Another one of the “debuts” at 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon is a hot hatch everyone is waiting for. That’s right, this is the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R, the upcoming hot version of the 11th generation Civic compact.
While rumors talked of massive power gains or electrification, it’s looking like the CTR with underdeliver in that department. However, they’ve changed pretty much everything people hated about the old car.
Gone is the polarizing styling of the previous generation. Even with the camouflage, you can see that the lines of this Type R are much cleaner, just like how they used to be decades ago.
Compared to the standard Civic or the Si, this Type R version has larger intakes at the front and a honeycomb mesh grille pattern. It likely also sports vertical air curtains that channel air to the wheel arch, but the hood scoop appears to be gone.
This 2023 Type R has been testing hard at the Suzuka track with a set of lightweight alloy wheels and powerful Brembo brakes. Engineers tuned the suspension for track use and a prominent wing has been added for downforce. Notice they used metal supports rather than all-plastic. By the way, the tires installed on the prototype car are made by Michelin and are sized 265/30 R19.
Honda is silent!
Also, just like the old model, it has three exhaust tips at the back, likely connected to a revised version of the old 2.0 VTEC Turbo mill. Currently, this makes 306 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Rumors talk of as much as 350 horsepower, though this spec could be reserved for a special edition.
The interior will look much better than before. Layout-wise, things will be the same as a normal Civic hatchback, which can be considered class-leading. At the same time, Honda will add trim for that “go-fast” look.
The trademark red seat belts will be joined by red bucket seats that should have Alcantara inserts. Black Alcantara has been confirmed for the steering wheel, the armrest, and even the boot of the short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox. Even though Honda has great autos, you won’t find any of those on the best performing Civic Type R ever.โ
