The all-new Civic Type R builds on 25 years of ultimate hot hatch performance – it has been engineered to deliver thrilling performance and the most rewarding driving experience to date, building on a long tradition of Honda performance cars inspired by the spirit of racing.
The new generation model builds on the Civic tradition of innovation, design leadership and outstanding driving dynamics. It boasts a clean, modern design paired with a high-tech, human-centred interior and equipped with the latest technology features, as well as advanced active and passive safety systems.
Now entering its sixth generation, the all-new and more powerful 2023 Civic Type R recently set a new production-car front-wheel drive track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, home to the Formula 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix, securing its legacy as the best performing Civic Type R ever.
The new FL5-generation model is the most powerful, best-performing, well-equipped Civic Type R ever and will launch with a national drive away price $72,600*. Paint colours for the new Civic Type R will include the historic Championship White revered by Type R enthusiasts, along with Rally Red, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey.
The arrival of the all-new Civic Type R in early 2023 will represent the final stage of a three-phase rollout for the new generation of Honda’s iconic small car nameplate, joining the premium VTi LX and progressive e:HEV LX to complete the Civic family line-up.
Under its new vented aluminium bonnet is an even more powerful version of Honda’s award-winning K20C1 engine. Power, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate and a new, more efficient exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine now produces 235 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque – improvements of 7 kW and 20 Nm respectively over the previous model. A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving.
To further strengthen the driver’s connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.
The smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission is further improved for an even more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver. A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry. The gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimised shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change.
Now based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic hatch, the scalpel-sharp responses and famously addictive driving feel of Civic Type R have been increased even further by a significantly more rigid body structure, which supports both improved dynamics and refinement. The wheelbase has been extended for a smoother ride and greater stability, while the front and rear tracks are also significantly wider than before.
Together with a retuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, these changes improve straight-line stability and steering feel. For exceptional braking performance, the Type R is equipped with two-piece front brake rotors to reduce unsprung weight, while brake cooling is also improved and a retuned brake booster enhances feel and controllability.
Drivers can seamlessly switch between four pre-set performance settings, selecting different modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and +R modes, a new ‘Individual’ mode enables customisation of the driving experience.
Designed to support intense driving experiences, the cockpit of the new Civic Type R enhances the exhilaration of driving with emotive, performance-focused details and features, including the Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminium shift knob and a serialised Type R build plate affixed to the dashboard.
The driver sits lower than before in new, lighter, body-stabilising sport seats, yet with greater visibility courtesy of the thinner pillars, relocated side mirror and a lower bonnet that are key design features of the 11th-generation Civic. The new lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer both exceptional support and comfort on the track and during long drives.
To better support performance driving, Type R’s exclusive new digital meter display features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The design features a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display. A second new meter design is exclusive to the +R mode and allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine rpm and gear position placed at the top.
Go to Honda for more information.
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