sticker.